Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Madera, CA: $48,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Madera, CA earns a median $48,693/year (≈ $23.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Madera's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,053 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in Madera, CA, is $48,693 in 2026. This figure positions Madera above the national median of $45,007, highlighting the area’s competitive landscape for CNA roles. Salaries range from $40,188 for the lowest ten percent to $59,764 for the highest earners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect a post-COVID resetting of wages that has ensured wages in Madera are more favorable compared to many other regions. Given the local employment scenario, with only eight certified nursing assistants currently in the workforce, positions offer a beneficial opportunity for prospective professionals looking to enter a recovering healthcare sector.
About the Madera Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,188 | $19.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,379 | $20.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,693 | $23.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,695 | $26.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,764 | $28.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madera
In Madera, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,576 (2026 est.). At $48,693, the local median is 8.19% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madera: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madera Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Madera median: $48,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madera Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,839 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.19% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Madera, CA earn a median of $48,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% below the California state average of $49,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madera has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madera, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,693 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,053 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,440
2025 BLS Actual
$45,721
2026 Current Est.
$48,693
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,721 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,858 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madera metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 29.0% from $35,440 (2019) to $45,721 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,858 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,418 (46.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madera 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) | $40,188 – $43,379 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,379 – $48,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,693 – $54,695 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,695 – $59,764 |
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 Madera
In Madera, the job market for certified nursing assistants remains strong, primarily due to an increased demand for patient care services. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are relatively competitive, the local economy necessitates vigilant financial planning to maximize take-home pay. Employment in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tends to offer the highest compensation, with specific employers providing additional incentives for night shifts and weekend work; night differentials typically increase pay by $2-4 per hour. Furthermore, special roles such as weekend-only positions and certifications like CMA can lead to pay increases. Those looking to advance their earnings should consider building a strong relationship with local employers and pursuing further certifications, as career pathways to LPN and RN roles are prevalent in this healthcare region, giving CNAs better leverage in negotiating salaries and benefits.
More salary data for Madera, 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 $45,721 for certified nursing assistantsin the Madera 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 Madera 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