Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $23.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Carson, CA runs $23.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,859 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.49, which is notably higher than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This pay level provides a solid foundation for part-time workers, like those seeking flexible schedules of three days per week, and for per diem certified nursing assistants who might be engaged in a variety of settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home visits. While entry-level positions begin around $19.51 per hour, the top earners in Carson can make as much as $29.91 per hour, showcasing a robust scalability within the profession. This hourly compensation reflects the demands of the job, which has seen increased turnover and a rise in wages due to the ongoing staffing challenges in healthcare.
About the Carson 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) | $19.51 | $156.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.02 | $168.18 |
| Median (P50) | $23.49 | $187.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.55 | $204.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.91 | $239.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $23.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.49/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,867 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,193. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.76 | $4,072 | $48,867 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.85 | $2,443 | $29,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.90 | $1,629 | $19,547 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Carson) | $23.49 |
| 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 Carson, CA earn a median of $48,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% below the California state average of $49,856.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.49/hr = $29,320/year (purchasing power: $25,924).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,867/year (purchasing power: $43,207).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Carson grew 42.5% from $15.48/hr (2019) to $22.06/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.02/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 Carson 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 Carson
When examining the earnings potential of part-time certified nursing assistants, those working a 24-hour week can expect to take home around $29,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who earn significantly more. Many CNAs in Carson work through agencies or take on per diem roles, which often offer billing rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour. Weekend-only premium contracts can push earnings to between $30 and $45 per hour, particularly in shortage markets where demand is high. Hourly rates can differ substantially depending on the employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities or rehabilitation hospitals may offer varying pay scales compared to hospitals with intensive care units. Many CNAs might trade a lower hourly wage for health insurance benefits, while others prefer higher hourly rates without coverage. As professionals negotiate pay, they should consider not just the base rate but also the overall compensation package, factoring in potential shift differentials that could substantially enhance earnings.
More salary data for Carson, 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 Carson. 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 Carson 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