While all nursing positions received rate increases in 2025, the pace of wage growth has decelerated compared to the previous year. Medication Aides received a 3.15% hourly rate increase in 2025, a decrease from the 3.97% hike seen in 2024. This pattern held true for RNs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Resident Assistants (RAs), all of whom saw modest salary growth compared to the aggressive increases of previous years.

Despite the decelerated wage increases, the industry is seeing positive signs regarding staff retention. Turnover rates continued their downward trajectory in 2025 after peaking in 2020-2021. CNAs saw the most significant improvement, with turnover dropping to 38.43%, down from 40.28% the previous year; Medication Aide turnover decreased to 38.64% from 39.50% in 2024; and RAs dropped slightly to 44.46% in 2025.

While the national median hourly rate for Resident Assistants (RAs) was $17.52, state-specific data showed a wide variance. Minnesota ($21.29/hr) and Massachusetts ($20.71/hr) led the nation in RA pay, while Tennessee ($14.77/hr) and North Carolina ($14.92/hr) reported rates below the national median.

Sign-on bonuses became slightly less prevalent in 2025, with 51.39% of facilities offering them compared to 55.22% the previous year. While these bonuses remain a key recruitment tool, average bonus amounts dipped slightly across the board in 2025. The average sign-on bonus for RNs was $4,726; the average sign-on bonus for CNAs was $1,809; the average sign-on bonus for Medication Aides was $1,512; and the average sign-on bonus for RAs was $1,127.

The Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report covers 50 management and staff positions. 1,057 assisted living communities participated in the study and provided data for over 79,500 employees. The report includes data from ALFs, PCFs, and RCFs. Data are reported according to for-profit and nonprofit status, revenue size, unit-size, state, CBSA, and geographic region. Also covered are 19 fringe benefits, projected salary increases for 2026, shift differentials, and more.

The latest Assisted Living Report is available at a discounted rate of $325 for LeadingAge members ($400 for non-members).

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Visit the HCS website at www.hhcsinc.com or call (201) 405-0075.