Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $24.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Pasadena, CA runs $24.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,236 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $24.15 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $21.64. This higher pay reflects the demand for CNAs working in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health services, and assisted living environments. For part-time workers, such as those putting in three 8-hour shifts a week, this translates to a solid income from hourly wages, meeting immediate financial needs while providing essential patient care. Entry-level CNAs typically earn around $19.28, while those with more experience or specialization can command up to $30.79 hourly. The wage structure in Pasadena indicates a healthy range that rewards both new and seasoned professionals for their contributions in this critical healthcare role.
About the Pasadena 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) | $19.28 | $154.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.10 | $168.78 |
| Median (P50) | $24.15 | $193.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.72 | $221.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.79 | $246.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $24.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.15/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,241 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,985. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $966.17 | $4,187 | $50,241 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.70 | $2,512 | $30,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.47 | $1,675 | $20,096 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Pasadena) | $24.15 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $50,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.80% above the California state average of $49,837.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.15/hr = $30,144/year (purchasing power: $26,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,241/year (purchasing power: $44,422).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Pasadena grew 42.5% from $15.92/hr (2019) to $22.68/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.72/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Focusing on hourly dynamics reveals diverse earning potentials within this profession. A part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours each week could take home approximately $50,236 annually, a noteworthy sum despite being less than the earnings of full-time CNAs. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Pasadena often fluctuates, with agency rates typically between $22-$32 per hour, while weekend contracts may command premiums reaching $30-$45 due to staffing shortages. The type of facility greatly impacts pay; hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, tend to offer higher wages compared to assisted living communities. CNAs might opt for positions with lower hourly pay that include benefits over higher rates without health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can help CNAs negotiate their pay effectively, especially in a city where demand for their services continues to grow.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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