Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $29.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Oakland, CA runs $29.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,084 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Oakland, CA, stands at a robust $29.37 per hour, significantly exceeding the national average of $21.64 per hour. This elevated rate is particularly advantageous for part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work schedule, allowing them to earn a steady income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem certified nursing assistants, the hourly pay enhances flexibility and can lead to varied earnings based on shifts worked across diverse environments like skilled nursing facilities and assisted living apartments. Entry-level CNAs may find themselves earning approximately $22.46, while experienced professionals can command up to $38.20 per hour. This hourly compensation reflects the growing demand for certified nursing assistants in Oakland's healthcare landscape, informed by comprehensive data projections stemming from 2025 BLS figures.
About the Oakland 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) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.06 | $200.48 |
| Median (P50) | $29.37 | $234.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.91 | $271.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.20 | $305.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $29.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.37/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,247. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.91 | $5,091 | $61,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.94 | $3,055 | $36,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.96 | $2,037 | $24,438 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Oakland) | $29.37 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $61,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.72% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 22.50% above the California state average of $49,865.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.37/hr = $36,657/year (purchasing power: $32,411).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,095/year (purchasing power: $54,019).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Oakland grew 42.5% from $19.36/hr (2019) to $27.58/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.28/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants reveals interesting dynamics. Working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate translates to an annual income of around $36,577, which is substantial considering the flexible nature of part-time employment. In agency roles, certified nursing assistants often see hourly pay rates ranging from $22 to $32, with lucrative weekend-only contracts offering premiums that can elevate pay up to $45 an hour, especially in high-demand scenarios. Various employer environments in Oakland, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, provide differing pay rates that reflect the complexity of duties and required skill levels. While some CNAs might opt for higher hourly wages without benefits, others may prefer roles offering health insurance and consistent hours, showcasing the trade-offs involved. For effective salary negotiations, understanding the local market standards and being prepared to discuss the added value of experience or flexibility can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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