Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bellevue, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

If you're a CNA looking at Bellevue, the first thing to know is that you're in one of the highest-cost areas in the country. The salary numbers tell a story of a tight market. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant here is $37,154/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.86/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, but don't let that fool you—the cost of living in Bellevue is the real story.

The job market itself is competitive. There are approximately 303 CNA jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at just 4%. This isn't a boomtown for healthcare support roles; it's a stable, mature market with more applicants than openings. This reality shapes everything from your starting wage to your negotiation power.

Here’s how experience breaks down in terms of pay, keeping in mind that Bellevue salaries are compressed due to the high baseline cost of living:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Bellevue Context
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $37,154	You'll likely start near the median. Large hospital systems (like Overlake) often have rigid, step-based pay scales.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	Specialties like geriatrics or home health can push you higher. Shift differentials (nights/weekends) are critical for income.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$42,000 - $48,000+	Leads to roles like CNA II, clinical preceptor, or specialized units (e.g., dialysis, hospice). Top end is rare without additional certifications.

Compared to other WA cities, Bellevue's CNA pay is mid-tier. Seattle and Kirkland might offer 1-3% higher wages due to slightly higher demand and cost of living, but the difference is minimal. Cities in Eastern WA (like Spokane) have lower median salaries (around $33,000) but drastically lower housing costs. In Bellevue, you're trading a higher wage for a much higher rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally honest about the math. Operating on the $37,154 median salary, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, Washington state taxes (no income tax, but high sales/property taxes), and FICA is approximately $2,450.

Now, factor in the average 1-bedroom rent in Bellevue: $2,269/month. This leaves you with $181/month for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and everything else.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (CNA Earning Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly: $3,096
• Estimated Take-Home (Post-Tax): ~$2,450
• Average 1BR Rent: -$2,269
• Remaining for Essentials: $181

This budget is not survivable. A CNA earning the median salary cannot afford a solo 1-bedroom apartment in Bellevue on that single income. This is the single most critical takeaway. To make it work, you must:

1. Live with a roommate (rent in a shared 2BR can drop to $1,200-$1,400).
2. Work extra shifts (overtime or per-diem).
3. Commute from a cheaper neighboring city (like Renton or Federal Way).

Can they afford to buy a home? With a median home price in Bellevue exceeding $1.2 million, a CNA earning $37,154/year would need a down payment of over $240,000 (20%) and would not qualify for a mortgage at current interest rates. Homeownership in Bellevue is not a realistic goal for a single-income CNA. It's a long-term aspiration that would require a dual-income household or significant career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

The Bellevue healthcare scene is dominated by a few major players. Hiring is steady but competitive. You'll need to be persistent and have a pristine application. Here are your primary targets:

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: The city's flagship hospital. They have a formal, large-scale CNA program. Hiring trends favor internal candidates and those with hospital experience. They offer strong benefits and union representation (SEIU 1199NW), which provides better pay scales and job protection.
2. Bellevue Healthcare (formerly Kindred Hospital Bellevue): A long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital. This is a great place to gain experience in complex, high-acuity patients. Hiring is frequent due to the specialized nature of the work.
3. Aegis Living (Bellevue): A high-end assisted living and memory care chain. They often have multiple openings. Pay can be competitive, and they may offer hiring bonuses. The clientele is different from a hospital setting—focus is on daily living assistance and engagement.
4. Brookdale Senior Living (Bellevue): Another major senior living operator. Similar to Aegis, they have consistent needs for CNAs. They often look for candidates with a gentle demeanor and experience with dementia care.
5. Interim HealthCare: A major home health agency serving the Eastside. This is a different work environment—driving to clients' homes. You need a reliable car and good time management. Pay is often hourly with mileage reimbursement.
6. Overlake Medical Center Clinics (Various): While the main hospital gets the spotlight, Overlake's network of primary care and specialty clinics (like their Orthopedics or Cardiology clinics) sometimes hire CNAs for patient intake and vital signs. Check their jobs page frequently.

Insider Tip: Don't just apply online. Many of these employers, especially Aegis and Brookdale, value a personal touch. Drop off your resume in person during non-peak hours (e.g., Tuesday mid-morning) and ask to speak with the Director of Nursing or the staffing manager. For the hospital systems, you must go through their official portals, but a follow-up call to the HR department can help.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a straightforward but mandatory process overseen by the Department of Health (DOH). You cannot work as a CNA without an active license.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 85 hours of training (including 35 hours of classroom and 50 hours of supervised clinical practice). Programs are offered at community colleges (e.g., Lake Washington Institute of Technology), vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. Cost ranges from $800 to $1,500. Financial aid and employer-sponsored programs (like Overlake's) are available.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state's written (or oral) and skills exam. The exam fee is approximately $125. You have three attempts to pass.
3. Submit Application to DOH: Once you pass, you apply for your license. The application fee is $115. Processing can take 4-6 weeks. You can work under a "temporary permit" while your license is processing if you have a job offer.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing around $45.

Timeline to Get Started: From enrollment to holding a license, expect 3 to 5 months. If you're starting from scratch, your first step is to enroll in a DOH-approved program. If you're already a CNA from another state, you can apply for reciprocity, which is faster (typically 4-8 weeks).

Insider Tip: Washington State is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for RNs and LPNs, but not for CNAs. Your WA license is only valid in WA. If you plan to move or work across state lines (e.g., to Oregon), you'll need a separate license for each state.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Bellevue directly impacts your budget and sanity. The city is divided by I-405, with the west side (closer to Seattle) being the most expensive. Here are options, prioritized for affordability and commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated Rent (1BR)	Notes for a CNA
Crossroads	Diverse, centrally located, walkable. Easy bus access to Overlake.	$1,800 - $2,100	One of the more affordable parts of Bellevue proper. Close to major employers. A solid choice for a roommate situation.
Lake Hills	Residential, family-oriented, quiet. A bit further from major hospitals.	$1,750 - $2,000	Good value. You'll rely on a bus or car. More of a "home base" neighborhood.
Factoria	Commercial hub with pockets of apartments. Good bus routes.	$1,850 - $2,150	Very convenient for commuting to Overlake or Bellevue Healthcare. Lots of amenities nearby.
Renton (City Adjacent)	Working-class, more affordable, 15-20 min drive to Bellevue.	$1,400 - $1,700	The Budget Saver. Major employers like Valley Medical Center are here too. A longer but manageable commute for significant savings.
Kirkland (North)	Upscale, lakefront, expensive. Comparable to Bellevue.	$2,000 - $2,400	Not recommended for budget-conscious CNAs. Stick to Bellevue or south.

Insider Tip: The I-405 bus line (560) is a lifeline for healthcare workers commuting between Renton, Bellevue, and Redmond. It runs early and late. If you don't have a car, prioritize apartments within a 10-minute walk of a major transit center (like Bellevue Transit Center or South Bellevue Station).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 4% means the market isn't expanding wildly, but there are clear paths to increase your income and responsibility.

• Specialty Certifications: While not always mandatory, certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG Tech, or Patient Care Technician (PCT) can make you more valuable. Some employers, like Overlake, offer tuition reimbursement for these. They can add $2-$4/hour to your pay scale.
• Advancement Paths:
  • CNA II/Lead CNA: After 1-2 years of solid performance, you can apply for lead roles with slightly higher pay and supervisory duties.
  • Clinical Instructor: With experience and good evaluation skills, you can train new CNAs.
  • Bridge to Nursing: Many CNAs in Bellevue use their experience as a springboard. The proximity to top nursing schools (UW, Seattle U) is a huge asset. Overlake and other hospitals have "tuition assistance" programs for employees pursuing an RN degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable, driven by an aging population. However, automation in some clerical tasks and the push for higher nursing education may slightly squeeze the pure "CNA" role. The most successful CNAs will be those who specialize (geriatrics, hospice, dialysis) or use the role as a strategic step toward an LPN or RN license. The money and career longevity are in the advancement, not in staying a CNA indefinitely.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Proximity to Top-Tier Healthcare: Work at excellent facilities like Overlake.	Extremely High Cost of Living: Rent is the #1 financial challenge.
Stable Job Market: 303 jobs in the metro means opportunities exist.	Low Wage Growth: $17.86/hr doesn't stretch far here.
Career Advancement: Great place to gain experience before nursing school.	Competition: 4% growth means you're competing for limited slots.
No State Income Tax: Helps a bit with take-home pay.	Traffic & Commute: I-405 is notoriously congested.
Diverse Community: You'll work with patients and colleagues from all over the world.	High Bar for Homeownership: Likely out of reach on a CNA salary.

Final Recommendation:
Bellevue is a "strategic" choice for a CNA, not a "settling" choice. It is not the best place to be a long-term, single-income CNA without a clear advancement plan. The numbers ($37,154 vs. $2,269 rent) don't work for a stagnant career.

You should move to Bellevue if:

1. You have a roommate or a partner to share living costs.
2. Your primary goal is to gain experience at a top hospital to fuel a future nursing degree.
3. You are willing to commute from a cheaper city (like Renton or Kent) to work in Bellevue.

If you're looking for a place to simply be a CNA and live comfortably on one income, you should look at Eastern WA or lower-cost states. Bellevue offers prestige and opportunity, but it comes with a very high price tag.

FAQs

Q: What are the most common shifts for CNAs in Bellevue?
A: Hospital work (Overlake, Bellevue Healthcare) typically runs on 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a). Senior living (Aegis, Brookdale) often has 8-hour shifts. Per-diem and weekend-only shifts are common and often come with a pay differential (an extra $1-$3/hour).

Q: Do Bellevue employers pay for CNA training?
A: Yes, but selectively. Overlake Medical Center has a well-known "CNA Academy" that hires you as a trainee, paying you while you train. Senior living companies may offer tuition reimbursement after a year of employment. Always ask about this in interviews.

Q: Is it better to work in a hospital or a nursing home in Bellevue?
A: It depends on your goals. Hospitals offer higher acuity, more learning opportunities, and better pay/benefits (especially union jobs). Nursing homes/senior living offer more predictable hours, a different pace, and strong experience in geriatrics and dementia care. Hospitals are more competitive to get into.

Q: How do I stand out in the Bellevue CNA job market?
A: Have a flawless resume with no typos. Get a current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association (not online-only). If you have any specialty experience (dialysis, hospice, rehab), highlight it. For hospital jobs, any prior hospital experience (even as a volunteer) is a major plus.

Q: What's the weather like and how does it affect my commute?
A: Bellevue has a marine West Coast climate—mild, damp winters and dry summers. Rain is frequent from October to May. The biggest commute impact is traffic, not weather. I-405 and SR 520 (the floating bridge) are among the worst bottlenecks in the US. Plan your commute for early morning (before 6:30 am) or use public transit to avoid the worst of it.