Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in San Leandro, CA: $49,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in San Leandro, CA earns a median $49,001/year (≈ $23.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in San Leandro's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,325 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of the post-COVID wage reset, the certified nursing assistant salary in San Leandro, CA, reaches a median of $49,001 in 2026, demonstrating a notable increase from previous years. The salary range highlights this growth, extending from $40,881 at the lower 10th percentile to $62,541 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living considerations. Compared to the national median of $45,007, the local wages indicate a 8.87% premium, positioning certified nursing assistants favorably within California's healthcare job market as they contribute to staffing recovery efforts.
About the San Leandro Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,881 | $19.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,001 | $23.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,502 | $25.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,541 | $30.06 |
Median Salary Position
8.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Leandro
In San Leandro, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,660 (2026 est.). At $49,001, the local median is 8.87% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Leandro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Leandro Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
San Leandro median: $49,001/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Leandro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,848 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.87% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in San Leandro, CA earn a median of $49,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.87% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.70% below the California state average of $49,848.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Leandro has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Leandro, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,001 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,325 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,292
2025 BLS Actual
$46,010
2026 Current Est.
$49,001
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,292 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,588 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,186 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Leandro metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,292 (2019) to $46,010 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,186 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,894 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Leandro 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) | $40,881 – $44,020 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,020 – $49,001 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,001 – $53,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,502 – $62,541 |
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 San Leandro
As of 2026, there are 23 certified nursing assistants employed in San Leandro, which reflects a stable local job market despite ongoing staffing challenges. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power for CNAs in the area. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the highest wages, while home health agencies and assisted living communities also provide significant opportunities. Factors contributing to the wage differential include shift differentials, with night shifts often paying an additional $2 to $4 per hour, and weekend premiums ranging from $1 to $3. For CNAs aiming to maximize pay, pursuing weekend-only premium roles or additional certifications can enhance earning potential. Considering pathways to LPN or RN positions can also provide a strategic advantage in elevating one's career and compensation in San Leandro's competitive healthcare environment.
More salary data for San Leandro, 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 $46,010 for certified nursing assistantsin the San Leandro 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 San Leandro 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