Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $51,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $51,254/year (≈ $24.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $45,317 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in Chula Vista, California, is $51,254, reflecting a significant increase compared to the national median of $45,007. Local salary estimates indicate a range that spans from $37,320 at the 10th percentile to $64,340 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse earning potential within this occupation. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate the pay disparity often experienced by CNAs working in skilled nursing facilities versus those employed in hospital settings. As the job market responds to ongoing staffing shortages and high turnover, Chula Vista’s nursing facilities are adapting their pay structures to attract and retain qualified talent.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,320 | $17.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,434 | $21.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,254 | $24.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,830 | $27.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,340 | $30.93 |
Median Salary Position
13.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,020 (2026 est.). At $51,254, the local median is 13.88% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be above the median
How Chula Vista Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $51,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,858 | +2.80% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.88% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $51,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.80% above the California state average of $49,858.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,254 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,317 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$33,777
2025 BLS Actual
$48,126
2026 Current Est.
$51,254
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,777 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,517 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,724 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,316 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,126 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,777 (2019) to $48,126 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,809 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,320 – $45,434 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,434 – $51,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,254 – $57,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,830 – $64,340 |
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 Chula Vista
The labor market for certified nursing assistants in Chula Vista indicates a healthy demand, with approximately 51 professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses compared to national averages. Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities tend to offer the highest wages, driven by the increased acuity and complexity of care. Factors influencing the disparity in pay include shift differentials, with night shifts commanding an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekend premiums adding $1-3 per hour. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, exploring roles that provide supplemental payments, such as weekend-only positions or those that require Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification, can also lead to higher salaries. Given the projected job growth of 6.50% annually, opportunities for advancement into LPN or RN roles remain strong, making Chula Vista an appealing location for aspiring certified nursing assistants.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Chula Vista, CA in 2026?
Is Chula Vista, CA a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Chula Vista?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Chula Vista?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Chula Vista?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $48,126 for certified nursing assistantsin the Chula Vista 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 Chula 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