Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fairfield, CA: $51,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fairfield, CA earns a median $51,400/year (≈ $24.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $45,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant salary in Fairfield, CA, is projected to reach a median of $51,400, which reflects a notable increase in response to workforce demands in the post-COVID environment. With estimates showing a salary range from $40,268 at the lower end to $62,695 at the upper echelon, this market is seeing a reset that aligns with the current landscape. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, indicate a competitive compensation package, particularly when compared to the national average of $45,007. This increase is indicative of broader trends in healthcare staffing as certified nursing assistants are increasingly valued in a healthcare environment that continues to grapple with staffing shortages and rising patient care demands.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,268 | $19.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,376 | $21.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,400 | $24.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,290 | $27.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,695 | $30.14 |
Median Salary Position
14.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,427 (2026 est.). At $51,400, the local median is 14.2% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be above the median
How Fairfield Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $51,400/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,855 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +14.20% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $51,400 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.20% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.10% above the California state average of $49,855.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,400 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,447 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,873
2025 BLS Actual
$48,263
2026 Current Est.
$51,400
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,616 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,873 (2019) to $48,263 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,868 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $40,268 – $44,376 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,376 – $51,400 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,400 – $57,290 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,290 – $62,695 |
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 Fairfield
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Fairfield is competitive, albeit modest, with only 25 employed in the area. The local cost-of-living index is at 113.1, which can significantly affect take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Generally, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals such as medical/surgical floors and ICUs tend to offer the highest wages. Factors such as shift differentials—often adding $2-4 for night shifts and $1-3 for weekends—can further influence earnings. Additionally, during staffing shortages, agencies may offer premium pay that can bolster incomes for CNAs willing to work flexible hours or in demanding roles. For those seeking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Fairfield, pursuing certifications like CMA or looking for weekend-only premium positions may also provide a pathway to higher earnings while paving the way for advancement to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 $48,263 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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