Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $24.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Buena Park, CA runs $24.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,291 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median hourly rate of $24.27, which is significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This hourly wage reflects the demand for skilled nursing staff in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For part-time workers on a schedule of three days a week, this can translate to a robust income while offering flexibility. The hourly pay ranges from $19.50 at the lower end for entry-level positions to approximately $29.19 for experienced professionals. Given the projected figures for 2026, these numbers indicate a promising trend in the industry, highlighting the potential for CNAs to increase their earnings through experience and specialization.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.50 | $156.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.80 |
| Median (P50) | $24.27 | $194.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.83 | $214.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.19 | $233.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $24.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.27/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,484 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,126. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $970.85 | $4,207 | $50,484 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.51 | $2,524 | $30,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.34 | $1,683 | $20,194 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Buena Park) | $24.27 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $50,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.17% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% above the California state average of $49,837.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.27/hr = $30,291/year (purchasing power: $26,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,484/year (purchasing power: $44,637).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Buena Park grew 42.5% from $16.00/hr (2019) to $22.79/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Buena Park
Part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours a week can expect their earnings to reflect a steady income while balancing their workload. When comparing the full-time commitment to part-time work, understanding the nuances of per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Buena Park reveals diverse earnings potential. Many agency CNAs find themselves billed at rates between $22-$32 per hour, while those taking on weekend shifts might see premium rates of $30-$45 in emergency staffing scenarios. Factors like employer type can significantly influence rates, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare environments offering varying compensation structures. The evolving job market suggests that CNAs may sometimes choose lower hourly wages for consistent health benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Buena Park, it's beneficial to consider work schedules and the value of benefits when pursuing a compensation package that meets their financial needs.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Buena Park. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buena Park 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