Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lakewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lakewood isn’t the highest-paying city for CNAs in Southern California, but it’s a solid, stable market. The median salary here sits at $37,422/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.99/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for a Nursing Assistant is $35,760/year, so you’re earning slightly more here than you would in most of the country, but you’re also dealing with a higher cost of living.

The job market is competitive but steady. For the greater metro area, there are about 156 active jobs for Nursing Assistants at any given time. That’s not a flood of openings, but it’s enough to allow for some mobility. Over the last decade, the 10-year job growth for this role has been 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a consistent demand, largely driven by Lakewood’s aging population and the proximity to major medical centers.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Lakewood area. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data trends.

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes for Lakewood |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $32,000 - $35,000 | Often starts in nursing homes or home health. Expect to work weekends/evenings. |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $36,000 - $40,000 | This is where the Lakewood median ($37,422) falls. You have more leverage for shift differentials. |
| Senior (5-10 years) | $41,000 - $45,000 | Specialized roles (e.g., hospice, dialysis) or positions at major hospitals start here. |
| Expert (10+ years) | $46,000+ | Lead CNA, supervisor roles, or positions in high-acuity units. Often requires additional certs. |

Compared to other California cities, Lakewood sits in the middle. It pays more than rural areas but significantly less than San Francisco or San Jose, where CNAs can earn $45,000+. However, it often beats cities like Bakersfield or Fresno on salary, though the cost of living difference is a major factor.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base hourly rate. Many Lakewood employers, especially the larger hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities, offer shift differentials of $1.50 to $3.00 per hour for nights, weekends, and holidays. This can add $3,000 to $6,000 annually to your base pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. Lakewood’s cost of living index is 115.5, meaning it’s 15.5% higher than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,252/month. On a median salary of $37,422/year, a CNA faces a tight budget.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA earning the Lakewood median. This assumes a standard tax filing (single, one allowance) and includes California’s state income tax.

Monthly Budget for a Lakewood CNA (Gross: $3,118 / Net: ~$2,550)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	~$2,550	After federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare.
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	This is the city average. You might find $200-$300 less in older complexes or with roommates.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity, gas, water, trash. Internet is separate.
Health Insurance	$100 - $250	If employer-sponsored. If buying on CoveredCA, it can be higher.
Car Payment/Gas	$250 - $400	Essential in Lakewood. Car insurance is high in CA.
Groceries	$250 - $350
Phone/Internet	$80 - $120
Misc/Personal	$100 - $200	Clothing, personal care, modest entertainment.
SAVINGS	$0 - $150	This is the critical gap.

The Homeownership Question: Can a CNA earning $37,422/year afford to buy a home in Lakewood? In short, no. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $725,000. Even with a 3.5% down payment ($25,375), a mortgage would be over $4,500/month with current interest rates and property taxes, not including insurance. This is far beyond the budget shown above. Homeownership is likely only feasible with a dual-income household or by moving to a more affordable region of the country. The primary path to financial stability here is through career advancement (see "The Long Game") or securing a position with exceptional benefits.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s healthcare landscape is defined by its proximity to larger medical hubs. Most CNAs work in the surrounding cities but live in Lakewood for its relative affordability and community feel.

1. St. Francis Medical Center (Lynwood): Just a few miles from Lakewood, this is a major trauma and teaching hospital. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ER observer roles. Hiring is ongoing, but they often prefer candidates with hospital experience. Trend: Looking for CNAs with EKG certification.

2. Lakewood Regional Medical Center: Right in the heart of the city. They have a smaller CNA staff but offer positions in their skilled nursing facility and med-surg units. It’s a good option for those who want a shorter commute. Trend: Often hires from within their own CNA training programs.

3. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Long Beach): A massive system that serves all of Lakewood. They have a high volume of CNA openings across multiple specialties. Trend: They have a strong internal career ladder for CNAs to become Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) with advanced training.

4. Sunset Healthcare (Multiple SNFs in Lakewood, Cerritos, Long Beach): This company runs several skilled nursing facilities in the immediate area. They are consistently among the largest employers of CNAs in Lakewood. Trend: High turnover means frequent hiring, but the work can be physically demanding.

5. Kaiser Permanente (Bellflower & South Bay Medical Centers): While not in Lakewood proper, Kaiser is a top employer for healthcare workers in the region. Their Bellflower facility is a short commute. Trend: Excellent pay and benefits, but competition for jobs is fierce. They strongly value experience and reliability.

6. Home Health Agencies (Various): Companies like SunCrest Home Health and VNS Health (Visiting Nurse Service) have offices in the Lakewood/Long Beach area. This offers a different pace of work and more one-on-one patient interaction. Trend: Growing demand for home health aides, especially for post-surgical and dementia care.

7. Life Care Centers of America (Lakewood): A large skilled nursing facility located directly in Lakewood. They are a consistent employer and often offer in-house training for uncertified applicants. Trend: Focus on long-term care and rehabilitation.

Insider Tip: The best way to find a job in Lakewood is through word-of-mouth and local Facebook groups like "Lakewood Jobs" or "Long Beach Healthcare Workers." Many facilities, especially SNFs, post openings there before they hit major job boards.

Getting Licensed in CA

California’s requirements are specific and must be followed precisely. The process is straightforward but can take a few months.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised clinical training at a state-approved school. In the Lakewood area, check out programs at Long Beach City College (the most affordable option), Cerritos College, or private schools like American Medical Career College in nearby Anaheim. Tuition ranges from $800 to $2,000.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both the written (multiple-choice) and skills (demonstration) portions of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam or the American Red Cross exam. The exam fee is typically $100 - $150.

3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply for your CNA certificate through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The application fee is $28 (as of 2023). Processing can take 4-8 weeks.

4. Background Check: You must undergo a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice and the FBI. This is coordinated through your training program or the CDPH and costs approximately $50 - $70.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline:

• Cost: $1,000 - $2,500 (training, exam, fees).
• Timeline: 3 to 6 months from starting classes to receiving your certificate.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like Life Care Centers, offer on-the-job training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). This eliminates upfront training costs but may lock you into a lower starting wage. For flexibility, paying for your own training is usually better.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Lakewood itself is ideal for a short commute to local facilities, but surrounding areas offer different trade-offs.

1. Lakewood (Central): You can’t beat the commute time. Many facilities are within a 10-15 minute drive. It’s a classic suburb with parks, good schools, and a strong community. Rent is at the city average: $2,200 - $2,400 for a 1BR. Best for: Those who prioritize a short, predictable commute and suburban life.

2. North Long Beach (4th Street Corridor): Just south of Lakewood, this area is more affordable and densely populated. You’re closer to Memorial Medical Center and the 710 freeway. Commute to Lakewood jobs is 10-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR can be found for $1,800 - $2,100. Best for: Saving on rent while staying close to major hospitals.

3. Cerritos: Borders Lakewood to the east. It’s a very safe, clean suburb with excellent amenities. Commute to Lakewood jobs is 10-15 minutes. Rent is similar to or slightly higher than Lakewood ($2,200 - $2,500). Best for: A family-oriented, safe environment with a very short commute.

4. Bellflower: East of Lakewood, a bit more working-class and eclectic. It’s a major hub for healthcare with Kaiser Permanente and several clinics. Rent is more affordable: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR. Commute to central Lakewood is 15-20 minutes. Best for: Those working at Kaiser or who want a more budget-conscious option with good local services.

5. Carson (West): Southwest of Lakewood. A diverse city with a mix of residential and industrial areas. You’ll be close to the 110 freeway and St. Francis Medical Center. Rent can be reasonable: $1,900 - $2,200. Commute to Lakewood is 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Best for: Easy access to the freeway and multiple hospital systems to the south.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the 605, 405, and 91 freeways is notoriously bad during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work a 7 AM or 3 PM shift, your commute time can double. When looking at a job, map the exact commute during your intended shift times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the starting salary is modest, the career path for a CNA in Lakewood has clear advancement opportunities with better pay.

• Specialty Certifications: Earning additional certifications can boost your pay by $1 to $3 per hour. In-demand specialties in the Lakewood/Long Beach area include:

  • EKG Technician: Allows you to work in telemetry units.
  • Phlebotomy: Opens doors to labs and outpatient clinics.
  • Hospice & Palliative Care: Specialized training for end-of-life care.
  • Dementia Care Certification: Highly valued in SNFs and home health.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. CNA → Patient Care Technician (PCT): In hospitals, PCTs perform CNA duties plus EKGs, phlebotomy, and advanced monitoring. Salary jumps to $42,000 - $48,000.
  2. CNA → Charge CNA / Supervisor: In SNFs, you can lead a team of CNAs. Pay can reach $45,000 - $50,000.
  3. CNA → LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse): This is the most common leap. It requires 12-18 months of school and passing the NCLEX-PN. LVNs in Lakewood earn a median of $58,000 - $65,000/year and have far more scope of practice.
  4. CNA → RN (Registered Nurse): Requires an ADN (2 years) or BSN (4 years). This is a major commitment but results in a $90,000+ salary in the region.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth rate is steady. The biggest changes will come from technology (more electronic charting) and the continued shift toward home-based care. CNAs who are tech-savvy and have home health experience will be most in demand. The path to higher wages is through upskilling—becoming a PCT or moving into nursing.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood offers a stable career launchpad for CNAs, but it demands financial discipline and a clear plan for advancement.

Pros	Cons
Stable, consistent job market with 156+ openings in the metro.	High cost of living relative to the median salary ($37,422).
Central location to major hospitals in Long Beach, Lynwood, and Bellflower.	Extremely difficult to afford homeownership on a single CNA salary.
Strong suburban community with good parks, schools, and family amenities.	Traffic congestion can make commutes unpredictable and stressful.
Pathways to advancement to PCT, LVN, and RN through local colleges.	Job growth is modest (4%), requiring proactive career planning.
Slightly higher pay than national average and many smaller cities.	Competition for the best jobs at top hospitals (Kaiser, Memorial) is high.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a CNA who is new to California or looking for a balanced suburban lifestyle. It’s a great place to gain 2-3 years of solid experience, build skills, and then use that to either advance locally (to an LVN program) or leverage your experience to move to a higher-paying metro area like the Bay Area if homeownership is a core goal. If you’re already an experienced CNA, you’ll need to secure a role at the top end of the pay scale or find a niche specialty to make the numbers work long-term.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a job in Lakewood without any experience?
A: Yes, but your options will be limited. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies are the most likely to hire new graduates. Hospitals typically prefer 1-2 years of experience. In-house training programs at SNFs are your best bet if you have no experience and limited funds for school.

Q: How do shift differentials work in Lakewood?
A: Most facilities offer a differential for evening (e.g., 3 PM - 11 PM) and night (11 PM - 7 AM) shifts, usually $1.50 - $3.00/hour. Weekends often have a separate differential, sometimes $2.00 - $4.00/hour. This can significantly increase your annual earnings. Always ask about differentials during an interview.

Q: Is the cost of living really that high?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 115.5 means groceries, transportation, and especially housing are 15.5% more than the national average. The $2,252/month rent for a 1BR is the biggest hurdle. Budgeting carefully and considering a roommate or a studio apartment is often necessary.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job quickly?
A: Apply directly on hospital and SNF websites. Also, use Indeed and LinkedIn, but don’t ignore local resources. Join the "Long Beach Healthcare Workers" Facebook group and check the "Lakewood Jobs" page. Many managers post there first. Temp agencies like **