Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $24.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Richmond, CA runs $24.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,477 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Richmond, California, certified nursing assistants receive a median hourly pay of $24.42, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This elevated rate offers valuable opportunities for part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants who typically work in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The hourly earnings range from $18.59 at the lower end to $30.16 for the top earners in the region, reflecting differences in experience and job setting. With such a competitive hourly rate, CNAs can benefit financially while balancing work-life commitments, particularly in roles that allow flexible schedules, whether through part-time shifts three days a week or per diem positions that accommodate variable hours.
About the Richmond 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) | $18.59 | $148.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.88 |
| Median (P50) | $24.42 | $195.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.38 | $219.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.16 | $241.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $24.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.42/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,795 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,305. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.82 | $4,233 | $50,795 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.09 | $2,540 | $30,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.73 | $1,693 | $20,318 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Richmond) | $24.42 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $50,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.90% above the California state average of $49,849.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.42/hr = $30,477/year (purchasing power: $26,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,795/year (purchasing power: $44,911).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Richmond grew 42.5% from $16.09/hr (2019) to $22.93/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.01/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
As CNAs consider part-time opportunities at around 24 hours a week, their annual earnings can still be substantial, providing a solid income without full-time commitments. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Richmond shows variability; while many agency CNAs may bill $22 to $32 per hour, there are also lucrative weekend-only contracts that can yield upwards of $30 to $45 an hour in high-demand settings. Moreover, CNAs working in skilled nursing facilities, medical-surgical hospitals, and assisted living communities may find differing rates based on employer type and location. While some may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prefer higher pay with no additional perks. When negotiating pay rates, CNAs should consider their own financial needs, the local cost of living, and current market demands to ensure they secure a competitive hourly wage in Richmond's evolving employment landscape.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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