Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pomona, CA: $51,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pomona, CA earns a median $51,533/year (≈ $24.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $45,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pomona, California, the financial landscape for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) shows a promising trajectory, with a projected median annual salary of $51,533 for 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $45,007, reflecting a cost-of-living adjustment as well as local demand. CNAs in Pomona can expect a salary range from $40,431 at the 10th percentile to $63,271 at the 90th percentile, indicating considerable variability based on factors such as experience, facility type, and specific shifts worked. Estimates provided are derived from 2025 BLS data, projecting into 2026, and highlight the local economic conditions that contribute to this compensation framework.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,431 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,653 | $21.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,533 | $24.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,562 | $27.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,271 | $30.42 |
Median Salary Position
14.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,840 (2026 est.). At $51,533, the local median is 14.5% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pomona median: $51,533/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,839 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +14.50% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pomona, CA earn a median of $51,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.50% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.40% above the California state average of $49,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,533 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,564 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,961
2025 BLS Actual
$48,388
2026 Current Est.
$51,533
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,705 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,961 (2019) to $48,388 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,922 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $40,431 – $44,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,653 – $51,533 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,533 – $57,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,562 – $63,271 |
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 Pomona
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Pomona consists of around 36 CNAs, illustrating a stable demand for this vital role in healthcare. However, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, it is essential for professionals to strategize effectively to maximize their take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, especially those with medical/surgical floors or ICU units, tend to offer the highest pay rates compared to home health agencies and assisted living communities. Factors driving the pay range include shift differentials, with night shifts often offering a premium of $2 to $4 per hour, as well as weekend premiums of $1 to $3. Additionally, certification stipends and the increasing reliance on agency staffing during shortages are key influencers. To optimize earnings, aspiring CNAs should consider pursuing shift roles that pay well or exploring pathways to additional certifications, which can facilitate transitions into higher-paying LPN or RN positions.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Pomona, CA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Pomona?
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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 $48,388 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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