Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in California
Based on 110K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$47,630
$22.90/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
+13.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $61K
110K employed in California
The median annual Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in California is $47,630, which translates to an hourly rate of $23. This figure is 13.9% higher than the national average. With over 110,000 individuals employed in this role across the state, California offers a robust job market for CNAs.
Several factors influence the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in California. These include geographical location within the state, with higher costs of living areas like San Francisco often commanding higher pay. Experience level, the specific healthcare facility (e.g., hospital vs. skilled nursing facility), and any additional certifications also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,110 |
| 25th percentile | $45,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,630 |
| 75th percentile | $54,800 |
| 90th percentile | $61,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,059 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,630 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,059 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $54,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,100 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($47,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +642.2% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +559.0% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +532.5% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +513.9% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +468.0% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +429.1% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +349.6% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +328.0% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +322.6% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +289.7% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +253.8% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +248.4% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California?
- The median Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in California is $47,630 annually, or $23 per hour. This is notably higher than the national average, by 13.9%.
What is the salary range for CNAs in California?
- In California, Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can expect to earn between $40,110 and $61,100 per year. The median falls right in the middle of this range at $47,630.
How does the California CNA salary compare to the national average?
- The Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in California is 13.9% higher than the national average. This means CNAs in California generally earn more than their counterparts in other states.
How many CNAs are employed in California?
- California has a substantial number of employed Nursing Assistants (CNAs), with a total of 110,060 individuals working in this profession. This indicates a strong demand for their services across the state.