Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Hayward, CA: $24.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Hayward, CA runs $24.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Hayward's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hayward, California, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $24.28, significantly surpassing the national median of $21.64. This competitive pay offers flexible opportunities for those working part-time or per diem in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living environments. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, CNAs can expect to bring home a substantial income, with entry-level wages starting at around $18.35 and the potential to earn up to $31.22 in peak positions. The diverse hourly wage range reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization among CNAs in the region, making it a viable career choice for individuals looking for immediate employment in the healthcare field.
About the Hayward 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) | $18.35 | $146.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.90 | $175.17 |
| Median (P50) | $24.28 | $194.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.01 | $224.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.22 | $249.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hayward
Based on $24.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.28/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hayward, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,138. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hayward.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hayward
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.28 | $4,209 | $50,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.77 | $2,525 | $30,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.51 | $1,684 | $20,203 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Hayward) | $24.28 |
| 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 Hayward, CA earn a median of $50,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.22% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% above the California state average of $49,858.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.28/hr = $30,304/year (purchasing power: $26,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,507/year (purchasing power: $44,657).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hayward (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Hayward grew 42.5% from $16.00/hr (2019) to $22.80/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.86/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 Hayward 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 Hayward
For those considering part-time work, a certified nursing assistant might take home approximately $28,824 annually while working a reduced schedule of 24 hours per week. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Hayward frequently varies, with agencies offering rates between $22-$32 per hour, and premium weekend contracts reaching up to $45 in high-demand scenarios. While full-time CNAs may benefit from comprehensive health insurance, some may opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, weighing the financial trade-offs carefully. Employers like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies typically offer different pay scales; those working in specialized areas such as ICUs may find increased compensation. Understanding these nuances can empower CNAs to negotiate better terms reflective of their skills and shift preferences, ensuring they align with market standards for certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Hayward.
More salary data for Hayward, 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 Hayward. 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 Hayward 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