Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Bloomington, IN

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

If you’re considering a move to Bloomington as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the first thing you need to understand is the local wage landscape. It’s a mix of modest state salaries and a lower cost of living, which can be a win if you manage your budget carefully. Let’s get straight to the data.

The median salary for a CNA in Bloomington is $35,051 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.85 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,760 per year, but that’s not necessarily a red flag. It’s a reflection of the broader economic environment in Indiana and the specific market dynamics in a mid-sized university town.

To understand what that number means for your career trajectory, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry trends:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Bloomington)	Key Employers & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,500	Often starts at IU Health Bloomington, community homes, or assisted living facilities.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	Higher pay at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Specialty roles (e.g., rehab) may offer a slight premium.
Senior (5-10 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	Often requires charge CNA roles or specialized certifications. Seniority matters more here than in large metros.
Expert (10+ years)	$38,000 - $42,000+	Typically requires shift lead, education, or adjacent roles (e.g., unit clerk). Hard to reach without advancing beyond pure CNA duties.

How does Bloomington compare to other Indiana cities? It’s a middle-ground location. You'll find slightly higher wages in Indianapolis (median $36,500) and Fort Wayne ($35,800), but those cities also have a higher cost of living. Smaller cities like Terre Haute or Muncie might offer similar or slightly lower wages. The advantage of Bloomington is its stability: the healthcare sector is anchored by a major hospital and a large university, providing consistent demand. The metro area has 148 total CNA jobs, which, while not a flood, indicates a steady, reliable market.

An insider tip: Wages at the major hospital systems (like IU Health) are often more standardized and may include shift differentials (extra pay for evenings, nights, weekends) that can boost your effective hourly rate. Smaller private facilities might offer more flexibility but less in benefits and wage growth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground this in reality. A salary of $35,051 isn’t just a number; it’s the foundation of your monthly life in Bloomington. After taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $2,200 - $2,350 per month (estimates; actuals vary based on W-4 withholdings and state taxes). Now, let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Bloomington)	Notes & Considerations
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$979	The citywide average. You can find cheaper ($800-900) in older complexes or shared housing, but $979 is a safe baseline for a decent 1BR.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Varies by season. Older buildings can be drafty; newer ones are more efficient.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shopping at local chains like Kroger or Aldi is key. Farmers' markets are great for produce but can be pricier.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Bloomington is car-dependent. Public transit (buses) exists but isn't comprehensive for all shifts.
Health Insurance	$100 - $200	If provided by employer, often a low-cost deduction. If buying on the marketplace, it's a significant expense.
Miscellaneous	$200 - $300	Phone, internet, personal care, entertainment.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,029 - $2,579

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Bloomington is approximately $320,000 (as of recent market data). To qualify for a standard mortgage, your debt-to-income ratio should be below 43%. With a monthly take-home of ~$2,300, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,400-$1,500 would be extremely challenging, if not impossible, on a single CNA salary.

The Verdict: On a $35,051 salary, renting is the realistic and often necessary choice for a solo CNA. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or a career advancement into a higher-paying role. The city's cost of living index of 93.4 (US avg = 100) helps, but housing is the biggest budget-buster.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington’s healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players, but the network is deeper than it appears. Here’s where you should focus your job search.

1. IU Health Bloomington Hospital: The largest and most obvious employer. They offer the most structured career pathways, benefits, and often the highest base pay for CNAs. Hiring is continuous, especially for night and weekend shifts. They frequently host CNA job fairs.
2. Bloomington Meadows Hospital: A private psychiatric and behavioral health facility. This is a great niche for CNAs interested in mental health. Pay can be competitive, and the patient population offers a different skill set than acute care.
3. StoneBell Place & Bloomington Rehabilitation & Nursing Center: These are two of the larger long-term care and skilled nursing facilities in the city. They are major employers of CNAs, often with steady turnover and consistent openings for full-time and part-time roles.
4. University Senior Living (Atria,_orientation, etc.): Bloomington has several large assisted living communities catering to retirees and IU faculty. These roles often focus more on daily living assistance and companionship, with a different pace than hospital work.
5. Local Home Health Agencies (e.g., Heart to Heart, Interim HealthCare): These provide in-home care. Schedules can be more flexible, but pay may be slightly lower than hospital work. You build personal relationships with clients. A great option for those who dislike institutional settings.
6. Bloomington Hospital (IU Health) North & East: The hospital system has expanded into urgent care and specialty clinics. These sometimes hire CNAs for patient registration or as clinic aides, offering a M-F daytime schedule.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady, not explosive, which aligns with the 4% 10-year job growth. The biggest need is for CNAs willing to work off-hours (nights, weekends, holidays). The university influx each August can strain the local housing market, making the job market slightly more competitive for those months. Winter is often a slower hiring period, while spring and early summer see more openings.

Getting Licensed in IN

Indiana’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s the step-by-step guide.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 105 hours of training, broken into 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical practice. In Bloomington, this training is offered at:

   • Ivy Tech Community College: Their nursing program includes a CNA certificate. This is a reputable, affordable option.
   • Local High Schools: Some offer adult education CNA programs.
   • Private Training Centers: Several exist in and around the city. Always verify their approval status with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH).
   • Cost: Training programs range from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, like IU Health, may offer tuition reimbursement if you sign a work agreement.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation. You must pass both. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. The fee is approximately $115.

3. Apply for Licensure: Once you pass the exam, you apply to the Indiana Department of Health for your CNA license. The application fee is $25. Your name will then be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.

Timeline: From starting a class to being on the registry, expect 2-4 months. This depends on class availability, exam scheduling, and processing times.

Insider Tip: The skills exam is the biggest hurdle for many. Practice your mandatory skills (e.g., handwashing, transferring, feeding) rigorously. Many local training programs offer mock exams. Once licensed, you must work at least one paid day every 24 months to maintain your active status on the registry.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Bloomington is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and price point. Your choice will depend on your commute, budget, and lifestyle.

1. The Near West Side (Budget-Friendly & Central): This area, just west of downtown, has older apartment complexes and rental houses. It’s close to IU Health Bloomington Hospital (a 5-10 minute drive). Rent is more affordable, averaging $800-$950 for a 1BR. It’s walkable to some amenities, though not as polished as the south side.
2. The South Side (Modern & Convenient): Dominated by newer apartment complexes near the I-69 interchange. This is the most car-centric area, but it offers modern amenities (in-unit laundry, pools) and easy access to major employers like StoneBell Place and the county hospital. Rent is higher, typically $1,000-$1,200 for a 1BR. The commute to IU Health Hospital can be 15-20 minutes due to traffic.
3. The East Side (Quiet & Residential): Primarily single-family homes and older apartments near the IU campus (east of the stadium). It’s quieter, with good access to parks. Commute to the hospital is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is near the city average, $950-$1,100. A good choice for those who want a neighborhood feel but still want to be close to work.
4. Downtown/Central (Walkable & Vibrant): The heart of the city, with a mix of historic apartments and new luxury complexes. It’s very walkable to restaurants, shops, and the hospital (1-3 miles). However, rent is the highest, often $1,200+ for a small 1BR. Parking can be a challenge. Ideal for those who want a social, active lifestyle without a long commute.
5. The North Side (University & Affordable): This area, north of the IU campus, is dominated by student housing but also has older, affordable apartments. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to the hospital. Rent can be very low if you can find a non-student apartment, sometimes $700-$850, but availability is tight. The vibe is youthful, but parking can be a nightmare during the school year.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Bloomington is generally mild, but the 10-minute rule is key: most places are 10-20 minutes apart by car. The bus system (B-Line) is free and efficient for downtown and campus routes, but less reliable for shift work at 11 PM. Living close to your primary employer is a major quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic starting point, but in Bloomington, to significantly increase your earnings, you need a plan. The 4% job growth means competition for higher-wage roles will be steady.

• Specialty Premiums: While not a massive bump, CNAs with additional certifications can see a pay increase of $0.50 - $1.50/hour. The most valued in Bloomington are:
  • PCT (Patient Care Technician): Often requires an EKG or phlebotomy certification. IU Health may offer these roles with higher pay.
  • Dementia/Alzheimer’s Certification: Valued in long-term care and assisted living settings.
• Advancement Paths: The most common and lucrative path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Ivy Tech and Indiana University both have excellent, affordable LPN and RN programs. An RN in Bloomington earns a median salary of $68,000-$75,000, a life-changing difference.
• Non-Licensed Advancement: You can become a Charge CNA (supervising other CNAs), a Unit Secretary (with additional training), or move into Healthcare Administration. These roles often require additional coursework or experience but don’t require a full nursing degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core demand for CNAs will remain strong due to an aging population. However, wage growth will likely stay modest, tracking inflation. The real opportunity lies in using the CNA role as a stepping stone. Within 5-7 years, moving into an LPN or RN role is the most reliable way to double your income. The local university and community college system makes this education accessible.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Bloomington offers a unique blend of small-town charm, college-town energy, and stable healthcare employment. But it’s not for everyone. Here’s the honest breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living (Index 93.4) than national average.	Wages are modest; median $35,051 is below national average.
Stable Job Market anchored by IU Health and the university.	Homeownership is a stretch on a single CNA salary.
Vibrant Culture with music, food, and outdoor activities.	Housing can be competitive and expensive relative to wages.
Reasonable Commutes and less traffic than major metros.	Limited public transit for non-traditional work hours.
Gateway to Education with strong pathways to LPN/RN degrees.	Job growth is slow (4%), so advancement requires proactive planning.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is an excellent choice for a CNA who is value-driven, not wealth-driven. If you prioritize quality of life—access to nature, a safe community, cultural events—over maximum salary, it’s a fantastic fit. It’s also a perfect launching pad for a nursing career, offering affordable education and a supportive healthcare network. If your primary goal is to maximize your CNA salary immediately, you might look to larger metros. But for a balanced life and a solid career foundation, Bloomington is a compelling option.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the CNA job market in Bloomington?
The market is stable but not flooded. With 148 jobs in the metro, new graduates should expect to apply to 5-10 positions to secure a good offer. Being flexible with shifts (nights/weekends) is your biggest advantage. IU Health is always hiring, but smaller facilities may have more frequent openings.

2. Can I survive on the median CNA salary in Bloomington?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. The key is controlling your largest expense: housing. Sharing an apartment or renting a studio can free up $300-$500/month. A roommate can make a significant difference. The lower cost of living helps, but you won’t have much disposable income on a median salary.

3. Is the CNA license from other states valid in Indiana?
Indiana has a reciprocity process, but it’s not automatic. If you’re licensed in another state, you must submit an application with proof of your current license. Your home state must also have a similar training requirement. Contact the Indiana Department of Health for specific instructions. It’s easier to get licensed here if you’re new to the field.

4. What’s the best way to find housing as a new CNA in Bloomington?
Start your search 2-3 months before your move. Use apps like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Be wary of scams—never send money without seeing a place. Consider a short-term rental (like an Airbnb) for the first month to get a feel for different neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for CNAs in Bloomington?
For many, it’s the combination of a lower wage ceiling and the high cost of rent relative to that wage. While the city is affordable compared to the national average, housing costs have risen faster than CNA wages. The second challenge is the lack of public transportation for shift work, making a reliable car a near-necessity. Planning your budget around these two realities is crucial for success.