Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $23.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lakewood, CA runs $23.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,586 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $23.36 by 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $21.64. This competitive rate can significantly benefit part-time CNAs working three days a week or per diem certified nursing assistants, who often find employment in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health environments. With an hourly range between $19.20 and $28.63, even entry-level assistants can expect to earn a stable income, while experienced professionals in top-tier positions see elevated rates. The Lakewood market reflects both the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers and the adjustments being made in response to rising living costs, making it a favorable place for those seeking hourly work within this vital sector.
About the Lakewood 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) | $19.20 | $153.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.23 | $161.88 |
| Median (P50) | $23.36 | $186.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.15 | $209.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.63 | $229.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $23.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.36/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,579 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,027. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.22 | $4,048 | $48,579 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.53 | $2,429 | $29,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.69 | $1,619 | $19,432 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lakewood) | $23.36 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $48,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the California state average of $49,832.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.36/hr = $29,148/year (purchasing power: $25,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,579/year (purchasing power: $42,953).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lakewood grew 42.5% from $15.39/hr (2019) to $21.93/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.87/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
For part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours a week, earnings can vary greatly compared to full-time positions. Annually, a part-time worker in Lakewood would take home roughly $28,345, a stark contrast to full-time salaries, indicating that commitment often translates to more substantial financial rewards. The per diem and agency route can also be lucrative, as agencies frequently charge rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour for CNAs, while specialty roles could see premiums as high as $30 to $45 per hour during weekends. Employers across Lakewood, including skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, often have varying pay structures, impacting how much CNAs ultimately earn. Making the choice between immediate pay rate and stable benefits could lead some to prefer positions with lower hourly rates but comprehensive health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding local market rates and presenting your qualifications can significantly boost earning potential in this vibrant California city.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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