Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $24.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Petaluma, CA runs $24.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,939 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Petaluma, California, certified nursing assistants are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.97 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $21.64. This higher pay reflects the demand for CNAs in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For part-time workers who typically put in three 8-hour shifts per week, this translates to a comfortable income, while per-diem certified nursing assistant pay in Petaluma allows for greater flexibility without committing to a fixed schedule. The hourly range for CNAs in the area varies widely, from $20.77 for entry-level positions to about $30.91 for experienced professionals, allowing entry-level CNAs a starting point to gain essential experience before advancing in their careers.
About the Petaluma 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) | $20.77 | $166.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.36 | $178.92 |
| Median (P50) | $24.97 | $199.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.13 | $225.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.91 | $247.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $24.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.97/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,969. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $998.97 | $4,329 | $51,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.38 | $2,597 | $31,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.59 | $1,732 | $20,779 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Petaluma) | $24.97 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $51,939 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.40% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.20% above the California state average of $49,845.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.97/hr = $31,168/year (purchasing power: $27,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,946/year (purchasing power: $45,930).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Petaluma grew 42.5% from $16.46/hr (2019) to $23.45/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.60/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to take home a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Since many alternate between facilities or even embrace per-diem opportunities, the flexibility of being an agency or locum CNA can be profitable, especially as they can charge upward of $22-$32 per hour. Those willing to work less popular hours, such as weekends, might find premium contracts that pay between $30-$45 per hour in shortage markets. However, it's crucial for CNAs in Petaluma to evaluate the trade-offs between the hourly pay and potential benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages, understanding the pay scales across various employers—from rehabilitation hospitals to dialysis centers—can empower CNAs to advocate for better compensation based on their skills and the local market demand.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Petaluma?
Are certified nursing assistants in Petaluma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Petaluma?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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