Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Alhambra, CA: $49,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Alhambra, CA earns a median $49,123/year (≈ $23.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,433 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Alhambra, CA, sits at a median of $49,123, reflecting a post-COVID wage reset that has repositioned many health care roles, including CNAs. This local estimate, grounded in BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, showcases a compensation range from $41,228 at the lower end (P10) to $61,275 at the higher end (P90). Compared to the national median of $45,007, Alhambra's certified nursing assistant pay is notably higher by 9.15%, illustrating a competitive market for those entering or advancing in the field. For professionals navigating employment opportunities within the area, recognizing the dynamics of this market is crucial to maximizing their earning potential.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,228 | $19.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,275 | $21.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,123 | $23.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,745 | $25.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,275 | $29.46 |
Median Salary Position
9.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,047 (2026 est.). At $49,123, the local median is 9.15% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $49,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,871 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.15% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $49,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.15% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the California state average of $49,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,123 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,433 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$32,373
2025 BLS Actual
$46,125
2026 Current Est.
$49,123
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,671 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,316 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,373 (2019) to $46,125 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,316 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,943 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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) | $41,228 – $44,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,275 – $49,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,123 – $53,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,745 – $61,275 |
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 Alhambra
In Alhambra, there are currently 13 certified nursing assistants actively employed, indicating a stable job market for those seeking roles in this sector. However, with the cost-of-living index at 113.1, the economic reality impacts take-home purchasing power, making compensation a critical factor for job seekers. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest wages, with enhanced salaries available for night shifts ($2-$4 more per hour), weekends ($1-$3 more), and positions demanding greater patient acuity. Additionally, certified nursing assistants who explore opportunities for CMA certification stipends or weekend-only roles may find lucrative paths. Given the competitive compensation landscape, those aiming to optimize their certified nursing assistant pay in Alhambra must consider specific strategies and seek out employers who invest in their frontline healthcare staff.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Alhambra, CA in 2026?
Is Alhambra, CA a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Alhambra?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Alhambra?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Alhambra?
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
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 $46,125 for certified nursing assistantsin the Alhambra 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 Alhambra 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