Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fresno, CA: $47,616 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fresno, CA earns a median $47,616/year (≈ $22.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $46,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $47,616 for 2026, representing a competitive edge over the national median of $45,007. Salary ranges in the area span from $40,225 at the lower 10th percentile to $52,430 at the upper 90th percentile. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), highlights a significant variance in pay, particularly between those employed in skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals. Those working in RN-led environments, especially in ICU or acute care settings, generally earn higher rates, reflecting the complexity and demand of their roles. As Fresno continues to recruit for certified nursing assistants, insights into pay trends and structure can aid job seekers in capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,225 | $19.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,473 | $20.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,616 | $22.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,076 | $24.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,430 | $25.21 |
Median Salary Position
5.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,205 (2026 est.). At $47,616, the local median is 5.8% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Fresno: You'd be above the median
How Fresno Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fresno median: $47,616/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,860 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.80% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fresno, CA earn a median of $47,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.80% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% below the California state average of $49,860.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,616 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,610 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,280
2025 BLS Actual
$44,710
2026 Current Est.
$47,616
2019–2027 Growth
+67.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,616 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,711 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 47.7% from $30,280 (2019) to $44,710 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,711 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,431 (67.47%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $40,225 – $43,473 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,473 – $47,616 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,616 – $50,076 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,076 – $52,430 |
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 Fresno
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Fresno is robust, with approximately 3,880 CNAs currently employed. However, the cost of living index at 102.158 indicates slightly higher living costs compared to the national average, which may impact overall purchasing power despite the competitive pay rates. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies offer differing compensation packages, with those in acute care settings tending to pay more due to the demands of patient acuity. The disparity in wage levels is often driven by factors such as shift differentials—the potential to earn an additional $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and weekend work—which can significantly enhance annual income. Navigating the pay structure effectively can include pursuing agency roles during staffing shortages, which offer premium rates, or considering weekend-only positions that provide lucrative pay scales. For CNAs in Fresno aiming to maximize earnings, bridging into LPN or RN roles might also enhance long-term career fulfillment and financial prospects.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Fresno, CA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Fresno?
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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 $44,710 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fresno 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