Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Glendale, CA: $50,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Glendale, CA earns a median $50,156/year (≈ $24.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $44,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Current estimates place the certified nursing assistant salary in Glendale, CA at a median of $50,156 for 2026, reflecting a noticeable adjustment upwards following the post-COVID reset in the job market. This figure, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggests a salary range between $41,131 and $63,896. Compared to the national median of $45,007, Glendale's local compensation marks a significant increase of 11.44%, signaling both the area's competitive nature and the essential role of certified nursing assistants in healthcare. As local employers further adapt to the ongoing shifts in demand, job stability and upward mobility within this profession appear promising in Glendale.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,131 | $19.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,809 | $21.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,156 | $24.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,400 | $27.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,896 | $30.71 |
Median Salary Position
11.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,765 (2026 est.). At $50,156, the local median is 11.44% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Glendale median: $50,156/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,857 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.44% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Glendale, CA earn a median of $50,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% above the California state average of $49,857.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,156 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,347 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,053
2025 BLS Actual
$47,095
2026 Current Est.
$50,156
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,053 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,067 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,053 (2019) to $47,095 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,363 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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) | $41,131 – $44,809 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,809 – $50,156 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,156 – $57,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,400 – $63,896 |
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 Glendale
In exploring the job market for certified nursing assistants, it's noteworthy that 36 CNAs are currently employed in Glendale, a figure that highlights a community-centric healthcare model. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, they should be evaluated against housing and other living expenses in the area. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals usually offer the highest pay among local employers, especially in intensive care and specialized units. Pay variations stem from factors such as shift differentials—offering incentives of $2 to $4 for night shifts and weekend work, as well as agency premiums during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Glendale, pursuing additional certifications like CMA can provide a financial boost, alongside seeking weekend-only opportunities that offer premium rates. This strategic approach will enhance potential earnings and career progression, especially for those considering a bridge to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Glendale?
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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 $47,095 for certified nursing assistantsin the Glendale 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 Glendale 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