Salary distribution
Where San Diego nursing assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $45,300 and $49,010, with a median of $46,600.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.0 / 5
Service Orientation
Technical
- 3.9 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.6 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- 02
Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.
- 03
Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink.
- 04
Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation.
- 05
Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- 06
Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
- 07
Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
- 08
Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for nursing assistants.
- San Jose$56,220
- San Francisco$53,990
- Sacramento$46,260
- Los Angeles$46,140
- Riverside$44,950
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Nursing Assistants in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Nursing Assistants in the San Diego metropolitan area is $46,600.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Nursing Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is +0.4% versus the California state median of $46,420.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Nursing Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is +15.1% versus the BLS national figure of $40,470.
- What is the salary range for Nursing Assistants in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $39,420 and the 90th-percentile at $58,630 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Nursing Assistants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.