The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Inglewood, CA

So, you’re thinking about moving to Inglewood to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Maybe you’re drawn by the energy of the city, the proximity to Los Angeles, or the specific job opportunities. Let’s cut through the noise and look at the real numbers, the local landscape, and what it actually takes to make a life here. As a career analyst who’s watched this market for years, here’s the unvarnished truth about being a CNA in Inglewood.

Inglewood is a city in motion. With a metro population of 102,857, it’s a dense, vibrant community with a unique identity. It’s home to major venues like SoFi Stadium and the Kia Forum, but its healthcare backbone is strong and growing. The Cost of Living Index here is 115.5 (U.S. average is 100), which tells you immediately that your dollar won’t stretch as far as it might in the Midwest or South. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,252/month. That’s your first critical data point.

Let’s break down your potential career and financial life here, piece by piece.

The Salary Picture: Where Inglewood Stands

First, the hard numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market analysis, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the Inglewood area is $37,422 per year. That translates to an hourly rate of $17.99. This is a critical benchmark. It’s slightly above the national average of $35,760, which reflects the higher cost of living in California, but it’s not a high-income wage, especially in this expensive region.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Inglewood Area)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $35,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,500 - $40,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$40,000 - $45,000
Expert / Specialist	10+ years	$45,000+ (may include specialty certifications)

Insider Tip: The "Expert" level salary often requires a specialty like geriatrics in a long-term care facility or acute care experience. CNAs working for the Kaiser system or UCLA Health often land at the higher end of these brackets due to union contracts and structured pay scales.

Comparison to Other California Cities:
Inglewood sits in a middle ground. It’s more affordable than Beverly Hills or Santa Monica, where CNAs might earn a dollar or two more per hour but face astronomical rent. It’s less expensive than San Francisco, where CNAs can make $22-$25/hour but face a $3,000+ monthly rent. Compared to inland cities like Riverside (median salary: ~$36,500, rent: ~$1,700), Inglewood offers higher pay but a significantly steeper housing cost.

The job market is competitive but steady. There are approximately 205 jobs listed for nursing assistants in the broader metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. That growth is slower than the national average for the profession (projected 4% nationally through 2032), indicating a mature, stable market rather than a booming one. You won’t find explosive growth, but you’ll find reliable demand, especially in geriatric and home health settings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $37,422 is your gross income. In California, you’ll pay federal income tax, FICA (7.65%), and state income tax. For a single filer with no dependents, estimated annual take-home pay (after taxes) would be roughly $30,500 - $31,500, or about $2,550 per month.

Now, compare that to your fixed rent: $2,252/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. That leaves you with approximately $300 per month for all other expenses: utilities, car payment/insurance, gas, food, healthcare, and savings. This is an extremely tight budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? At this salary level, in this market, it is highly unlikely without a significant down payment, dual income, or family help. The median home price in Inglewood is around $700,000. A standard 20% down payment is $140,000. A mortgage payment on a $560,000 loan (at current interest rates) would be $3,500-$4,000/month, far exceeding the monthly take-home of a single CNA. Homeownership as a CNA in Inglewood is not a realistic short-term goal for most individuals.

Where the Jobs Are: Inglewood's Major Employers

Inglewood is a healthcare hub in the South Bay region. Your job search should focus on these key employers:

1. Kaiser Permanente - West LA Medical Center: Located just on the other side of the 105 freeway, this is a major employer for CNAs. They offer competitive benefits, union wages, and clear career ladders. Hiring is often seasonal (post-holidays, summer) but happens year-round.
2. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center: A county-run trauma center in nearby Torrance (a 15-20 minute commute). It’s a safety-net hospital with high patient volume, offering immense experience. Pay is structured by county scales, which are public information.
3. Southern California Hospital (formerly Culver Hospital): Located just south of Inglewood in Culver City. This is a smaller, community-focused hospital with a steady need for CNAs in Med/Surg and post-op units.
4. Inglewood-based Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Chains like Genesis Healthcare, SavaSeniorCare, and local facilities like The Rehabilitation Center of Inglewood are consistently hiring. The shift can be demanding (often 12-hour nights/weekends), but it’s a core part of the local job market.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association of Southern California and ComForCare serve the Inglewood community. These roles offer more autonomy but often less consistent hours and no benefits unless you’re a full-time employee of a large agency.
6. UCLA Health - Santa Monica Medical Center: A bit farther west (30-40 minute commute with traffic), but a top-tier employer with excellent benefits and career development opportunities. Worth the commute for many.
7. Centinela Hospital Medical Center: Located in nearby Inglewood, this is a full-service acute care hospital and a major local employer. They frequently post openings for CNAs in various departments.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for CNAs willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends. Positions in home health and private duty are growing faster than hospital jobs. To stand out, get your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification before you apply (it’s often required).

Getting Licensed in CA

To work as a CNA in California, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the competency exam.

1. Training Program: You must complete a program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Programs in the Inglewood/LA area typically cost $800 - $1,500 and last 4-8 weeks (full-time). Community colleges (like West LA College) often offer the most affordable and reputable programs.
2. Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state exam (written and skills test). The exam fee is approximately $100 - $120.
3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required, which can add a few weeks and a small fee (~$50).
4. Timeline: From enrollment to earning your certificate, expect a 2-4 month process. Once certified, you must renew every two years, which requires working at least 8 hours for pay in a CNA role during the two-year period.

Insider Tip: Always check the CDPH registry to verify a school's approval status. Some private "diploma mills" are not state-approved and will not allow you to take the exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living close to work is key to managing commute times and costs. Here are neighborhoods to consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
Inglewood (Central)	Urban, diverse, walkable. 10-15 min to most local employers.	$2,000 - $2,300	Minimizes commute, puts you in the heart of the community.
Westchester/Ladera Heights	More suburban, quieter. 15-25 min to Inglewood employers.	$2,500 - $2,900	Safer, but significantly more expensive. Good for those going to UCLA/Santa Monica.
Lennox/Hyde Park	Working-class, strong community ties. 5-15 min commute.	$1,800 - $2,100	More affordable options, close to the 105/405 for easy access.
South LA (Westside)	Densely populated, vibrant. 20-30 min commute, traffic-dependent.	$1,600 - $2,000	More budget-friendly, but be prepared for a longer, unpredictable commute.
Beverly Hills (adjacent)	Upscale, but rentals in older buildings. 25-40 min commute.	$2,700+	Only viable if you have a roommate or a higher-paying job at a major hospital.

Personal Insight: For a single CNA on a $37,422 salary, Lennox or central Inglewood offers the best balance of affordability and commute. Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment in Westchester with a roommate could be a strategic move to improve your financial margin.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The "growth" for a CNA isn't just about more CNA jobs. It's about leveraging the role as a launchpad.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal pay bump, gaining experience in geriatrics, psychiatric care, or acute rehab makes you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying hospital jobs. Some hospital systems offer a small differential for night/weekend shifts, which can be $1.50 - $3.00/hour extra.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to use your CNA experience to get into nursing school (RN/LVN). Inglewood has several programs, including at West LA College and Charles R. Drew University. Many employers offer tuition assistance. Another path is to become a CNA II (in some hospitals) or a Medication Aide (requires additional certification), which can lead to a slight pay increase and more responsibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth means steady opportunities, but not explosive demand. The real growth is in the shift toward home health and community-based care, driven by an aging population. CNAs with strong patient-relationship skills and flexibility will have an edge. The long-term value of the CNA credential is its role as a stepping stone; most CNAs who advance in healthcare do so by becoming nurses or entering other allied health fields.

The Verdict: Is Inglewood Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with major hospitals and SNFs nearby.	High cost of living makes budgeting very tight on a median salary.
Vibrant, diverse community with rich culture and food scenes.	Homeownership is unrealistic for most single CNAs at this salary level.
Proximity to Los Angeles offers endless networking and cultural opportunities.	Traffic can be brutal, turning a 15-minute commute into 45 minutes.
Public transit access (Metro Rail) can reduce car dependency for some routes.	Competitive rental market; finding an affordable apartment takes time.
Gateway to specialty healthcare in LA/South Bay region.	Slower job growth (4%) means competition for the best positions.

Final Recommendation: Inglewood is a viable and rewarding place to work as a CNA if you are budget-conscious, willing to share housing, and view the role as a stepping stone. It’s not a place to get rich, but it’s a place to gain invaluable experience, build a professional network, and potentially launch a long-term career in healthcare. If you prioritize financial stability and home ownership above all else, you may want to consider a lower-cost region. But for experience and opportunity, Inglewood holds its own.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the CNA job market in Inglewood?
A: It’s moderately competitive. You will be competing with other certified CNAs, but the constant need for staff in SNFs and hospitals means there are always openings. Having your BLS certification and being flexible with shifts (nights/weekends) gives you a significant advantage.

Q: Can I survive on the median salary?
A: It’s possible, but it requires careful budgeting and likely shared housing. You will have little room for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending. Many CNAs in the area work overtime or have a side hustle to make ends meet.

Q: What’s the best way to find an affordable apartment?
A: Start your search 60-90 days before your move. Check local Facebook groups (e.g., "Inglewood Rentals") and apps like Zillow and Apartments.com. Be prepared with proof of income (job offer letter) and good references. Consider looking in Lennox or South LA for better prices.

Q: Is it worth it to get my CNA license in California if I’m moving from another state?
A: Yes, but be prepared for a process. California does not have reciprocity. You must complete a state-approved program and pass the exam. If you’re already a CNA, you can challenge the exam, but the training requirement is strict. Start the process as early as possible.

Q: What’s the most important skill for a CNA in Inglewood?
A: Beyond technical skills, cultural competency is crucial. Inglewood is incredibly diverse. The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and families from all backgrounds is invaluable and will make you a standout employee.