Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,012 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Huntington Beach, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected at $24.05 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $21.64. This favorable rate is particularly beneficial for those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, allowing CNAs to earn a stable income while balancing their professional and personal lives. The hourly pay range spans from $19.70 for entry-level positions to $31.34 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth as CNAs gain experience in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. With the rising demand for healthcare services in the region, there is a solid opportunity for per diem certified nursing assistants in Huntington Beach, who can take advantage of flexible hours and competitive compensation.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $19.70 | $157.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.42 | $171.34 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.54 | $212.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.34 | $250.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,019 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,857. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.91 | $4,168 | $50,019 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.14 | $2,501 | $30,012 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.76 | $1,667 | $20,008 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Huntington Beach) | $24.05 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $50,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.15% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.40% above the California state average of $49,828.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,012/year (purchasing power: $26,535).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,019/year (purchasing power: $44,226).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Huntington Beach grew 42.5% from $15.85/hr (2019) to $22.58/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.61/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Part-time certified nursing assistants can expect a different financial outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours a week, a CNA can earn around $29,196 annually, which helps many professionals manage their expenses, especially in a city where the cost of living is above the national average. The per diem market also offers enticing options, with agency CNAs billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while weekend contracts may reach $30 to $45 per hour—a substantial increase during peak demand. Different healthcare facilities may offer varying hourly rates: hospitals and rehabilitation centers often pay higher wages compared to assisted living communities. While some CNAs opt for lower-paying positions that provide health benefits, others may choose higher rates that come without additional perks. When negotiating contracts, it’s wise to consider factors like shift differentials and potential for advancement to LPN or RN, making it crucial for CNAs in Huntington Beach to assess their career goals alongside financial compensation strategies.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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