The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Oshkosh, WI

Welcome to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. If you’re considering a move here as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you’re looking at a stable, affordable market with strong demand. This guide isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a practical breakdown of what your career and life would look like in this Fox River Valley city, based on real data and local knowledge.

Oshkosh is the heart of Winnebago County. It’s not a sprawling metropolis; it’s a manageable, tight-knit community where the healthcare network is the economic backbone. You’ll hear the roar of experimental aircraft from the EAA AirVenture (if you’re here in July) and feel the strong sense of community in its neighborhoods. For a CNA, this means your work is central to the city’s identity.

Let’s get into the numbers, the streets, and the real story of your career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

Your earning potential is the first major question. Let’s be direct: Oshkosh’s CNA salaries are slightly below the national average, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for it. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Oshkosh is $34,762/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.71/hour. For comparison, the national average for the role is $35,760/year. The difference is modest, but the local purchasing power is significantly higher.

The job market is stable. There are approximately 132 Nursing Assistant jobs in the Oshkosh metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable, driven by an aging population and the presence of major healthcare providers. You’re not entering a boomtown, but you’re stepping into a field with consistent, dependable demand.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $34,762, your pay will climb with experience and certifications. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Oshkosh area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,000	$14.90 - $15.87
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$43,000+	$20.67+

Note: These ranges are based on local job postings, industry surveys, and the median data provided. Specialties (like geriatrics or mental health) can push you to the higher end.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

How does Oshkosh stack up against its neighbors? The pattern is consistent: larger metros pay slightly more, but the cost of living gap often negates the advantage.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Employer
Oshkosh	$34,762	90.7	Aurora Medical Center, Mercy Health
Madison	$39,500	100.2	UW Health, UnityPoint Health
Milwaukee	$37,800	93.1	Ascension, Froedtert
Green Bay	$35,200	92.5	Bellin, Prevea Health
Appleton	$34,500	91.8	ThedaCare, St. Elizabeth

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the highest salary number. A CNA earning $37,800 in Milwaukee pays about 15% more in rent and taxes than one in Oshkosh. Your disposable income in Oshkosh is often higher.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s translate that $34,762 annual salary into a real monthly budget. We’ll use the $779/month average 1-bedroom rent and Wisconsin’s state income tax.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $34,762 / 12 = $2,897
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State WI): Approximately 18% (this is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision) = $521
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,376

Sample Monthly Budget for a CNA in Oshkosh:

• Rent (1-BR Apartment): $779
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance (Public transit is limited): $350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150
• Student Loans/Debt: $150
• Savings/Discretionary: $497

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Oshkosh is around $210,000. With a 20% down payment ($42,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,120/month (principal & interest), plus taxes and insurance. This is challenging on a single CNA income but possible with discipline, a dual-income household, or after several years of experience and saving. Many local healthcare workers buy homes in their 30s or 40s after career advancement.

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Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

The healthcare sector is the city’s largest employer. Here are the key places you’ll be applying:

1. Aurora Medical Center - Oshkosh: Located in the southwest part of the city (near Hwy 41), this is a major regional hospital. It’s part of Advocate Aurora Health, a massive system. Hiring is frequent for all units, especially Med-Surg and ICU. They offer tuition reimbursement and clear pathways for advancement.

2. Mercy Health (now part of CommonSpirit): Their Oshkosh campus includes a hospital and numerous clinics. It’s a faith-based system with a strong community reputation. They often have openings in long-term care and rehabilitation services attached to the hospital.

3. Winnebago County Health Department: A different angle for CNAs. Opportunities here are in public health, home visits, and community clinics. It’s a government job with great benefits and a standard 8-5 schedule—rare in clinical care.

4. The Waters of Oshkosh & Edenbrook: These are larger skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in the city. They are the backbone of long-term care. Hiring is steady, and they often provide on-the-job training for new CNAs. The pace is fast, but you gain invaluable experience.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Heartland Home Health, BrightStar Care): If a hospital or facility floor isn’t for you, home health is a growing field. You travel to patients’ homes in Oshkosh and surrounding towns. You need a clean driving record and more autonomy.

6. UW-Oshkosh Clinics: The university doesn’t have a medical school, but it has nursing programs and affiliated clinics. These roles are often part-time or per-diem, perfect for students or those wanting supplemental income.

Hiring Trends: The push is toward geriatric care. Oshkosh has an aging population, so experience (or willingness to train) in dementia care, palliative care, and rehab is a huge plus. Electronic Health Record (EHR) proficiency (like Epic, used at Aurora) is often listed as a preferred skill.

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Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin’s licensing is straightforward but mandatory.

• Requirements: You must complete a state-approved training program (minimum 120 hours, including 40 hours of clinical training). You must also pass a criminal background check.
• Cost: Tuition for CNA programs in the Oshkosh area typically ranges from $800 to $1,500. Community colleges like Moraine Park Technical College (which has a campus in Oshkosh) often offer the most affordable and reputable programs. Some employers, like nursing homes, will pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment.
• Timeline: A full-time program can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Part-time evening/weekend programs are available and may take 3-4 months. After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam. Once you pass, you’re on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry and can work anywhere in the state.

Insider Tip: Start your job search before you finish your training. Many local employers will interview you and offer a conditional position pending your certification and background check.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistants

Where you live affects your commute and quality of life. Oshkosh is divided by the Fox River. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1-BR Rent	Best For...
Northside / Algoma	Residential, quiet, near Lake Winnebago. 10-15 min drive to most hospitals.	$750 - $850	Those seeking a peaceful, residential feel. Close to parks and lake access.
Downtown / Historic	Walkable, vibrant, with cafes and shops. Can be noisier. 5-10 min commute.	$800 - $950	Younger professionals who want a social scene and shorter commute.
Southside / West	Near Aurora Hospital and Hwy 41. More modern apartments, easier car access.	$775 - $900	Most practical for CNA jobs. Quick commute to major employers.
Eastside /靠近大学	Near UW-Oshkosh campus. Mix of students and professionals. Rents can be lower.	$700 - $850	Those seeking a younger demographic, potential for roommate situations.
Near West Side	Family-oriented, older homes, some newer developments. 10-15 min commute.	$725 - $875	Established professionals or those starting a family.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Oshkosh is minimal. Your commute will almost always be under 20 minutes. The biggest factor is winter driving—living near a main arterial road like Hwy 41 or Hwy 21 can be a bonus during snowstorms.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role is a fantastic entry point, but where can it lead?

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who get additional certifications can earn more. For example, a CNA-Dementia Specialist or one trained in hospice care may command $1-2 more per hour. Working in ICU or Telemetry also often comes with a differential pay rate.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Moraine Park Tech and UW-Oshkosh have excellent, affordable LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Many local hospitals offer tuition assistance. Another path is into Healthcare Administration (becoming a unit secretary or manager) or Specialized Therapies (like becoming a Physical Therapy Aide).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is solid. However, the real growth is in continuing education. The demand for LPNs and RNs is higher, and the salary jump is significant (Wisconsin LPN median is ~$52,000, RN median is ~$78,000). Your CNA experience in Oshkosh is the perfect foundation for that leap.

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The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (90.7 index) means your $34,762 salary goes far.	Winters are long, cold, and snowy—you must be prepared for it.
Stable, predictable job market with major employers like Aurora and Mercy.	Limited public transit; a reliable car is a necessity.
Short commutes (avg. <20 mins) and easy navigation.	Nightlife and cultural scene are modest compared to Madison or Milwaukee.
Strong sense of community and a "small-town feel" with city amenities.	Salary ceiling for CNA roles is lower than in larger metros.
Gateway to advancement in Wisconsin's robust healthcare network.	Rental market is tightening, though still affordable by national standards.

Final Recommendation: Oshkosh is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a less hectic pace of life. It’s ideal for those planning to use the role as a stepping stone to nursing school or for those seeking a long-term, community-oriented career in healthcare. If you crave a fast-paced, high-energy city with endless entertainment, you might find it quiet. But if you want to build a solid career and a comfortable life without financial stress, Oshkosh delivers.

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FAQs

1. Do I need my own car in Oshkosh?
Yes, pretty much. The city is designed around cars. Public transit exists (Oshkosh Transit) but is limited, especially for late-night or early-morning hospital shifts. Rideshare services are available but not as dense as in bigger cities.

2. How competitive is the CNA job market in Oshkosh?
It’s competitive but in a good way. Employers are actively hiring, especially for night and weekend shifts. If you have a clean background, good references from your clinical rotation, and a positive attitude, you should have no trouble finding a position. Tailor your resume to the specific facility (e.g., highlight geriatric experience for a nursing home).

3. What’s the weather really like, and how does it affect healthcare work?
Winters (Nov-Mar) are harsh, with an average of 50 inches of snow. This means you must plan for a longer, potentially difficult commute. Hospitals and clinics never close, so you will be working in all conditions. Having a reliable, winter-ready vehicle is non-negotiable. The upside? Summers are beautiful, with access to lakes, hiking, and festivals.

4. Can I get a CNA job without prior experience?
Absolutely. Many of Oshkosh’s major employers, especially the larger SNFs (nursing homes), hire new CNAs straight out of training. They often have orientation and mentorship programs. Your clinical hours during training are your most important experience—make them count.

5. Is Oshkosh a good place for career advancement as a nurse?
Yes, if you plan for it. The path is clear: work as a CNA to gain experience and save money, then enroll in an LPN or RN program (Moraine Park or UW-Oshkosh). The local healthcare network provides jobs for every stage. The key is to be proactive about your education and use employer tuition benefits.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for CNA data, Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax estimates, local job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn), and rental data from local property management sites (2023-2024).