Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $23.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Stockton, CA runs $23.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,554 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.1, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,732 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Stockton, California, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.82, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $21.64. This pay rate is particularly favorable for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, providing robust income while offering flexible schedules. Per-diem certified nursing assistants have the potential to earn competitive rates as well, especially in diverse environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. With an hourly pay range extending from $20.10 for entry-level positions to $28.86 for those at the upper end of the pay scale, this profession offers substantial opportunities depending on experience and employer type. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the ongoing demand for CNAs within the region.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.10 | $160.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.09 | $184.71 |
| Median (P50) | $23.82 | $190.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.19 | $201.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.86 | $230.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
Based on $23.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.82/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockton, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,589. With a cost-of-living index of 105.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.96 | $4,130 | $49,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.78 | $2,478 | $29,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.18 | $1,652 | $19,822 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Stockton) | $23.82 |
| 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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $49,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% below the California state average of $49,854.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.82/hr = $29,732/year (purchasing power: $28,293).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,554/year (purchasing power: $47,154).
CoL index: 105.089 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Stockton grew 39.7% from $16.01/hr (2019) to $22.37/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.37/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
|||
For those working part-time as certified nursing assistants in Stockton, the financial outlook can be quite favorable. By working a typical 24-hour week, a CNA could take home approximately $28,143 annually, which can vary depending on specific shifts, additional responsibilities, or overtime. Many part-time CNAs elect to work through agencies, which often report higher per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Stockton, typically ranging from $22 to $32 an hour. Premium shifts on weekends or in critical shortages can command even higher rates, sometimes reaching $30 to $45 per hour. Various employer types significantly impact hourly wages; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer less than hospitals or specialized care centers that are willing to pay more to secure qualified staff. Some CNAs might prioritize lower hourly pay for the added benefits, like health insurance, while others prefer positions that maximize their hourly rate without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s advisable for CNAs to gather information on what competitors offer in terms of pay and shifts to achieve the best compensation package in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Stockton in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Stockton?
Are certified nursing assistants in Stockton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Stockton?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Stockton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Stockton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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