Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lakewood, CA: $48,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Lakewood, CA earns a median $48,586/year (≈ $23.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $42,958 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Lakewood, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $48,586 in 2026, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $45,007 for the same year. Salary ranges for this occupation in the area see entry-level positions starting around $39,932 and extending up to $59,547 for highly experienced individuals, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost factors. This differential highlights the local employment landscape, where opportunities exist across a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, often with different pay structures that affect overall earnings.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,932 | $19.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,094 | $20.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,586 | $23.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,375 | $26.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,547 | $28.63 |
Median Salary Position
7.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,615 (2026 est.). At $48,586, the local median is 7.95% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $48,586/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,832 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.95% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $48,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.95% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the California state average of $49,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,586 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,958 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,019
2025 BLS Actual
$45,621
2026 Current Est.
$48,586
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,019 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,744 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,019 (2019) to $45,621 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,725 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $39,932 – $42,094 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,094 – $48,586 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,586 – $54,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,375 – $59,547 |
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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, the job market for certified nursing assistants appears stable, with 19 individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index standing at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they may not stretch as far as in lower-cost areas. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest wages, with numerous factors influencing pay, such as shift differentials, which can add $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work. Additionally, nursing agencies may provide premium rates during staffing shortages, and some facilities offer stipends for certified medical assistant (CMA) certifications. To maximize earnings in Lakewood's market, CNAs should consider pursuing additional certifications, exploring positions with weekend-only premiums, and aiming for roles in higher-acuity settings that offer enhanced pay grades.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $45,621 for certified nursing assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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