Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $49,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $49,526/year (≈ $23.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,790 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Certified nursing assistants in Apple Valley, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $49,526 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $45,007. The salary range for CNAs in the region extends from $38,251 at the 10th percentile to $59,312 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a robust market for both entry-level and experienced professionals. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances, reflecting the economic conditions in Apple Valley. With a diverse array of healthcare settings, from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals, the differential pay structure reveals how specialized environments can significantly impact compensation, creating opportunities for better earnings based on experience and qualifications.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,251 | $18.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,123 | $21.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,526 | $23.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,746 | $26.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,312 | $28.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,061 (2026 est.). At $49,526, the local median is 10.04% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be above the median
How Apple Valley Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $49,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,875 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +10.04% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $49,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.70% below the California state average of $49,875.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,790 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,638
2025 BLS Actual
$46,503
2026 Current Est.
$49,526
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,638 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,353 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,503 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,638 (2019) to $46,503 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,107 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,251 – $45,123 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,123 – $49,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,526 – $54,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,746 – $59,312 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Apple Valley
The local job market is comparatively tight, with only 19 certified nursing assistants employed in Apple Valley, creating a unique competitive edge for those in the field. With a cost of living index of 113.1, CNAs may find their take-home earnings influenced by housing and other essential expenses. Employers that typically offer higher pay include skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, where staffing challenges often lead to increased wages, particularly for night, weekend, or high-acuity roles. Additionally, CNA positions may come with bonuses for certifications and shift differentials that reward additional hours. Aspiring CNAs should consider maximizing their earnings by pursuing evening shifts, obtaining certifications such as CMA, and aiming for positions in areas of high demand to improve their overall compensation in Apple Valley.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Apple Valley, CA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Apple Valley?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,503 for certified nursing assistantsin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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