Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $22.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Brea, CA runs $22.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brea, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.74 in 2026, exceeding the national hourly median of $21.64 by a noteworthy margin. This competitive hourly rate significantly benefits part-time workers, such as those engaged three days a week, offering an annual income that is reflective of the growing demand for CNAs in various healthcare settings. For per-diem certified nursing assistants, this means they can expect to earn between $19.01 and $27.50 an hour, which varies with experience and job demand. Whether working in a skilled nursing facility’s resident rooms or visiting patients at home, these hourly rates provide a robust financial incentive to pursue this career locally. The pay scale also illustrates the potential for growth within the field, allowing entry-level CNAs to start at approximately $19.01 while more experienced professionals can earn up to $27.50, making this a viable career choice in Brea.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.01 | $152.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.33 | $162.65 |
| Median (P50) | $22.74 | $181.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.40 | $203.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.50 | $219.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $22.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.74/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,285. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $909.51 | $3,941 | $47,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $545.71 | $2,365 | $28,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.80 | $1,576 | $18,918 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Brea) | $22.74 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brea, CA earn a median of $47,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.09% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% below the California state average of $49,841.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.74/hr = $28,377/year (purchasing power: $25,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,295/year (purchasing power: $41,817).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Brea grew 42.5% from $14.98/hr (2019) to $21.35/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.22/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Brea
Part-time certified nursing assistants working a standard 24-hour week can take home around $29,227 annually, a significant amount that may appeal to those balancing other responsibilities or pursuing educational goals. For those seeking flexible opportunities, per diem arrangements often bill between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend roles providing premiums that can reach as high as $30 to $45 per hour in shortage markets. Brea's healthcare employers vary widely, from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals, each with unique pay structures. For instance, positions in critical care units may offer higher hourly rates compared to assisted living communities. Additionally, many CNAs face a choice between accepting lower wages with benefits or opting for higher pay without health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages, it’s wise for certified nursing assistants to thoroughly research local pay scales and express their value based on experience and the specific demands of the role, particularly in a competitive job market like Brea's.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Brea. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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