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Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of daily patient care in California’s healthcare system. From skilled nursing Facilities & hospitals to home settings, CNAs have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a workplace. If you’re looking for a rewarding career path, here are the best places to work as a CNA in California, with quick insights into job benefits, availability, and growth.
1. Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care Facilities
Key Advantages: Nursing homes & rehabilitation centers require CNAs to deliver full-time care to elderly residents suffering from chronic health conditions, recovering from injury or illness, or needing rehabilitation services. You’ll develop meaningful connections with patients while gaining valuable hands-on experience in personal care and health monitoring.
Job growth & availability: There’s consistent hiring across the state, particularly in suburban and rural areas. According to Indeed Hiring Insights, there are 5500 plus active employers hiring CNAs in California. You might be asking yourself, “How much do CNAs make in California”? As of the writing of this blog, Indeed indicates an average salary of $23.54 per hour.
2. Home Health Care
Key Advantages: Home health CNAs support patients in the comfort of their own homes. Tasks often include bathing, grooming, mobility assistance, and light meal prep.
Job growth & availability: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are in high demand in home healthcare, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 4% job growth and over 210,000 annual openings through 2032.
To work in home-based roles, most states require CNAs to get a 40-hour Home Health Aide (HHA) certification. This allows them to help patients with personal care and daily living tasks right in their own homes.
3. Hospitals
Key Advantages: Hospitals can be an excellent setting for CNAs—fast-paced, higher-acuity care with exposure to multiple units. Depending on the facility and role, CNAs may work on units such as med-surg, ER, ICU, labor & delivery, or in patient transport/monitoring. These are examples; actual assignments vary by hospital, training, and shift needs.
Job growth and availability: Hospital jobs for CNAs remain strong, with 4% projected growth through 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). CNAs are critical for patient care and nursing support. Indeed lists salaries ranging from $22–$32/hr in hospitals.
4. Outpatient Clinics
Key advantages: Outpatient Clinics offer short-term, scheduled patient care, no overnight shifts, and limited emergencies. CNAs assist with prepping rooms, taking vitals, and supporting nurses.
Job growth & availability: Outpatient settings are a growing area for CNAs, contributing to the projected 4–5% job growth through 2032 (BLS). The outpatient clinic market is expected to grow at an 8% CAGR through 2029. This means more opportunities for CNAs to explore roles beyond the usual hospital settings.
5. Hospice Care
Key advantages: Hospice Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial and deeply compassionate role in healthcare, focusing specifically on end-of-life care. Their primary responsibility is to help provide comfort, dignity, and emotional support for patients as they navigate their final stages of life.
Job growth & availability: Hospice work can be deeply fulfilling but emotionally intense. CNA demand in hospice care is rising due to an aging population and increased hospice enrollment. The long-term care workforce is expected to grow 41% by 2036, with hundreds of new direct care roles.
Pay & Growth
CNA pay in California often starts at $20+ per hour, with higher wages in metro areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. Job growth remains steady across all care settings, giving CNAs plenty of opportunities to advance.
If you’re exploring CNA jobs or want to understand which path might suit you best, we’ve put together a full breakdown of job availability and career growth.
Read the complete guide here: Best Places to Work as a CNA in California – SisuCare Education
Launch Your CNA Career with SisuCare
At SisuCare, we make it easy to become a CNA in just 6 weeks. Choose from self-paced or instructor-led online theory, followed by hands-on clinical training at local partner facilities across California.
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