Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in California
A nursing assistant (cna) in California earns an estimated $45,600 a year ($21.92 an hour). Most workers fall from $31,000 to $66,100, depending on experience and employer.
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Nursing Assistant (CNA) pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| Median (estimate) | $45,600 | $21.92 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $66,100 | $31.78 |
| US national median | $39,500 | $18.99 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
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Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $36,540 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $1,405.37 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant (cna) make in California?
About $45,600 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.