As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Aide in California is $39,397 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Certified Nursing Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Nursing Aide Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,503 | $3,459 | $798 | $20 |
| Average | $39,397 | $3,283 | $758 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,029 | $3,002 | $693 | $17 |
American Home Health Care - San Jose, CA
American Home Health Care - San Mateo, CA
River Valley Home Health and Hospice - Blythe, CA
Wellington Regional Medical Center - Corona, CA
A Certified Nursing Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Nursing Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Certified Nursing Aide roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 40% above the average. Conversely, Certified Nursing Aide positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Nursing Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $55,155 | $27.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Certified Nursing Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $41,503 | $3,459 | $798 | $20 |
| Average | $39,397 | $3,283 | $758 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,029 | $3,002 | $693 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Nursing Aide job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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