Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Antioch, CA

As a career analyst who’s lived in the East Bay for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how the nursing field works in Antioch. It’s a city with its own distinct rhythm—affordable compared to Lafayette or Walnut Creek, but with a grit that reminds you it's a working-class community. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), Antioch isn’t the high-paying hub of San Francisco, but it’s a solid, sustainable market with real opportunities.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We’re going to look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the actual employers. If you’re considering a move here or starting your career in the area, this is your roadmap.

The Salary Picture: Where Antioch Stands

Let's get straight to the data. As of the most recent available figures, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Antioch is $37,712 per year. That translates to an hourly wage of $18.13. It's important to contextualize this. While the national average for CNAs sits at $35,760/year, Antioch’s median is slightly above that mark. However, you must balance this against the local cost of living.

Antioch is part of the broader Concord, CA metro area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the metro area has approximately 234 jobs for nursing assistants, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, consistent demand, which is often more valuable for career planning than a volatile market.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the Antioch area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Antioch Market
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$34,000 - $37,712	Often starts at skilled nursing facilities or larger hospital systems. Union positions may start slightly higher.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	Experience in specialties (dementia care, rehab) or taking shift differentials can push you into this range.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$46,000 - $55,000+	Often seen in lead CNA roles, clinical instructors, or positions at major hospitals like Sutter Delta.

How does this compare to other California cities?

• San Francisco: Median ~$45,000. Cost of living is drastically higher.
• Sacramento: Median ~$36,500. Slightly lower pay, but similar cost of living to Antioch.
• Los Angeles: Median ~$38,500. Higher pay, but much higher rent and traffic.
• Antioch: Hits a middle ground. It’s not a high-wage center, but it’s more affordable than coastal cities, making the salary stretch further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is one thing; your bank account is another. Let’s run the numbers for a single CNA earning the median salary of $37,712.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Approximate):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $3,142
• Taxes (Federal, CA State, FICA): ~$700 - $850 (varies by exemptions)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $2,292 - $2,442

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average in Antioch): $2,304
• Utilities (PGE, internet, water): $200 - $250
• Transportation (Gas/Car Insurance): $250 - $350
• Groceries: $300 - $400
• Misc/Healthcare: $200

The Reality Check:
After rent alone, you’re left with roughly $100-$140 for all other expenses. This is a tight budget. Living alone on a single CNA salary in Antioch is challenging. Most CNAs here either have a partner with a second income, live with roommates, or live in multi-generational households.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Short answer: Not on a single CNA salary. The median home price in Antioch hovers around $600,000. A 20% down payment is $120,000. On a $37,712 annual salary, lenders would see you as highly leveraged. Homeownership is typically a long-term goal achieved after career advancement (becoming an LVN or RN) or with dual incomes.

Where the Jobs Are: Antioch's Major Employers

Antioch’s healthcare job market is dominated by a mix of large hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and home health agencies. Here are the key players:

1. Sutter Delta Medical Center (in nearby Antioch): This is the primary hospital. They hire CNAs for Med/Surg, ER, and swing beds. Insider Tip: They are a union shop (SEIU). Pay is transparent and often starts at the higher end of the local range, with excellent benefits. They frequently post jobs on their career portal, not just on Indeed.

2. The Marcus Garvey Rehabilitation Center: A long-term acute care hospital specializing in complex cases. Hiring is steady due to the specialized nature of the care. They value experience with ventilator patients or complex wound care.

3. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Antioch has several, including Providence Antioch and Elder Care Antioch. These are high-turnover environments but are the most common entry points for new CNAs. They often offer sign-on bonuses (check current postings, as these change quarterly).

4. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association of Northern California and Kindred at Home have a presence in the East Bay. These offer more flexible schedules but can be less stable with variable hours. Excellent for those needing daytime shifts.

5. Kaiser Permanente – Richmond Medical Center: While not in Antioch proper, it’s a major employer for East Bay residents. A 15-20 minute drive. Kaiser offers strong union benefits and opportunities to transfer to other Kaiser facilities. Insider Tip: They often have “patient care technician” roles that are essentially CNA positions with a different title.

6. Contra Costa County Health Services: The county operates clinics and some long-term care facilities. Government jobs offer pension plans and stability, but hiring can be slow due to bureaucratic processes.

Hiring Trends: Demand is consistent. The 4% growth aligns with an aging population. The biggest need is for evening and weekend shifts, which often come with a $2-$4/hour shift differential.

Getting Licensed in CA

California’s requirements are strict but straightforward. The process typically takes 2-4 months.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete 150 hours of training (60 theory, 90 clinical). Programs are available at community colleges (like Los Medanos College in Pittsburg) and private schools. Cost: $1,000 - $2,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The state uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). You must pass both the written/oral and skills test. Cost: ~$106.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit your application to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with proof of passing the exam and a background check. Cost: $30.
4. Background Check: LiveScan fingerprinting is required. Cost: ~$70.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $1,200 - $2,700.

Insider Tip: Los Medanos College in Pittsburg offers a reputable, affordable program. Many local hospitals, like Sutter Delta, have relationships with local schools and may hire you upon graduation if you perform well in clinicals.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAN)s

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and daily life. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg 1BR Rent	Why It’s a Fit for a CNA
Downtown Antioch	Walkable, urban. 5-10 min drive to Sutter Delta.	$2,100	Close to work, less driving. Older buildings, some with charm.
Blackhawk (East of Antioch)	Suburban, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute.	$2,700	Safer, quieter, but rent is high. Better for those with roommates.
Pittsburg (South)	Working-class, diverse. 10-15 min to Antioch jobs.	$1,950	More affordable. Close to Los Medanos College for training.
Oakley (East)	Quiet, suburban. 15-20 min commute.	$2,100	Gentrifying, good value. Longer commute to Antioch hospitals.
Concord (West)	Central hub. 20-30 min commute to Antioch.	$2,250	More job options across the East Bay, but reverse traffic can be brutal.

Insider Tip: If you work at Sutter Delta, living in Downtown Antioch or Pittsburg gives you the easiest commute. Avoid the I-680 corridor during rush hour if you can.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Antioch is a fantastic launchpad, but the ceiling is low if you don’t advance.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with geriatric, dementia, or psychiatric experience can command higher pay in facilities specializing in those areas. Certifications like CNA II (for advanced skills) are rare but valuable.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse): The next logical step. 12-month programs at local community colleges. LVNs in Antioch earn a median of $55,000-$65,000. This is the single biggest salary jump.
  2. RN (Registered Nurse): Requires an Associate Degree (ADN) or Bachelor’s (BSN). ADN programs at Los Medanos College are a direct path. RNs in the area can earn $90,000-$130,000.
  3. Specialized Roles: CNA experience can lead to roles in case management, dialysis tech, or phlebotomy with additional certification.

10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth, the market will be stable but competitive. The key to higher pay will be specialization and licensure. The local community college system is your best friend for advancement.

The Verdict: Is Antioch Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals and SNFs.	Tight Budget: The median salary doesn’t comfortably cover solo rent.
Affordable Entry Point: Cheaper than SF, Oakland, or Walnut Creek.	Traffic & Commute: I-80 and I-680 can be congested.
Pathway to Advancement: Excellent community colleges for LVN/RN.	High Cost of Living Overall: CA taxes and indexing are a burden.
Diverse Patient Population: Experience with a wide range of cases.	Limited High-Paying CNA Jobs: Top wages require seniority or unions.
Union Presence: SEIU at major employers provides job security.	City Challenges: Antioch has areas with higher crime rates; research neighborhoods.

Final Recommendation:
Antioch is a good fit for a CNA who is either starting their career and willing to live with roommates, or has a partner with a second income. It’s a strategic choice for those planning to advance to an LVN or RN within 3-5 years. If you’re looking for a high CNA salary to live alone comfortably, you’d be better served in San Francisco or Los Angeles, but you’d pay significantly more in rent. For a practical, career-focused approach, Antioch works.

FAQs

Q: What is the cost of living index for Antioch?
A: Antioch’s cost of living index is 118.2, meaning it’s 18.2% more expensive than the U.S. average. This is driven almost entirely by housing costs.

Q: Are there union jobs for CNAs in Antioch?
A: Yes. Sutter Delta Medical Center and Contra Costa County positions are typically unionized (SEIU). This means set pay scales, step increases, and better job protection than non-union SNFs.

Q: How long does it take to get a CNA license in CA?
A: From starting a training program to receiving your certificate, expect 2-4 months. The biggest variable is the wait time for the state competency exam, which can have a backlog.

Q: Is Antioch safe for healthcare workers?
A: Like any city, it varies by neighborhood. The hospital and medical areas are generally safe. When choosing housing, use local crime maps (CrimeMapping.com) and check specific blocks. Sticking to Pittsburg or the newer parts of Antioch can offer peace of mind.

Q: Can I live in Antioch and commute to San Francisco?
A: You could, but it’s a brutal commute (1.5 hours each way via BART + car). The pay jump to SF would be offset by higher rent and transportation costs. It’s not recommended for quality of life.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California Association of Realtors, Numbeo Cost of Living Index, and local job postings from Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Contra Costa County.