Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bakersfield, CA: $49,128 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bakersfield, CA earns a median $49,128/year (≈ $23.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bakersfield's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $48,697 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Bakersfield, CA, is projected to offer a median annual salary of $49,128 for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026, surpassing the national median by approximately 9.16%. The salary range for this occupation is notable, with entry-level positions starting at $40,161 and experienced professionals making as much as $60,045. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which reveals some variations related to the employment setting. Skilled nursing facilities typically provide different compensation structures compared to hospitals, with many CNAs earning more in acute care environments like intensive care units, making this a key factor for job seekers in Bakersfield.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,161 | $19.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,529 | $21.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,128 | $23.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,663 | $24.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,045 | $28.86 |
Median Salary Position
9.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,884 (2026 est.). At $49,128, the local median is 9.16% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bakersfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bakersfield Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bakersfield median: $49,128/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bakersfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,877 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.16% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $49,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the California state average of $49,877.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bakersfield has a cost of living 0.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bakersfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 100.886 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,128 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,697 — a 0.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,310
2025 BLS Actual
$46,130
2026 Current Est.
$49,128
2019–2027 Growth
+72.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,128 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,322 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 52.2% from $30,310 (2019) to $46,130 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,322 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,012 (72.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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) | $40,161 – $45,529 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,529 – $49,128 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,128 – $51,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,663 – $60,045 |
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 Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, approximately 1,720 certified nursing assistants are employed, highlighting a vibrant job market despite the recent fluctuations in healthcare staffing. With a cost of living index of 100.886, which is slightly above the national average, it's essential for CNAs to consider how their take-home pay relates to local expenses. Top-paying employers for CNAs include hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, particularly those offering shift differentials for night shifts, which can increase hourly pay by $2 to $4. Additionally, staffing shortages may lead to agency work that often commands higher pay. CNAs strategically considering weekend-only roles or acquiring CMA certification can also maximize their earnings. Understanding these dynamics will help aspiring nursing assistants assess how much do certified nursing assistants make in Bakersfield and navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Bakersfield, 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
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 $46,130 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bakersfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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