As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Aide in California is $39,473 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 | $41,708 | $3,476 | $802 | $20 |
| Average | $39,473 | $3,289 | $759 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,150 | $3,012 | $695 | $17 |
Anchor Co-Living - Citrus Heights, CA
The Courtyards at Pasadena - Pasadena, CA
Suncrest Hospice - Santa Rosa, CA
Suncrest Hospice - Novato, 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Nursing Aide's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Nursing Aide | $37,724 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Nursing Aide | $37,841 |
| Senior Level Certified Nursing Aide | $39,162 |
| Specialist Level Certified Nursing Aide | $40,032 |
| Expert Level Certified Nursing Aide | $40,094 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
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 | $41,708 | $3,476 | $802 | $20 |
| Average | $39,473 | $3,289 | $759 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,150 | $3,012 | $695 | $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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