Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salary in California

How much does a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant make in California?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant in California is $99,232 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,613
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,959 to $109,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,517
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View as table View as graph 25% $89,959 10% $81,517 90% $119,613 75% $109,900 $99,232 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $109,900 $9,158 $2,113 $53
Average $99,232 $8,269 $1,908 $48
25th Percentile $89,959 $7,497 $1,730 $43
Check out Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Job Openings in California
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

USA Government Jobs - San Diego, CA

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

US Department of Defense - San Diego, CA

NURSING ASST

Universal Health Services - Corona, CA

Nursing Assistant

Sutter Health - Crescent City, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salaries

A Psychiatric 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.

How Experience Level Affects Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $97,042
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $97,300
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $100,740
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $105,579
  • Expert (over 8 years): $105,925
Levels Salary
Entry Level Psychiatric Nursing Assistant$97,042
Intermediate Level Psychiatric Nursing Assistant$97,300
Senior Level Psychiatric Nursing Assistant$100,740
Specialist Level Psychiatric Nursing Assistant$105,579
Expert Level Psychiatric Nursing Assistant$105,925
$97,042 0 yr
$97,300 < 2 yrs
$100,740 2-4 yrs
$105,579 5-8 yrs
$105,925 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Psychiatric Nursing Assistants

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:

  • Los Angeles: $99,403
  • West Hollywood: $99,331
  • Dodgertown: $99,402

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Psychiatric Nursing Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Psychiatric Nursing Assistant positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Psychiatric Nursing Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$119,078$57.020%

Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Psychiatric 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Find Your Next Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Psychiatric Nursing Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Health Advocates Network

    Colton, CA

    Health Advocates Network | Colton, CA

    Health Advocates Network - - Responsibilities: Provide patient care under direction of nursing staff. Record patient information such as vital signs, weigh... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Golden State Care Center

    Baldwin Park, CA

    Golden State Care Center | Baldwin Park, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. The Student Nursing Assistant provides basic patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed nu... more

    4 Days Ago

  • USA Government Jobs

    San Francisco, CA

    USA Government Jobs | San Francisco, CA

    USA Government Jobs - - Responsibilities: Assist licensed nursing staff in patient care. Provide resident-centered care with privacy and dignity. Assist wi... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

    Bakersfield, CA

    Bakersfield Memorial Hospital | Bakersfield, CA

    Where You'll WorkFounded in 1956, Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital is a 385-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Servi... more

    6 Days Ago

  • PACS Inc

    Grass Valley, CA

    PACS Inc | Grass Valley, CA

    General PurposeThe Nurse Aide in Training is designed for individuals preparing to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Under the supervision of lic... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Encompass Health

    Modesto, CA

    Encompass Health | Modesto, CA

    Encompass Health - 1303 Mable Ave [Nurse Aide / Nursing Attendant] As a Nursing Assistant at Encompass Health, you'll: Use your attention to the little det... more

    6 Days Ago

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