Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Beaverton, OR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Beaverton, Oregon.

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The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a local career analyst, let's get straight to the numbers. Beaverton sits in the heart of the Portland metropolitan area, and its job market for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) reflects the region's overall economic health. The median salary for a CNA in Beaverton is $36,468/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.53/hour. It's worth noting this is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, a common trend in the Pacific Northwest due to a higher cost of living.

Job availability is also a key factor. In the broader metro area, there are currently 193 jobs listed for CNAs, indicating steady demand. The 10-year job growth projection for the profession is 4%, which is on par with the national average for all occupations. This isn't a boom-or-bust field; it's a stable, in-demand career path.

To understand where you might fit, let's break down salaries by experience. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience Level	Est. Annual Salary	Est. Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,500 - $35,000	$15.60 - $16.80	Typically starts in long-term care or home health. Certifications must be current.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	$17.30 - $18.75	Aligns with the provided median. Often involves specialty experience (e.g., dementia care).
Senior (5-10 years)	$39,000 - $42,500	$18.75 - $20.40	May include preceptor roles, shift lead duties, or hospital experience.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,500+	$20.40+	Often found in specialized units, management tracks, or with additional certifications.

When you compare Beaverton to other Oregon cities, the picture becomes clearer. Portland, with its larger hospital systems, often sees slightly higher wages, but also a significantly higher cost of living. Cities like Salem or Eugene might have a lower median salary but also a more affordable housing market. Beaverton offers a "sweet spot" – proximity to high-paying Portland jobs without the same density of traffic and housing costs, though it's still pricier than the state's rural areas.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Beaverton employers, especially the larger hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities, offer shift differentials (extra pay for evenings, nights, and weekends) that can boost your take-home pay by $1-$3 per hour. This is a critical factor in maximizing your income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what it means for your monthly budget. Let's do the math for a single CNA earning the median salary of $36,468/year.

• Gross Monthly Income: $36,468 / 12 = $3,039
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after taxes, insurance, etc.): In Oregon, with state income tax, you can expect to take home roughly 75-78% of your gross pay. Let's use a conservative 77%, which gives you approximately $2,340/month.

Now, let's factor in the biggest expense: rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Beaverton is $1,545/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$3,039	Based on $36,468/year
Estimated Net Income	$2,340	After taxes & deductions (~77% take-home)
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,545	The biggest fixed cost
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, garbage, internet (water often included)
Groceries	-$350	For one person, shopping at local chains like WinCo or Fred Meyer
Car Payment/Insurance	-$300	Assumes a modest used car; insurance is mandatory in OR
Gas/Transportation	-$120	Beaverton is car-dependent, but TriMet is an option
Healthcare (Copays/OTC)	-$100	Even with employer insurance
Personal/Misc.	-$150	Toiletries, clothing, entertainment
Total Expenses	-$2,715
Monthly Deficit/Surplus	-$375

As you can see, living alone on a CNA's median salary in Beaverton is tight. You are likely to run a small monthly deficit or have no savings. This is not unique to Beaverton; it's a national challenge for single-income healthcare workers.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary, buying a home in Beaverton is not feasible. The median home price in the Beaverton area is well over $500,000. A 20% down payment would be $100,000, and the monthly mortgage would be far beyond the budget outlined above. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household, significant savings, or moving to a more affordable town outside the metro area.

Insider Tip: To make it work, most CNAs I know in Beaverton either have a roommate (cutting rent to ~$800/month), live with a partner, or work extra shifts. Many facilities offer overtime pay, and picking up an extra 8-16 hours per month can provide the financial breathing room that the base salary doesn't.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton is a commercial hub, but its healthcare employers are concentrated in and around the city, with easy access to Portland's major medical centers. Here are the key players:

1. Providence Health & Services: Providence has a major presence in the Portland metro area. While their flagship hospital is in Portland, they operate numerous senior living facilities and outpatient clinics in and around Beaverton. They are a major hirer of CNAs for roles in long-term care and assisted living. Hiring is consistent, and they offer strong benefits.

2. Emmanuel Senior Living (Providence): Located just north of Beaverton in Portland, this is a prime example of a Providence facility that heavily employs CNAs. The commute from central Beaverton is about 15 minutes, making it a very viable option.

3. Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton: A well-known skilled nursing facility (SNF) located on SW 5th Ave. They provide post-acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. This is a classic CNA employer with a high demand for staff, especially for weekend and night shifts. They are known for hiring new grads but also value experience.

4. Cedar Sinai Park: Located on SW Canyon Road, this is a large, non-profit campus offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It's a major local employer with a "campus" feel. They often have openings for CNAs across their different levels of care, giving you options to gain diverse experience without changing employers.

5. The Pearl at Beaverton: An upscale assisted living and memory care community. Working here often involves a higher degree of patient interaction and specialized dementia care training. The environment is typically less clinical than a SNF, which some CNAs prefer.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Angels or Comfort Keepers have offices serving Beaverton. These roles offer more one-on-one time with clients, a more flexible schedule (but less predictable), and the ability to work directly in a client's home. It's a different pace from facility work.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for CNAs willing to work evenings, nights, and weekends. Facilities need reliable staff for around-the-clock care. There is also a growing need for CNAs with experience or interest in memory care, given Oregon's aging population. Hospitals in nearby Portland (OHSU, Legacy, Kaiser) are also major employers, but they often prefer CNAs with hospital experience or additional certifications like a Phlebotomy or EKG technician license.

Getting Licensed in Oregon

Oregon has a straightforward process for becoming a CNA, overseen by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training course. These are offered at community colleges (like Portland Community College, which has a campus in nearby Rock Creek), vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. The program includes a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and lab instruction, plus 100 hours of supervised clinical practice.
2. Cost and Timeline: Tuition for these programs typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the provider. Many employers, especially larger facilities, will reimburse your tuition if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., one year). From start to finish, a full-time program can take 4-8 weeks. Part-time evening/weekend programs may take longer.
3. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written (or oral) portion and a skills demonstration.
4. Apply for Certification: Once you pass the exam, you can apply for certification through the OSBN. There is a state fee for certification and a background check. Your name will then be added to the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry.
5. Maintaining Certification: Oregon requires CNAs to work for pay in a nursing-related role for at least 8 hours every 24 months to remain active on the registry.

Insider Tip: If you are moving to Oregon from another state, you can apply for reciprocity if your certification is in good standing in your home state. The process is managed by the OSBN and typically involves submitting an application and verification from your home state's registry. Start this process a few weeks before your move to avoid any delays in starting work.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

When choosing where to live in Beaverton, the key factors are commute time, rent cost, and access to amenities.

• Central Beaverton: This area is walkable, with easy access to the Beaverton Central MAX light rail station. It's close to major employers like Avamere and the main shopping corridors. A 1BR apartment here will be right at the $1,545/month average. Commute times to most local employers are under 15 minutes by car.
• South Beaverton (near Progress Ridge): This area is a bit more suburban and family-oriented. You'll find newer apartment complexes and townhomes. It's slightly further from downtown Beaverton but has excellent access to major highways (Highway 217), making it a good base if you're considering a hospital job in Tigard or Portland. Rents are similar, around $1,500-$1,650/month.
• Raleigh Hills: Located on the eastern edge of Beaverton, this neighborhood borders Portland. It's a popular area with a mix of older homes and apartments. The commute to Portland hospitals is very short (10-15 minutes), but getting to the far side of Beaverton can take longer due to traffic. Rent can be slightly higher here, often $1,600-$1,700/month, due to its Portland proximity.
• Aloha: Situated to the west of central Beaverton, Aloha is more affordable. You can find older apartment complexes and rental houses with lower price tags. A 1BR might be found for $1,350-$1,500/month. The trade-off is a longer commute to central Beaverton or Portland (20-30 minutes), but it's a very practical choice for budget-conscious individuals.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 26, Highway 217, and Canyon Road can be significant during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). When choosing a neighborhood, use a map app to test the commute to your potential workplace during your intended shift times. A 5-mile drive can take 30 minutes if it's rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Being a CNA is often a stepping stone, but it can also be a long-term career with the right focus.

• Specialty Premiums: While the base salary is relatively flat, you can increase your earning potential by gaining experience in high-demand specialties. CNAs in hospital settings (especially ICU, ER, or Labor & Delivery) often earn more than those in long-term care. Obtaining a Patient Care Technician (PCT) certification, which includes skills like phlebotomy and EKGs, can open doors to hospital jobs with higher pay scales.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path for advancement is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). The experience you gain as a CNA is invaluable and gives you a significant head start in nursing school. Many local hospitals and systems offer tuition assistance programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees. Another path is to move into healthcare administration, becoming a unit clerk, health unit coordinator, or even a CNA instructor.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not a surge. The real growth will be in the types of roles. As healthcare shifts toward home-based and community care, demand for CNAs in home health and hospice will likely increase. The aging of the population in Oregon will continue to drive demand in long-term care facilities. For CNAs who stay in the field, job security is excellent.

Insider Tip: Network within your first year. Join local healthcare groups on social media, attend free seminars at local hospitals, and get to know the nurses and managers you work with. Many jobs, especially desirable ones in hospitals, are filled through internal referrals before they're ever posted publicly.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of pursuing a CNA career in Beaverton.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand with 193 jobs in the metro area.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $1,545/month is a major burden on the median salary.
Proximity to Portland: Access to major hospitals and higher-paying specialties without living in the dense city core.	Traffic: Commutes can be long and frustrating, especially during peak hours.
Diverse Employers: Mix of large non-profits, private skilled nursing facilities, and home health options.	Single-Income Challenge: Affording a comfortable lifestyle alone is difficult; a roommate or partner is often necessary.
Pathways for Advancement: Excellent foundation for LPN/RN programs with local tuition assistance opportunities.	Weather: The famous Pacific Northwest rain can be a factor for those used to sunnier climates.
Good Work-Life Balance: The suburban setting offers access to parks, hiking, and amenities outside of work.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: Many applicants are new grads or students, so you need a good resume and interview.

Final Recommendation:

Beaverton is an excellent choice for a CNA who is part of a dual-income household or is willing to have a roommate. It offers a stable job market and a clear path for career growth, all within a comfortable suburban setting with easy access to the amenities of a major city. It's also a great fit for a CNA who plans to use their experience as a launching pad for nursing school, taking advantage of the proximity to top-tier educational institutions.

However, if you are a single individual on a strict budget who prioritizes homeownership in the near future, the financial strain in Beaverton may be too high. In that case, you might consider starting your career in a more affordable Oregon city like Salem or Gresham and then transferring to the Beaverton/Portland area after gaining a few years of experience and a higher salary.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car to work as a CNA in Beaverton?
While it's not strictly mandatory, a car is highly recommended. Beaverton is a sprawling suburb, and many healthcare facilities are not near a direct public transit line. TriMet (Portland's transit system) is good, but a car gives you far more flexibility for shift work and commuting to different employers.

2. How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Beaverton?
It's moderately competitive. There is always demand, but for the best employers (like hospitals or desirable assisted living facilities), you'll be competing with other new grads. A polished resume, a professional interview, and a willingness to work less-desirable shifts (nights/weekends) will significantly improve your chances.

3. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, absolutely. The healthcare industry is 24/7, and overtime is common, especially in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Many CNAs regularly work 40-48 hours per week to boost their income. Be sure to ask about overtime policies during your job interview.

4. How does Oregon's cost of living affect a CNA's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Beaverton is 106.6 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 6.6% more expensive than the national average. While the median salary of $36,468 is slightly above the **national average of $35,760