Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Indio, CA: $48,945 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Indio, CA earns a median $48,945/year (≈ $23.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Indio's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,276 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a certified nursing assistant in Indio, CA, stands at $48,945, notably higher than the national median of $45,007. This salary represents a robust local market for nursing assistants, as the earnings range from $40,597 at the 10th percentile to $60,700 at the 90th percentile. Such figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the competitive nature of the certified nursing assistant pay in Indio CA, reflecting the region's cost of living adjustments and the ongoing demand for skilled healthcare workers. As the job market recovers from recent challenges, transitioning from a CNA to an LPN or RN remains a viable pathway for many seeking greater financial rewards and professional advancement.
About the Indio Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,597 | $19.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,904 | $21.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,945 | $23.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,204 | $26.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,700 | $29.18 |
Median Salary Position
8.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indio
In Indio, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,103 (2026 est.). At $48,945, the local median is 8.75% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Indio: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Indio Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Indio median: $48,945/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indio Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,842 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.75% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Indio, CA earn a median of $48,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.75% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.80% below the California state average of $49,842.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indio has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indio, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,945 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,276 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,255
2025 BLS Actual
$45,958
2026 Current Est.
$48,945
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,889 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,858 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,945 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,127 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indio metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,255 (2019) to $45,958 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,127 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,872 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indio 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) | $40,597 – $43,904 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,904 – $48,945 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,945 – $55,204 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,204 – $60,700 |
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 Indio
With just 23 certified nursing assistants employed in the area, the job market in Indio is relatively concentrated, presenting both challenges and opportunities for wage growth. The cost of living index sitting at 113.1 suggests that while salaries may be appealing, purchasing power could be balanced with local expenses. Notable employers in Indio that typically offer higher wages include skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, which often provide compensation incentives such as shift differentials for night and weekend shifts. Understanding the driving factors behind the pay disparities in this market—like the agency premium during staffing shortages and the potential for weekend-only roles—can empower CNAs to maximize their earnings. Opting for positions that offer these benefits or pursuing additional certifications can further enhance earning potential in this evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Indio, 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 $45,958 for certified nursing assistantsin the Indio 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 Indio 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