Nursing Assistants Salary in California
Nursing Assistants in California earn a median annual wage of $47,630 —12.7% above the national median of $42,260. That ranks CA #6 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.65× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for nursing assistants
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $49,830 | $23.96 | 14,800 | 0.81 |
| 2 | Washington | $49,180 | $23.65 | 30,270 | 0.91 |
| 3 | New York | $48,590 | $23.36 | 87,990 | 0.97 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $47,870 | $23.02 | 7,810 | 1.23 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $47,700 | $22.93 | 3,490 | 0.53 |
| 6 | California | $47,630 | $22.90 | 110,060 | 0.65 |
| 7 | Colorado | $47,380 | $22.78 | 22,240 | 0.83 |
| 8 | Vermont | $47,130 | $22.66 | 3,030 | 1.07 |
| 9 | Maine | $47,070 | $22.63 | 8,540 | 1.43 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $46,830 | $22.52 | 32,400 | 0.81 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | $35,800 |
| Medical Assistants | $49,660 | $45,690 |
| Dental Assistants | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| Phlebotomists | $56,040 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $46,260 | $38,150 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $83,110 | $68,380 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do nursing assistants make in California?
The median annual wage for nursing assistants in California is $47,630, or $22.90 per hour. That is 12.7% above the national median of $42,260.
What is the entry-level nursing assistants salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $40,110 per year ($19.28/hour). The 25th percentile is $45,850.
How many people work as nursing assistants in California?
About 110,060 people work in this occupation in California, or 6.0 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for nursing assistants?
California ranks #6 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.65x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays nursing assistants the most?
Oregon has the highest median wage at $49,830 per year, followed by Washington ($49,180) and New York ($48,590).