Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $24.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Fontana, CA runs $24.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,843 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Fontana, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.92, which surpasses the national median of $21.64. This increased hourly pay makes positions in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. For those seeking part-time work, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial paycheck, especially when compared to the entry-level hourly rate of $18.54 and the top earners reaching $31.65 per hour. The higher pay level reflects the growing demand for nursing assistants as facilities often face staffing shortages, and this hourly wage likely aids in attracting and retaining talent in such critical settings.
About the Fontana 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) | $18.54 | $148.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.88 | $167.08 |
| Median (P50) | $24.92 | $199.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.39 | $227.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.65 | $253.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $24.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.92/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,905. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.84 | $4,320 | $51,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.10 | $2,592 | $31,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.74 | $1,728 | $20,734 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Fontana) | $24.92 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $51,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.19% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% above the California state average of $49,849.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.92/hr = $31,101/year (purchasing power: $27,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,836/year (purchasing power: $45,832).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Fontana grew 42.5% from $16.42/hr (2019) to $23.40/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.54/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Exploring part-time earnings, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week in Fontana can expect to take home a meaningful income compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, those engaging in per diem work typically see varied pay rates, with agency CNAs earning around $22 to $32 per hour, while weekend-only contracts may offer up to $45 per hour amid high demand. This flexibility can be appealing for CNAs, although balancing benefits is essential; some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates that include health insurance and retirement plans. In Fontana, practical negotiation tactics involve highlighting relevant experience and emphasizing flexibility, making a case for premium weekend or holiday pay. Understanding the differences in pay across various settings—such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living communities—can significantly affect earning potential and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Fontana, 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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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