Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brentwood, CA: $49,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Brentwood, CA earns a median $49,727/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Brentwood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants can expect a median annual salary of $49,727 in Brentwood, CA, a figure that reflects a post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare industry. The salary range for this occupation extends from $38,731 at the 10th percentile to $63,245 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the diverse earning potential within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which position Brentwood's compensation above the national average for certified nursing assistant salaries, projected at $45,007. The local market is adjusting to staffing needs and economic factors, which is crucial for those considering a career in this rewarding field.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,731 | $18.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,567 | $20.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,727 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,136 | $26.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,245 | $30.41 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
In Brentwood, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,514 (2026 est.). At $49,727, the local median is 10.49% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brentwood Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Brentwood median: $49,727/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,877 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +10.49% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brentwood, CA earn a median of $49,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.30% below the California state average of $49,877.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brentwood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brentwood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,727 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,967 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,771
2025 BLS Actual
$46,692
2026 Current Est.
$49,727
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,489 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brentwood metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,771 (2019) to $46,692 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,188 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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) | $38,731 – $42,567 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,567 – $49,727 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,727 – $55,136 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,136 – $63,245 |
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 Brentwood
Brentwood's job market for certified nursing assistants features approximately 13 individuals currently employed, a reflection of a tight-knit community and localized healthcare demand. With a cost of living index of 113.1, living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Key employers in the area include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies, with pay differentials heavily influenced by factors such as shift differentials, weekend premiums, and agency pay during staffing shortages. Effective strategies to maximize salary might include seeking night or weekend shifts that often offer bonuses of $1 to $4 per hour. Additionally, pursuing pathways to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) roles can provide a substantial boost in career earnings and open more opportunities in Brentwood's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Brentwood, 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
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 $46,692 for certified nursing assistantsin the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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