Nursing Assistant Salary in California
Nursing Assistants in California earn an average of $44,150 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$44,150
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.22
per hour
vs National
+15.6%
$38,200 national
Salary Range
$28,370
to $64,609
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$44,150
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$31,092
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Nursing Assistant's salary of $44,150 has the purchasing power of $31,092 in an average-cost area.
Nursing Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $51,145 | $24.59/hr | $33,883 | $75,978 | 1,476 |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,079 | $24.56/hr | $32,725 | $75,707 | 2,176 |
| San Diego, CA | $43,139 | $20.74/hr | $27,111 | $63,432 | 1,307 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $41,543 | $19.97/hr | $26,980 | $59,599 | 2,179 |
| Sacramento, CA | $39,841 | $19.15/hr | $25,323 | $59,283 | 1,571 |
| Riverside, CA | $38,152 | $18.34/hr | $24,198 | $53,652 | 1,341 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Nursing Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 10,050 Nursing Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Nursing Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$28,370
Starting salary for new Nursing Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$44,150
Mid-career Nursing Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$64,609
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Pharmacist
$158,458
avg in CA
+$114,308 vs Nursing Assistant
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$103,566 vs Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$65,439 vs Nursing Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$61,418 vs Nursing Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
+$26,471 vs Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Nursing Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Nursing Assistant Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Nursing Assistant salary in California?
The average Nursing Assistant salary in California is $44,150 per year ($21.22/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.6% above the national average of $38,200.
What is the highest paying city for Nursing Assistants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Nursing Assistants in California, with a median salary of $51,145 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $38,152.
What is the salary range for Nursing Assistants in California?
Nursing Assistant salaries in California range from $28,370 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $64,609 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $44,150 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.