Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pasadena, CA: $50,236 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pasadena, CA earns a median $50,236/year (≈ $24.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $44,417 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $50,236 for 2026, which reflects a notable post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare sector. The salary range spans from $40,088 at the 10th percentile to $64,031 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicating that the certified nursing assistant pay in Pasadena, CA, is approximately 11.62% higher than the national median salary of $45,007. This new salary floor is indicative of efforts to attract and retain talent in a field that faced significant turnover during the pandemic, revealing a local job market that is adjusting to new economic realities and demand for skilled nursing professionals.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,088 | $19.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,887 | $21.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,236 | $24.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,668 | $27.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,031 | $30.79 |
Median Salary Position
11.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,943 (2026 est.). At $50,236, the local median is 11.62% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $50,236/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,837 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.62% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $50,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.62% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.80% above the California state average of $49,837.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,236 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,417 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,106
2025 BLS Actual
$47,170
2026 Current Est.
$50,236
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,434 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,236 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,106 (2019) to $47,170 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,395 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $40,088 – $43,887 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,887 – $50,236 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,236 – $57,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,668 – $64,031 |
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 Pasadena
Currently, there are 35 certified nursing assistants employed in Pasadena, showcasing a growing demand for these vital roles. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting higher living expenses compared to the national average. This means that while the salary may seem competitive, the purchasing power of these earnings can be impacted by local prices. Employers such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest pay rates, particularly for weekend shifts or positions in specialized areas like ICUs or rehabilitation hospitals, where the acuity of care necessitates higher compensation. Shift differentials and premiums during staffing shortages also contribute to the wage variation; those working nights may earn an additional $2 to $4 per hour, while weekend bonuses typically range from $1 to $3. Certified nursing assistants in Pasadena should consider these factors and explore opportunities that include additional certifications or specialized roles to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 $47,170 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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