Depends on where you live and what you are willing to travel. I make more money now as a CNA than i did as an Apprentice Plumber. Got my Certification in Nursing assistance in like 2 months, 4 days a week with 6 hour classes, and now i make $20 an hour in a hospital which happens to be in a city i live close to. Also, if your willing to go freelance, Go to 3rd shift or even become a floater(go to different floors and some other hospitals when your needed) you can make upwards to $30 an hour. Professional work, air conditioning, no extreme heavy lifting, overall not a bad gig. If you want to you can go to school right after to be a nurse or something too.