California is seeing a historic surge in demand for care support workers in 2025. With average hourly pay of about $17.06, alongside comprehensive benefits, these roles provide both U.S. residents and foreign workers with a reliable path to steady employment, long-term career growth, and, in some cases, visa sponsorship opportunities.
From top healthcare systems in San Francisco to senior care facilities across Los Angeles, employers throughout California are actively seeking compassionate professionals to fill thousands of available roles. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career that offers competitive pay while making a real impact in people’s lives, care support jobs in California should be high on your list.
Why California Needs Care Support Workers Now
California’s healthcare sector is facing a critical shortage driven by three powerful forces:
Aging population → Over 6 million Californians are 65 or older, requiring round-the-clock care and support.
Post-pandemic workforce gaps → Thousands of healthcare workers left the industry during COVID-19, creating openings that remain unfilled.
Expanded Medicaid coverage → California’s expanded healthcare programs have increased demand for home health aides, caregivers, and support staff.
As a result, healthcare facilities, home care agencies, and assisted living centers are offering competitive wages, signing bonuses, and benefits packages that rival traditional office jobs.
Care Support Jobs Salary & Benefits Breakdown
Understanding your earning potential is critical when evaluating care support opportunities. Below is a detailed breakdown of hourly wages, annual salaries, and benefits across California’s care support sector.
| Role Type | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | Benefits Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide | $16.50 – $18.00 | $34,320 – $37,440 | Health insurance, paid time off |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $17.00 – $20.00 | $35,360 – $41,600 | Medical, dental, 401(k) |
| Personal Care Aide | $16.00 – $17.50 | $33,280 – $36,400 | Flexible scheduling, training |
| Direct Support Professional | $17.50 – $19.00 | $36,400 – $39,520 | Tuition reimbursement, mileage |
| Residential Care Aide | $17.06 – $18.50 | $35,485 – $38,480 | Housing assistance, shift bonuses |
Average earnings: $17.06 per hour translates to approximately $35,485 annually for full-time workers (40 hours/week).
Types of Care Support Roles in California
California’s care support industry offers diverse opportunities depending on your skills, certifications, and career goals. Here are the most in-demand positions in 2025:
1. Home Health Aides ($16.50 – $18.00/hour)
Home health aides provide essential services to elderly or disabled clients in their homes. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meal preparation)
- Medication reminders and basic health monitoring
- Light housekeeping and companionship
- Transportation to medical appointments
Top employers: Kaiser Permanente Home Health, Comfort Keepers, Visiting Angels
2. Certified Nursing Assistants ($17.00 – $20.00/hour)
CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers under the supervision of registered nurses. Key duties include:
- Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes
- Assisting patients with mobility and hygiene
- Documenting patient care and progress
- Supporting nursing staff during medical procedures
Top employers: Sutter Health, Dignity Health, Providence Health & Services
3. Personal Care Aides ($16.00 – $17.50/hour)
Personal care aides focus on non-medical support for clients who need assistance with daily living. Typical tasks include:
- Helping clients with grooming and personal hygiene
- Preparing meals and managing household tasks
- Providing companionship and emotional support
- Running errands and shopping assistance
Top employers: Senior Helpers, Home Instead, Always Best Care
4. Direct Support Professionals ($17.50 – $19.00/hour)
DSPs work with individuals who have developmental disabilities, providing both personal care and community integration support. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with life skills development
- Coordinating recreational and social activities
- Supporting employment and education goals
- Advocating for client rights and preferences
Top employers: Regional Centers, Easterseals, The Arc of California
Comprehensive Benefits Packages
California care support jobs offer more than just competitive hourly wages. Most employers provide robust benefits that significantly increase your total compensation value.
Standard Benefits Include:
- Health Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
- Paid Time Off – Vacation days, sick leave, and personal days
- Retirement Plans – 401(k) with employer matching (3-5%)
- Training & Certification – Free CNA programs, CPR/First Aid, continuing education
- Flexible Scheduling – Part-time, full-time, weekend, and overnight shifts available
- Mileage Reimbursement – For roles requiring client home visits
- Sign-On Bonuses – $500 to $2,000 for qualified candidates
- Tuition Assistance – Support for nursing or allied health degree programs
Top California Employers Hiring Care Support Workers
California’s largest healthcare systems and care agencies are actively recruiting in 2025. These employers offer the best combination of wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Major Healthcare Systems
Kaiser Permanente – California’s largest integrated health system hires thousands of home health aides and CNAs annually. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and education reimbursement.
Sutter Health – Operating across Northern California, Sutter Health sponsors care support workers for long-term career pathways with competitive wages starting at $17.50/hour.
Dignity Health – With facilities throughout the state, Dignity Health offers signing bonuses up to $1,500 and robust training programs for new care workers.
Home Care Agencies
Comfort Keepers – Specializes in in-home senior care with flexible scheduling and mileage reimbursement for caregivers.
Visiting Angels – Provides one-on-one care support with opportunities for overtime and weekend shift premiums.
Home Instead – Known for exceptional training programs and career development pathways for personal care aides.
Requirements & Qualifications
Most care support positions in California require minimal formal education, making them accessible to workers transitioning from other industries or entering the workforce for the first time.
Basic Requirements:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Background Check: Clean criminal record (required by state law)
- Health Screening: TB test, physical exam, immunizations
- Language Skills: English proficiency (bilingual candidates highly valued)
Preferred Qualifications:
- CNA certification (required for nursing assistant roles)
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Previous caregiving or healthcare experience
- Valid California driver’s license
- Compassionate personality and strong communication skills
Certification Programs
If you lack formal training, California offers state-approved CNA programs that take 4-12 weeks to complete. Many employers cover certification costs and pay you during training.
Average CNA program cost: $1,200 – $2,500 (often fully reimbursed by hiring employers)
How to Apply for Care Support Jobs in California
Landing a care support position requires strategic preparation and direct outreach to hiring employers. Follow these steps to maximize your chances.
Step 1: Research Target Employers
Focus on healthcare systems and agencies known for hiring and sponsoring workers. Use official career pages rather than third-party job boards.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather these essential documents before applying:
- Updated resume highlighting relevant experience
- Copies of certifications (CNA, CPR, First Aid)
- Professional references (previous employers, supervisors)
- Valid ID and Social Security card
Step 3: Apply Directly Through Company Websites
Visit career pages of top employers:
- Kaiser Permanente Careers: kp.org/careers
- Sutter Health Jobs: sutterhealth.org/careers
- Home Instead: homeinstead.com/careers
Step 4: Attend Job Fairs & Hiring Events
California healthcare systems frequently host hiring events where you can interview on-site and receive immediate job offers.
Step 5: Work With Staffing Agencies
Specialized healthcare staffing agencies can connect you with multiple employers simultaneously. Top agencies include:
- Maxim Healthcare Services
- Aya Healthcare
- Cross Country Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need certification to work as a care support worker in California?
It depends on the role. Personal care aides and home health aides typically do not require certification. However, CNAs must complete state-approved training and pass a competency exam.
2. Can foreign workers get care support jobs with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Many California employers sponsor foreign workers under H-2B visas or provide pathways to permanent residency through EB-3 visas, especially for CNA and healthcare support roles.
3. What is the average hourly wage for care support workers in California?
The average hourly wage is $17.06, with ranges from $16.00 to $20.00 depending on experience, certification, and employer.
4. Are care support jobs full-time or part-time?
Both options are available. Most employers offer flexible scheduling including part-time, full-time, weekend-only, and overnight shifts.
5. Do care support workers receive health insurance?
Yes. Most full-time care support positions include comprehensive health benefits covering medical, dental, and vision insurance.
6. How quickly can I start working after applying?
If you already have certifications, you can typically start within 2-4 weeks. Uncertified candidates may need 4-12 weeks to complete training programs.
Final Thoughts
California’s care support industry offers one of the most accessible and rewarding career pathways available in 2025. With hourly wages averaging $17.06, comprehensive benefits packages, and thousands of open positions across the state, there has never been a better time to enter this essential field.
Whether you’re a compassionate individual looking for meaningful work, a foreign professional seeking U.S. employment, or someone transitioning careers, care support jobs in California provide financial stability and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.
If you’ve been searching for a career that rewards both your heart and your wallet, California’s care support sector is ready to welcome you.