Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brea, CA: $47,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Brea, CA earns a median $47,299/year (≈ $22.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $41,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Brea, California, can expect a projected median annual salary of $47,299, reflecting a competitive position within the local market as healthcare wages have rebounded in the post-COVID era. The salary range for this role spans from $39,533 at the 10th percentile to $57,206 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust pay structure that rewards experience and skill. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price disparities, demonstrating significant competitiveness compared to the national median salary of $45,007. The local job market for certified nursing assistants is experiencing positive growth, underpinned by increasing demand as facilities recover and expand services.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,533 | $19.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,294 | $20.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,299 | $22.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,836 | $25.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,206 | $27.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,673 (2026 est.). At $47,299, the local median is 5.09% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Brea median: $47,299/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,841 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.09% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brea, CA earn a median of $47,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.09% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% below the California state average of $49,841.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,299 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,821 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,170
2025 BLS Actual
$44,412
2026 Current Est.
$47,299
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,421 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,853 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,145 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,373 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,170 (2019) to $44,412 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,373 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,203 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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) | $39,533 – $42,294 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,294 – $47,299 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,299 – $52,836 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,836 – $57,206 |
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 Brea
The job market in Brea currently employs around 10 certified nursing assistants, highlighting a tight labor pool amidst a challenging cost-of-living environment represented by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This elevated index can affect take-home pay, necessitating that CNAs strategize their employment choices for optimal earnings. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly those with intensive care units and rehabilitation settings, tend to offer the highest wages. Factors such as shift differentials—where night shifts can add $2-4 per hour and weekend hours generally provide a $1-3 boost—play a significant role in the disparities between low and high pay levels. For CNAs looking to maximize their income, positioning for weekend-only roles or obtaining specialty certifications could enhance prospects significantly in this evolving job landscape in Brea.
More salary data for Brea, 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 $44,412 for certified nursing assistantsin the Brea 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 Brea 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