Median annual pay
$47,630 / year
12.7% above the national median
110,060
Jobs in California
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Nursing Assistants pay in California: the full picture
Nursing Assistants in California earn a median of $47,630 per year ($22.90 per hour), based on May 2025 estimates (released April 2026) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $50,190, across an estimated 110,060 jobs. That puts California 12.7% above the national median of $42,260 for nursing assistants.
| Measure | Pay |
|---|
| Mean hourly wage | $24.13 |
| Median annual wage | $47,630 |
| Mean annual wage | $50,190 |
| Median hourly wage | $22.90 |
| Total employment | 110,060 |
How California compares
Median annual pay for nursing assistants across the areas we track. The national median is included for reference.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a CNA make in California?
The median annual wage is $47,630 ($22.90/hour). The mean is $50,190 per year.
Is California a good place for nursing assistants pay-wise?
California pays 12.7% above the national median ($42,260), with about 110,060 jobs in the area.
Where does this data come from?
All figures are May 2025 estimates (released April 2026) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), retrieved 2026-10-09. They are survey estimates, not job offers.
Keep exploring
More Nursing Assistants salary data and other nursing roles in California.
Sources & methodology. All figures on this page come from the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates (released April 2026), retrieved 2026-10-09.
"Median" is the 50th percentile — half of workers earn more, half earn less.
"Mean" is the arithmetic average. Annual figures assume full-time, year-round work
(2,080 hours). Employment estimates exclude the self-employed. Figures are
rounded survey estimates, not job offers — actual pay varies by employer,
shift, experience, and certifications.