Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA: $48,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Laguna Niguel, CA earns a median $48,404/year (≈ $23.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Laguna Niguel's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $42,798 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, achieving certification as a nursing assistant in Laguna Niguel could lead to a median annual salary of approximately $48,404, which reflects a notable increase when compared to the national average of $45,007. The local salary range, spanning from $39,299 at the 10th percentile to $60,734 at the 90th percentile, highlights the potential for significant financial growth in this role. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, paint a promising picture for current and aspiring CNAs in the area. As the demand for qualified healthcare workers continues to rise, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, pursuing additional qualifications like LPN credentials can further enhance earning potential and job security within Laguna Niguel's competitive market.
About the Laguna Niguel Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,299 | $18.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,782 | $20.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,404 | $23.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,017 | $26.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,734 | $29.20 |
Median Salary Position
7.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laguna Niguel
In Laguna Niguel, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,435 (2026 est.). At $48,404, the local median is 7.55% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laguna Niguel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laguna Niguel Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Laguna Niguel median: $48,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laguna Niguel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,850 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.55% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $48,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.55% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.90% below the California state average of $49,850.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laguna Niguel has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laguna Niguel, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,404 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,798 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,899
2025 BLS Actual
$45,450
2026 Current Est.
$48,404
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,598 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,551 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laguna Niguel metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,899 (2019) to $45,450 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,551 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,652 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laguna Niguel 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) | $39,299 – $42,782 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,782 – $48,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,404 – $55,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,017 – $60,734 |
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 Laguna Niguel
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Laguna Niguel remains robust, with 16 local professionals currently employed in this capacity. However, the cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that housing and other expenses are above the national average, impacting take-home pay. Employers such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, especially for roles demanding specific skill sets, including shift differentials for night and weekend work. Variations in compensation often arise from factors like agency premium pay during staffing shortages and certification stipends for additional qualifications. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, exploring weekend-only positions or seeking roles in high-acuity facilities could provide lucrative opportunities to enhance their certified nursing assistant pay in Laguna Niguel, CA.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Laguna Niguel, CA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Laguna Niguel?
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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 $45,450 for certified nursing assistantsin the Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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