Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in San Mateo, CA: $50,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in San Mateo, CA earns a median $50,381/year (≈ $24.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $44,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in San Mateo reaches a median annual figure of $50,381, representing a noteworthy elevation from pre-pandemic levels. This projection reflects the post-COVID wage reset that many healthcare professionals have experienced. Certified nursing assistants in the region can expect salaries ranging from $37,870 at the lower end to $64,511 at the higher end of the spectrum. These numbers are derived from local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. Compared to the national median salary of $45,007 for certified nursing assistants, San Mateo's compensation stands out, showcasing an approximately 11.94% premium that aligns with the city's higher living costs and workforce demands.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,277 | $21.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,381 | $24.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,031 | $26.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,511 | $31.01 |
Median Salary Position
11.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,641 (2026 est.). At $50,381, the local median is 11.94% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $50,381/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $49,833 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.94% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $50,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.94% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.10% above the California state average of $49,833.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,381 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,546 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,202
2025 BLS Actual
$47,306
2026 Current Est.
$50,381
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,534 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,202 (2019) to $47,306 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,454 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo 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) | $37,870 – $45,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,277 – $50,381 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,381 – $56,031 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,031 – $64,511 |
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 San Mateo
The job market for certified nursing assistants in San Mateo is relatively stable, with only 21 professionals currently employed in the area. These individuals navigate a cost of living index of 113.1, indicating expenses are higher than the national average, which can directly affect their take-home pay. Most competitive salaries in the area are found in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in ICUs, where shift differentials and weekend premiums can enhance earnings significantly. For example, night shifts typically offer an extra $2-$4 per hour, while weekend work may yield an additional $1-$3 per hour. To maximize their potential earnings, professionals may consider agency roles or weekend-only positions that often come with premium pay. As the sector evolves, individuals pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant should also explore pathways into LPN or RN roles, taking advantage of various educational subsidies that may be available.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in San Mateo?
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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 $47,306 for certified nursing assistantsin the San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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