Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Laguna Niguel can expect an hourly pay rate of $23.27, notably higher than the national median of $21.64. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those seeking to balance shifts of three days a week in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The hourly rate allows for flexible earning potential, where entry-level workers might receive around $18.89, while more experienced CNAs reach upwards of $29.20. For those looking for per-diem work, the hourly figures help illustrate a critical financial component of this occupation, especially as it pertains to crucial healthcare roles across the region.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $18.89 | $151.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.57 | $164.52 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.45 | $211.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.20 | $233.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,924. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.81 | $4,034 | $48,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.49 | $2,420 | $29,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.32 | $1,613 | $19,361 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Laguna Niguel) | $23.27 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $48,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.55% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.90% below the California state average of $49,850.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,041/year (purchasing power: $25,678).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,402/year (purchasing power: $42,796).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Laguna Niguel grew 42.5% from $15.34/hr (2019) to $21.85/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.78/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
For a part-time certified nursing assistant working just three days a week, or 24 hours, the annual take-home could align closely with full-time earnings at lower rates, depending on the number of shifts completed. Many CNAs opting for per diem roles in Laguna Niguel often find their compensation ranging from $22 to $32, with weekend-only contracts reaching higher rates of $30 to $45 in response to staffing shortages. Travel opportunities, while less common compared to nursing positions, can offer enticing weekly pay between $1,000 and $1,800. However, earnings can significantly differ based on the type of employer—skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies have their distinct pay scales. The trade-off for a steady hourly wage often includes benefits such as health insurance, while freelancers might command higher rates without these perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local job market and available benefits can provide leverage that leads to more favorable contracts while ensuring appropriate compensation for skilled labor in Laguna Niguel.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Laguna Niguel?
Are certified nursing assistants in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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