As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in California is $43,312 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Certified Nursing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,911 | $3,993 | $921 | $23 |
| Average | $43,312 | $3,609 | $833 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,424 | $3,285 | $758 | $19 |
KA Recruiting Inc. - Novato, CA
KA Recruiting Inc. - Novato, CA
Preferred Care at Home - La Mesa, CA
Kurz Solutions - San Diego, CA
A Certified Nursing Assistant'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 Assistants. 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 Assistant 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 Assistant positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Nursing Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $60,637 | $29.0 | 40% |
Understanding how a Certified Nursing Assistant'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 | $47,911 | $3,993 | $921 | $23 |
| Average | $43,312 | $3,609 | $833 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,424 | $3,285 | $758 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Nursing Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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