Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Petaluma, CA: $51,939 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Petaluma, CA earns a median $51,939/year (≈ $24.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Petaluma's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $45,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the evolving healthcare landscape of Petaluma, California, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is set at $51,939, reflecting a 15.40% increase over the national median of $45,007. The compensation for these roles ranges significantly, with the lower end at $43,186 and the higher end reaching $64,280, highlighting the pay disparities based on experience, specialization, and healthcare settings. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, emphasize that skilled nursing facilities may offer different pay rates than hospitals. As the demand for certified nursing assistants rises due to ongoing staffing challenges, monitoring these salary trends becomes essential for both prospective and current CNAs in Petaluma.
About the Petaluma Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,186 | $20.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,939 | $24.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,502 | $28.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,280 | $30.91 |
Median Salary Position
15.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Petaluma
In Petaluma, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,094 (2026 est.). At $51,939, the local median is 15.4% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Petaluma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Petaluma Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Petaluma median: $51,939/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Petaluma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,845 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +15.40% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Petaluma, CA earn a median of $51,939 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.40% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.20% above the California state average of $49,845.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Petaluma has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Petaluma, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,939 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,923 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,228
2025 BLS Actual
$48,769
2026 Current Est.
$51,939
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,978 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,939 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Petaluma metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $34,228 (2019) to $48,769 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,087 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Petaluma 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) | $43,186 – $46,510 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,510 – $51,939 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,939 – $58,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,502 – $64,280 |
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 Petaluma
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Petaluma shows a modest count of 12 employed individuals, indicating a niche yet stable employment landscape. The local cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, suggesting higher expenses than the national average, which can impact purchasing power despite competitive salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer higher compensation compared to hospitals, particularly for roles requiring specialized care or evening and weekend shifts, which often include premium pay. Factors contributing to salary variations include shift differentials—where night shifts may earn an extra $2-4 per hour—and agency rates during staffing shortages that can offer lucrative opportunities. For CNAs seeking to maximize their earnings in Petaluma, it is advisable to explore weekend-only roles or pursue additional certifications that could qualify them for higher paid positions within the healthcare system.
More salary data for Petaluma, 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 $48,769 for certified nursing assistantsin the Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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