Garden Grove vs Los Angeles: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Garden Grove, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden Grove, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,982▲ | $50,460 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.51▲ | $24.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,122 | $42,653▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,511 | $49,022▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,396▲ | $53,633 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,350 | $65,072▲ |
| Total Employed | 37 | 43,090▲ |
Verdict
Garden Grove and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Garden Grove and Los Angeles is $522 (1.03%). Garden Grove's median is +13.28% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden Grove spans $24,228,Los Angeles spans $22,419. Garden Grove has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Garden Grove ($45,077 effective) pays 1.45% more than Los Angeles ($44,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,982/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,077)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,072)
- ✓Larger job market (43,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Garden Grove grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Garden Grove, CA
$50,891 (2024) → $47,870 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$33,610 (2019) → $47,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden Grove, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Garden Grove or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden Grove and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Garden Grove to Los Angeles as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Garden Grove vs Los Angeles?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov