Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $24.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lancaster, CA runs $24.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $24.45 in 2026, notably surpassing the national hourly median of $21.64. This robust hourly wage provides a competitive advantage for part-time, per diem, and agency certified nursing assistants navigating various healthcare environments, from skilled nursing facilities to home health visits. For a part-time worker on a typical three-day week schedule, this salary allows for a meaningful income while providing flexibility. The hourly wages for certified nursing assistants in Lancaster range from approximately $18.78 to $31.86, accommodating both entry-level and experienced professionals, all derived from annual salary projections.
About the Lancaster 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) | $18.78 | $150.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.81 | $166.48 |
| Median (P50) | $24.45 | $195.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.92 | $215.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.86 | $254.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $24.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.45/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,861 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,343. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $978.10 | $4,238 | $50,861 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.86 | $2,543 | $30,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.24 | $1,695 | $20,344 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lancaster) | $24.45 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $50,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.02% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% above the California state average of $49,871.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.45/hr = $30,517/year (purchasing power: $26,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,861/year (purchasing power: $44,970).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lancaster grew 42.5% from $16.11/hr (2019) to $22.96/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.04/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
With the expected growth in demand for certified nursing assistants projected at a 6.50% annual rate, there are diverse earning opportunities available. A part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can anticipate taking home approximately $30,553 annually, while those in full-time roles see a higher total compensation reflecting their increased hours. Additionally, per diem certified nursing assistants in Lancaster can earn between $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend contracts pulling in premiums of up to $45 in high-demand situations. Hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the type of employer, whether in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies, and some CNAs must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance against higher rates without those perks. Negotiating for rates specific to their unique skill set and potential benefits package is critical for certified nursing assistants looking to maximize their earnings in Lancaster.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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