Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $24.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in El Monte, CA runs $24.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In El Monte, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $24.59 by 2026, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This rate is beneficial for both part-time workers, who may work three days a week, and per-diem certified nursing assistants, who typically operate in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and patient homes. Entry-level CNAs can expect to earn around $19.10 per hour, while experienced professionals, especially those in high-demand areas, may make as much as $30.73 hourly. These projections are informed by estimated figures derived from the annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market in El Monte, where the cost of living index is above the national average.
About the El Monte 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) | $19.10 | $152.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.09 | $168.70 |
| Median (P50) | $24.59 | $196.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.79 | $222.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.73 | $245.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $24.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.59/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,509. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.63 | $4,262 | $51,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.18 | $2,557 | $30,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.45 | $1,705 | $20,460 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (El Monte) | $24.59 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $51,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.65% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.60% above the California state average of $49,855.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.59/hr = $30,689/year (purchasing power: $27,135).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,149/year (purchasing power: $45,225).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in El Monte grew 42.5% from $16.21/hr (2019) to $23.09/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.19/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
For part-time certified nursing assistants working approximately 24 hours a week, the annual take-home earnings can be quite different from full-time positions, emphasizing the flexibility of hourly work. Per diem roles often offer diverse pay rates, typically ranging from $22 to $32 per hour through agencies, with potential weekend premiums reaching $30 to $45 in areas facing labor shortages. While some facilities might provide better hourly compensation, they may lack benefits like health insurance, prompting many to weigh the trade-off between higher pay and security. Employers such as hospitals and home health agencies usually dictate different hourly rates, with a practical focus on negotiating for better terms when possible. Shift differentials and premium pay for weekends further enhance earning potential, making it crucial for CNAs in El Monte to understand their worth and career advancement opportunities, whether through bridging into nursing programs or seeking diverse employment options.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in El Monte?
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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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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