Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Long Beach, CA: $67,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Long Beach, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $67,023/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Long Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,260 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Top-tier compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Long Beach, CA, is quite promising, reflecting the increasing demand for experienced professionals. With a 2026 median annual salary projected at $50,627, the upper echelon, particularly the P90 figure of $67,023, highlights the lucrative opportunities available to those with over seven years of experience. This earning potential positions seasoned CNAs above the national average, where the top certified nursing assistant salary in 2026 is $45,007, thereby creating a notable compensation gap. Achieving such a high salary typically necessitates diversifying skill sets, seeking specialized certifications, and pursuing advanced career opportunities in high-demand areas such as hospice and acute care.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Long Beach earn between $59,313 and $67,023 per year (2026 est.). This $29,796 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Long Beach median of $50,627 sits 12.49% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Long Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,627 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,313 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $67,023 | $55,359 |
In Long Beach, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 32.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Long Beach
Advanced Certifications in California
CA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,627 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Long Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Long Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $59,313–$67,023 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Long Beach metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Long Beach with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Long Beach
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLong Beach ranks #10 of 158 California cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $67,023).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Long Beach ($67,023) is 2.74% above the California average P90 ($65,234).
2019 BLS Actual
$49,178
2025 BLS Actual
$62,932
2026 Current Est.
$67,023
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,379 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Long Beach saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $49,178 in 2019 to $62,932 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $71,379 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Long Beach
In Long Beach, senior certified nursing assistants can bolster their income through specialization in areas such as restorative care, medication administration, or dementia care. Different types of employers, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, offer varying salary enhancements, often providing additional per-hour shifts and weekend differentials that can significantly increase total earnings. As CNAs consider advancement, positions like charge CNA, training coordinator, or pathways leading to licensure as LPNs or RNs become attractive opportunities. Advanced certifications such as CPR/BLS and medication aide qualifications further enhance earning potential, capitalizing on California's competitive healthcare landscape. Additionally, agency work during staffing shortages can yield premium pay, showcasing a landscape where creative compensation strategies are essential for maximizing senior certified nursing assistant pay in CA.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Long Beach in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Long Beach?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Long Beach?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Long Beach?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Long Beach?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $62,932 for certified nursing assistants in the Long Beach metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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