Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $24.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Santa Monica, CA runs $24.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, certified nursing assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $24.23, which notably exceeds the national median of $21.64. This premium reflects the area's high cost of living and demand for skilled healthcare professionals. For those considering part-time work, taking on a schedule of three days per week could result in a solid income while enjoying work-life balance. Moreover, hourly rates range from around $19.36 for entry-level positions to $28.97 for experienced CNAs. This pay structure is particularly relevant for roles in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities, where hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $19.36 | $154.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.13 | $169.04 |
| Median (P50) | $24.23 | $193.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.73 | $213.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.97 | $231.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $24.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.23/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,075. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.15 | $4,200 | $50,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.49 | $2,520 | $30,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.66 | $1,680 | $20,158 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Santa Monica) | $24.23 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $50,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.10% above the California state average of $49,838.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.23/hr = $30,237/year (purchasing power: $26,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,396/year (purchasing power: $44,559).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Santa Monica grew 42.5% from $15.97/hr (2019) to $22.75/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.80/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
The earnings potential for part-time certified nursing assistants can be quite promising. For instance, securing a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours translates to approximately $37,216 in annual earnings—still respectable, yet significantly less than full-time colleagues. Per diem positions present an alternative pathway, where CNAs can earn between $22 and $32 per hour through agency work, and premiums for weekend shifts can reach $30 to $45 per hour in markets facing shortages. Hourly rates may fluctuate by employer type; for example, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals might offer different compensations compared to home health agencies. While some CNAs choose positions with lower pay for benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly rates that come without additional perks. Negotiation platforms for hourly workers include highlighting skills relevant to specific settings or advocating for shift differentials, especially during peak hours or weekends.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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