Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pasadena, TX: $39,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pasadena, TX earns a median $39,909/year (≈ $19.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $41,572 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Pasadena, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $39,909, which is notably lower than the national average of $45,007, reflecting a 11.33% difference. The salary range for this role will vary significantly, from approximately $32,312 at the lower end to around $49,988 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, indicate a market that, while providing essential care, may be challenging for some to exceed the median salary. Potentially, as many certified nursing assistants consider advancing their careers through CNA-to-LPN programs, gaining a higher credential can offer opportunities for increased earning potential in a competitive industry.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,312 | $15.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,217 | $16.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,909 | $19.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,290 | $21.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,988 | $24.04 |
Median Salary Position
11.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,676 (2026 est.). At $39,909, the local median is 11.33% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $39,909/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,936 | +5.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.33% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pasadena, TX earn a median of $39,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.33% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.20% above the Texas state average of $37,936.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,909 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,572 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,300
2025 BLS Actual
$37,473
2026 Current Est.
$39,909
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,535 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,503 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,300 (2019) to $37,473 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,503 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,203 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $32,312 – $35,217 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,217 – $39,909 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,909 – $45,290 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,290 – $49,988 |
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 Pasadena
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Pasadena remains stable, with only 32 individuals currently employed in this sector. This limited number highlights the relatively niche environment for CNAs, especially considering the city's cost of living index of 96, which suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. Notably, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly in critical areas like medical and surgical floors as well as intensive care units. Various factors contribute to compensation variability, such as shift differentials that award an extra $2 to $4 for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work. Additionally, those who secure agency positions during staffing shortages may also command a premium. To maximize earnings in Pasadena’s CNA market, professionals should consider pursuing certifications, seeking weekend-only roles, and remaining flexible with shifting schedules to tap into these pay enhancements.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Pasadena, TX in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Pasadena?
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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 $37,473 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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