A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California makes on average about $40,040 per year, which breaks down to approximately $20.26 per hour. Entry- level CNAs start around $34,905 per year, while experienced CNAs can earn up to $52,943 annually. Hourly wages typically range roughly from $16 to $26, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some cities in California pay significantly higher, with top cities like Corcoran paying over $66,000 annually or about $32 per hour.