Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ewa Gentry CDP, HI

The Salary Picture: Where Ewa Gentry CDP Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because the first question every CNA asks is about pay. As a local, I can tell you that Ewa Gentry CDP isn't the highest-paying area on Oahu for healthcare workers, but it offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) here is $36,854/year, which translates to about $17.72/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, a small but meaningful buffer that reflects Hawaii's higher cost of living.

The job market is tight and localized. There are approximately 53 CNA positions open in the metro area at any given time, which is competitive but not impossible to break into. The 10-year job growth projection for the sector is 4%, which is steady but not explosive. This means you won't see a hiring frenzy, but the demand is consistent, especially in facilities catering to the aging population on the Leeward side of the island.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential grows with experience and specialization. Here’s how salaries typically break down in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	Often starts in long-term care or hospital float pools. Your first year is about building hours and trust.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$36,854 - $40,000	This is the median range. You might specialize in rehab, hospice, or home health, which can bump your rate.
Senior Level (8+ years)	$41,000 - $45,000+	Leadership roles (CNA II, mentor), dialysis, or skilled nursing facilities with higher acuity patients.
Expert/Specialized	$45,000+	This is for those with certifications in areas like geriatrics, hospice care, or who transition into private duty.

How Ewa Gentry Compares to Other HI Cities

Ewa Gentry sits in a middle ground. It's more affordable than Honolulu or Waikiki, but salaries haven't fully caught up. Here's a quick comparison of CNA medians:

City/Area	Median Salary	Cost of Living Context
Ewa Gentry CDP	$36,854	Suburban, family-oriented, moderate rent.
Honolulu (Urban Core)	~$38,500	Highest pay, but extreme rent and traffic congestion.
Kailua (Windward)	~$37,200	Similar pay, but much higher commute times to major hospitals.
Pearl City	~$36,500	Very comparable to Ewa Gentry, with similar employer landscape.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest nominal salary. A $38,500 job in Honolulu could net you less after a 90-minute commute in traffic and a $2,500 rent. Ewa Gentry's value is in its relative affordability and proximity to key employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The "Aloha State" has a high cost of living, and Ewa Gentry CDP is no exception. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,038/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 110.2 (US avg = 100), meaning our expenses are about 10% higher than the national average.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $36,854/year ($3,071/month gross).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross Pay: $3,071)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Gross Pay
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$615 (est. 20%)	20%
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,456	80%
Rent (1BR Avg)	$2,038	66% of net pay
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	8%
Groceries & Food	$350	11%
Transportation (Car/Gas)	$200	6%
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	5%
Savings/Personal	-$332	Deficit
TOTAL	$2,938

This is a sobering look at the numbers. As you can see, after taxes and a typical 1BR rent, a single person earning the median is left with a significant deficit. This is the reality for many on Oahu. To make it work, you would likely need to:

• Share housing: A roommate can cut rent to ~$1,000, freeing up $1,000 in the budget.
• Live in a studio or smaller apartment: Some studios in the area can be found for $1,700-$1,800.
• Work overtime or pick up extra shifts: Common in healthcare and can provide a necessary buffer.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short answer: Not on this salary alone. The median home price in Ewa Gentry is well over $700,000. A $36,854 salary would not qualify for a mortgage in this market without a substantial down payment (20%+) and a co-borrower. Homeownership here is a long-term goal, often achieved through household income (dual income) or after significant career advancement and salary increases. Renting is the standard for most CNAs in their early and mid-careers in this area.

Where the Jobs Are: Ewa Gentry CDP's Major Employers

The Ewa Gentry area is part of the larger Leeward Oahu region, which is a hub for healthcare serving a dense and growing population. The "Ewa Plain" is seeing significant development, and healthcare infrastructure is expanding with it.

Here are the primary employers for CNAs in and around Ewa Gentry:

1. The Queen's Medical Center - West Oahu: This is the flagship hospital for the region. It's a major trauma center and offers a wide range of services. CNAs here often work in the ER, Med/Surg, or rehab units. Hiring is competitive but offers excellent experience and benefits. They tend to hire in batches after completing their own training programs.
2. Hawaii State Hospital: Located in Kaneohe (about a 30-minute drive without traffic), this is the state's primary psychiatric facility. They have a significant need for CNAs in their residential and medical treatment units. It's a unique specialty that often pays at the higher end of the CNA spectrum for the state.
3. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: These are the backbone of CNA employment. Look for:
   • Summer Care Hawaii (multiple locations, including nearby Waipahu)
   • Arcadia Retirement Residence (in Honolulu, but a manageable commute)
   • Kuakini Medical System (also in Honolulu)
4. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Island Care or The Queen's Home Health service the Ewa Gentry area directly. This offers more flexible schedules but often with less consistent hours. It's a great option for those seeking work-life balance.
5. Kaiser Permanente - West Oahu Clinic: While not a hospital, their clinics and affiliated facilities (like the Moanalua Medical Center) are major employers. They offer a robust benefits package and often promote from within.
6. State of Hawaii - Department of Health: They hire CNAs for various public health programs and facilities. These jobs offer strong job security and state benefits but may have a longer hiring process.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable push toward home-based and community care as Oahu's population ages. While hospital jobs are prized, home health agencies are actively hiring CNA to meet this demand. Also, facilities that specialize in geriatric and dementia care are seeing increased patient loads, creating more positions.

Getting Licensed in HI

Hawaii's licensure process is straightforward but has specific requirements. You must be certified by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL).

Steps to Licensure:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must attend a training program approved by the Hawaii DCA. These are typically offered at community colleges (like Honolulu Community College) and private schools. The course includes 100 hours of classroom and clinical training.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration.
3. Apply for Licensure: Submit your application, proof of training, exam results, and a background check to the PVL. The current application fee is $60.
4. Maintain Your License: Hawaii CNA licenses are renewed every two years. You must complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program: $800 - $1,500 (varies by institution)
• Exam Fee: $100 (approximate)
• Application Fee: $60
• Total Initial Cost: ~$960 - $1,660
• Timeline: From starting a class to holding your license, expect it to take 3-5 months. This includes waiting for the next class to start, completing the course, and processing your application.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like The Queen's Medical Center, offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for their own CNA training programs. If you're hired as a "Nurse Aide Trainee," you work while you train, and the cost is often covered. This is the most financially savvy path if you can get selected.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Living in Ewa Gentry CDP itself is ideal, but you should also consider nearby options for better value or lifestyle fit. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 neighborhoods within a reasonable commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Ewa Gentry CDP	Family-friendly, suburban. Newer developments, good schools. Close to shopping (Target, Longs).	$2,038	10-20 mins to Queen's West Oahu; 20-30 mins to other Leeward facilities.
Ewa Beach	More established, diverse community. Closer to the beach, with older homes and local shops.	$1,900	15-25 mins to Queen's West Oahu. Slightly longer commute for Honolulu jobs.
Waipahu	Working-class, vibrant local culture. Excellent food scene (Filipino, Hawaiian). More affordable.	$1,750	20-30 mins to Queen's West Oahu. Direct access to H-1 Freeway for Honolulu commutes.
Pearl City	Central location, mix of residential and commercial. Very convenient for commuting in any direction.	$2,000	15-25 mins to Queen's West Oahu. 25-35 mins to Honolulu hospitals.
Kapolei	The "Second City." Modern, planned community. Farther west, but with new hospitals and clinics.	$2,100	20-35 mins to Queen's West Oahu. 30-45 mins to Honolulu. Growing local job market.

Neighborhood Insight: For a CNA on a budget, Waipahu offers the best rent-to-opportunity ratio. You're still close to major employers, and the local community is strong. For a quieter, more suburban feel, Ewa Gentry is perfect if you can swing the rent or find a roommate situation.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic entry point, but the long-term play in Hawaii involves specialization or advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: CNA with a geriatric certification or experience in dialysis can often command a higher wage, pushing into the $40,000+ range. Experience in psychiatric care (at Hawaii State Hospital) is also a valuable niche.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. CNA II / Lead CNA: Requires more experience and takes on supervisory duties.
  2. Medication Aide: Requires additional training (often paid for by employer) to administer medications in certain settings.
  3. LPN/RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common path. With your CNA experience, you can enroll in an LPN or RN program. Honolulu Community College and Kapiʻolani Community College have strong programs. Many employers offer tuition assistance. The pay jump is significant: LPNs in Hawaii earn a median of ~$54,000/year, and RNs earn ~$96,000/year (BLS data).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady. The real opportunity lies in the experience gap. As senior nurses retire, there will be a need for experienced CNAs who can train others and step into leadership roles. The shift toward home care will also create more flexible work environments. Investing in further education within the first 5 years is the single best move for salary growth in this market.

The Verdict: Is Ewa Gentry CDP Right for You?

This is a practical decision, not just a lifestyle one. Here’s a direct look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Local Job Market: You're not competing with a massive, anonymous pool of applicants.	High Cost of Living: Rent will consume a large portion of your income.
Proximity to Key Employers: Short commutes to Queen's West Oahu and other Leeward facilities.	Salary vs. Rent Gap: The median salary ($36,854) makes solo housing a financial stretch.
Suburban Lifestyle: Safe, family-oriented, with good amenities and less urban congestion.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a suburb, not a bustling city center.
Gateway to Career Advancement: Solid foundation for LPN/RN programs with employer support.	Traffic to Honolulu: If you work in town, the commute is a significant daily factor.
Community Feel: Strong local networks can be crucial for finding housing and jobs.	Island-Specific Challenges: High utility costs, "island time" on some services.

Final Recommendation

Ewa Gentry CDP is an excellent choice for a CNA who is:

• Practical and community-oriented. You value a stable job and a safe home.
• Open to shared living or a longer-term budget plan. You understand the financial reality and are willing to adapt.
• Looking to start a healthcare career with growth potential. You see the CNA as a step toward LPN/RN, not the final destination.
• A strong swimmer in the job market. With only 53 jobs in the metro, you need to be proactive, network, and possibly start in a less-glamorous setting (like long-term care) to get your foot in the door.

It is not the right choice if you expect to live alone comfortably on the median salary right away, or if you desire a fast-paced, urban nightlife scene.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the CNA job market in Ewa Gentry?
A: It's competitive but not saturated. With only 53 jobs in the metro, you must be persistent. Apply to multiple facilities, be flexible with shifts (nights/weekends), and consider starting in home health or long-term care to gain the local experience that hospitals often prefer.

Q: Is it worth it to get my CNA license here if I want to become an RN?
A: Absolutely. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to start. You earn money while gaining invaluable patient-care experience. Many local hospitals, like Queen's, have pathways that support your transition from CNA to LPN/RN with tuition benefits. This is a strategic move in Hawaii's healthcare landscape.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a new CNA in Hawaii?
A: The financial hurdle. The gap between the median salary ($36,854) and the cost of living is the #1 challenge. The solution is almost always shared housing and a strict budget for the first 1-2 years until you gain experience and can negotiate a higher wage or move into a specialty.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes, overwhelmingly. Public bus service (TheBus) exists, but it's not reliable for getting to hospitals on time for early shifts, especially in the Ewa Gentry area. Having a car is almost a non-negotiable for maintaining a CNA schedule here.

Q: How long should I plan to stay as a CNA before seeking advancement?
A: A solid plan is 2-3 years. This gives you enough time to get comfortable, gain diverse experience, and start saving or planning for an LPN/RN program. Use this time