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Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Merced, CA

Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $44,420, which is notably higher than the national average of $41,050. This localized pay differential is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific healthcare demands within Merced, and the overall cost of doing business for healthcare providers in the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,410.
  • Outlook: Merced, CA, supports a local workforce of approximately 400 Nursing Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or growing demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of 5.132 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential healthcare professionals within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,420

The average Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA earns+8.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.4

Weekly

$854

Monthly

$3,702

Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Salary progression for Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Nursing Assistants with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$37,540$18
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$33,315$16
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$44,040$21.2
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$55,525$26.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$49,410$23.8

Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,420

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $44,420 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Nursing Assistant's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

5.132

Per 1K Jobs

0.57

Location Quotient

Below Average

Merced, CA has 0.57x the national average concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.57 indicates that Merced, CA, has a lower concentration of Nursing Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified individuals and indicating that employers might be actively seeking to fill these roles to meet local healthcare needs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Nursing Assistants Salary$46,260↑ 4%37 mi
Fresno, CA Nursing Assistants Salary$43,160↓ 3%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Nursing Assistants Salary$46,170↑ 4%65 mi
Salinas, CA Nursing Assistants Salary$48,370↑ 9%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Nursing Assistants Salary$58,190↑ 31%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Nursing Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA is $44,420. This typically ranges from $37,540 for entry-level positions to $49,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 8.2% higher than the national median of $41,050.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?

Yes, Merced, CA offers competitive compensation for Nursing Assistants.The average salary of $44,420 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location.

Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($46,260) and Fresno, CA.

How does Merced's Nursing Assistant salary compare to the national average?

Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA, earn an average of $44,420 annually, which is $3,370 more than the national average of $41,050.

What is the job concentration for Nursing Assistants in Merced, CA?

Merced, CA has a Location Quotient of 0.57 for Nursing Assistants, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 43% lower than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Merced, CA affect salary value?

Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $44,420 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of Nursing Assistants employed in Merced, CA?

There are approximately 400 Nursing Assistants employed in Merced, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 5.132 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA