Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,956 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunnyvale, California, certified nursing assistants enjoy a median hourly pay of $29.79, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This rate offers a competitive edge for individuals working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a CNA working three days a week might find that the flexibility of their schedule complements the demands of their personal life while earning substantial pay in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living apartments. Entry-level professionals may earn around $23.49 per hour, while the most experienced could make up to $37.68 per hour, indicating robust earning potential that reflects the importance and increasing demand for these roles in the caregiving sector.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $23.49 | $187.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.80 | $206.44 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.93 | $271.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.68 | $301.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.52 | $5,163 | $61,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.91 | $3,098 | $37,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.61 | $2,065 | $24,784 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Sunnyvale) | $29.79 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $61,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.66% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 24.30% above the California state average of $49,844.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,175/year (purchasing power: $32,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,959/year (purchasing power: $54,783).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Sunnyvale grew 42.5% from $19.63/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.72/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
With the projected 2026 growth rate for certified nursing assistant positions at 6.50%, the earning potential for part-time CNAs adds an interesting dimension to the decision-making process for many in Sunnyvale. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours weekly would yield an annual take-home considerably more than what many positions offer nationwide when leveraging skill sets in higher-paying venues like hospitals, which often pay differently than skilled nursing facilities. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Sunnyvale can vary widely, with agency rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and there are weekend premiums that make working on specific days even more lucrative. As some CNAs weigh benefits against higher hourly pay—taking into account that lower hourly rates may come with health insurance—it's essential for them to negotiate effectively. Understanding shift differentials, weekend premiums, and potential advancements into LPN or RN roles can significantly influence decisions and enhance career longevity in the competitive Sunnyvale healthcare market.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Sunnyvale?
Are certified nursing assistants in Sunnyvale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Sunnyvale?
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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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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