Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $24.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Fullerton, CA runs $24.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, certified nursing assistant hourly pay is quite competitive, with a median rate of $24.62 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $21.64 per hour, highlighting the advantageous pay structure available for CNAs in this region. For those working part-time—typically three days a week—this rate can translate into approximately $1,848 per month, making it viable for individuals seeking a flexible schedule or those engaged in per-diem work across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities. Hourly earnings can range significantly, from $19.07 for entry-level positions to $30.82 for seasoned professionals, allowing CNAs to find roles that fit their experience and financial needs while providing critical support in healthcare environments.
About the Fullerton 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) | $19.07 | $152.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.15 | $169.21 |
| Median (P50) | $24.62 | $196.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.85 | $222.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.82 | $246.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $24.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.62/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,547. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $984.91 | $4,268 | $51,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.95 | $2,561 | $30,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.96 | $1,707 | $20,486 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Fullerton) | $24.62 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $51,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.70% above the California state average of $49,865.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.62/hr = $30,729/year (purchasing power: $27,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,215/year (purchasing power: $45,283).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Fullerton grew 42.5% from $16.23/hr (2019) to $23.12/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.22/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
The earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants is significantly influenced by their scheduling choices and various employment settings. A CNA working three days a week may take home around $22,176 annually, which contrasts sharply with a full-time position that could earn them substantially more. For those exploring per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Fullerton, agency rates typically vary from $22 to $32 per hour, with premium weekend contracts potentially offering $30 to $45 an hour during times of high demand. Different healthcare environments also dictate pay rates; for instance, CNAs in hospitals, especially in ICUs, might earn on the higher end of the scale compared to those in assisted living or home health agencies. This dynamic pay structure allows CNAs to make strategic employment choices, balancing the higher hourly rates of less stable positions against the benefits of consistent hours and healthcare coverage in more traditional roles. Negotiating effectively for pay, especially in Fullerton's competitive market, might involve emphasizing flexibility and availability for shift differentials or premium weekend work.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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