Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $24.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Vista, CA runs $24.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,122 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, CA, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected at $24.58 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average hourly rate of $21.64. This competitive pay level is advantageous for CNAs seeking part-time roles, like working three 8-hour shifts a week, or those interested in per-diem positions, which are common in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The hourly wage range for CNAs in Vista starts at about $19.06 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $30.62 for those at the higher end of experience and skill. These figures represent a good opportunity for workers to earn a livable wage while balancing their hours around other commitments or additional training, especially as they often assist patients in diverse settings such as assisted living apartments, home health visits, and medical/surgical floors in hospitals.
About the Vista 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) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.06 | $168.44 |
| Median (P50) | $24.58 | $196.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.62 | $244.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $24.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.58/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,496. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.21 | $4,261 | $51,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.92 | $2,556 | $30,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.28 | $1,704 | $20,451 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Vista) | $24.58 |
| 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 Vista, CA earn a median of $51,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.59% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% above the California state average of $49,875.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.58/hr = $30,676/year (purchasing power: $27,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,127/year (purchasing power: $45,205).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Vista grew 42.5% from $16.20/hr (2019) to $23.08/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.18/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 Vista 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 Vista
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time certified nursing assistants reveals a potential annual income that can be made while working just 24 hours per week. This could result in a yearly take-home amount significantly less than that of full-time equivalents, highlighting a key difference in earning potential. Meanwhile, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Vista can range noticeably depending on the type of employer, with agencies billing between $22 and $32 per hour. Some weekend-only premium contracts reach upward of $30-$45 per hour during high-demand periods. Additionally, as nursing turnover remains a pressing issue post-COVID, some CNAs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits offered by full-time roles. Negotiating for pay often hinges on factors like experience, flexibility with shifts, and the type of facility, making it essential for CNAs to emphasize their willingness to work weekends or extended hours when seeking hourly positions in Vista, CA.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Vista?
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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 Vista. 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 Vista 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