The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Bloomington, MN

As a local career analyst, I’ve watched the healthcare job market in Bloomington shift over the years. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), this isn't just another metro suburb—it's a strategic hub. With the Minnesota River Valley to the south and the MSP airport to the north, Bloomington sits at a crossroads of community care and specialized medical facilities. If you're considering a move here or starting your career, this guide breaks down the reality of the economics, employers, and lifestyle. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

First, let's address the numbers directly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Bloomington is $36,242/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.42. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, but it's crucial to view this in the context of Minnesota's cost of living. The Cost of Living Index here is 104.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar doesn't stretch as far as it might in the Midwest average. However, Bloomington is part of the larger Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metro, which boasts 174 active jobs for CNAs and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth is steady but not explosive, driven by an aging population and the expansion of long-term care facilities.

Experience plays a significant role in your earning potential. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring data and BLS progression:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,500	$15.38 - $17.07	Often starts in nursing homes or home health agencies.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,242 - $40,000	$17.42 - $19.23	Target range for hospital positions and senior living.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$40,500 - $46,000	$19.47 - $22.12	Specialized roles, shift differentials, charge aide duties.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$47,000 - $55,000+	$22.60 - $26.44+	Management tracks, clinical instructor roles, unionized positions.

How does this compare to other Minnesota cities? In downtown Minneapolis, salaries can be 5-10% higher, but the commute and parking costs often negate the gain. St. Paul is comparable. Rochester (home to Mayo Clinic) pays significantly more—often 15-20% above Bloomington—due to the world-class medical system. However, Rochester's cost of living is also higher. For a CNA, Bloomington offers a sweet spot: proximity to major employers without the hyper-competitive downtown market.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Bloomington employers, especially hospital systems, offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour extra for evenings, nights, and weekends) and on-call pay. This can add $3,000-$6,000 to your annual income if you're willing to work unconventional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. Earning the median salary of $36,242/year means your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes in Minnesota) is approximately $2,450. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bloomington is $1,327/month. That leaves you with $1,123 for all other expenses.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a CNA in Bloomington:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,327	Average across the city. Expect $1,100 in older areas, $1,500+ in new builds.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$180	Higher in winter due to heating. Many apartments include water.
Auto (Loan/Lease, Insurance, Gas)	$350	Bloomington is car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	For one person.
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Misc. (Phone, Personal, Discretionary)	$250	Tight, but manageable.
Total Essential Expenses	$2,557
Surplus/Deficit	($107)	You are in the red.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $36,242 salary, purchasing a home in Bloomington is a significant challenge. The median home price is over $350,000. A 20% down payment would be $70,000. With your budget already tight from rent, saving for a down payment would require extreme frugality or dual income. It's not impossible, but it would require years of disciplined saving, likely in a less expensive neighborhood or with a partner's income. For a single CNA, renting is the more realistic option for the foreseeable future.

Insider Tip: Look for employer-sponsored housing or rent assistance programs. Some senior living facilities, like those run by Ebenezer or Presbyterian Homes, occasionally offer discounted rent to employees in on-site apartments. It's a long shot but worth asking about.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington's healthcare employment is concentrated in a few key areas. The job density is high, but competition exists. Here are the primary employers:

1. Fairview Health Services (Southdale Hospital): Located in Edina but bordering Bloomington, Southdale is a major trauma and heart center. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER observation units. Trend: They are consistently hiring due to union contracts and high patient volume. Expect a rigorous interview process.
2. Allina Health (Bloomington Clinic & nearby Mercy Hospital): The Bloomington Clinic is a large outpatient center. Allina also operates several senior care neighborhoods. Trend: They are expanding their home health and palliative care services, creating more CNA roles outside the hospital.
3. M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota Physicians): While their main hub is in Minneapolis, their network includes clinics and partnerships near Bloomington. They often seek CNAs with interest in academic medicine and specialty clinics.
4. Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS): A major non-profit senior care provider with a large campus in nearby Bloomington (Prairie Knoll). They are one of the largest employers of CNAs in the area. Trend: High turnover in long-term care means constant openings, but they value stability and offer good benefits.
5. Ebenezer (Multiple Locations): Another giant in senior living, with facilities like Ebenezer Ridges in Burnsville (just south). They are known for good training programs for new CNAs. Trend: They are actively hiring for memory care and assisted living positions.
6. Home Health Agencies (Help at Home, Comfort Keepers): These agencies provide in-home care across the south metro. Trend: The home health sector is growing faster than institutional care. Pay can be slightly lower, but you gain autonomy and direct patient relationships.
7. Bloomington Public Schools: The district hires CNAs or Health Assistants to work in school clinics, supporting students with medical needs. This is a unique, daytime-only role with summers off.

Insider Tip: The "Bloomington" job market is actually broader. Many CNAs commute to nearby Eden Prairie (for the Hennepin Healthcare network) or Shakopee (for Crossroads Hospital). The 174 jobs in the metro is a conservative count; the actual opportunity is larger if you expand your search radius by 10-15 miles.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has clear, regulated pathways to becoming a CNA. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a 75-hour training program (72 hours of classroom and lab, 16 hours of clinical). Reputable programs in the Bloomington area include those at Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park), Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis), and several private schools. Cost: $800 - $1,500. Some employers, like Presbyterian Homes, offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., one year).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam has two parts: a written/oral test and a skills demonstration. The fee is approximately $175. You have three attempts to pass.
3. Register with the State: Once you pass, you are placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. There is no additional state fee for registration.

Timeline to Get Started: From the day you enroll in a program, you can expect to be a licensed CNA in 3 to 4 months. If you need to work while training, evening and weekend programs are available but extend the timeline.

Insider Tip: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website is your source of truth for approved programs. Never enroll in a program not listed there. Also, if you're already a CNA in another state, Minnesota has reciprocity, but you must apply through the MDH and may need to complete a short Minnesota-specific law and ethics course.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Old Bloomington (near Nicollet Ave & 98th St): This is the core of the city. Older apartment buildings offer lower rent (avg. $1,100 for a 1BR). You're close to major bus lines to the Mall of America and downtown. Commute to Southdale or Allina clinics is 10-15 minutes by car. It's a practical, no-frills choice.
2. West Bloomington (near Normandale Lake & 84th St): This area is quieter, with more townhome and condo options. Rent is moderate (~$1,250). It's a straight shot to Highway 100 for a quick commute to most employers. Good for those who want a suburban feel without the high price tag of Edina.
3. South Bloomington (near 106th St & Penn Ave): Newer apartment complexes dominate here, pushing rent to $1,400+. The trade-off is brand-new amenities and a short drive to the Minnesota River Valley for outdoor recreation. Commute to Presbyterian Homes or Ebenezer facilities is very easy.
4. Downtown Minneapolis (for the adventurous): While not Bloomington, many CNAs live downtown for the social scene and take the Metro Transit bus or light rail to their Bloomington job. Rent is higher ($1,500+), but you can eliminate a car payment if you're strategic. This is only viable if your job is near a transit line (like Southdale).

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around Mall of America if you value a quiet home life. The traffic and tourist congestion are significant. For the best value, look at older buildings in Old Bloomington or the smaller complexes in West Bloomington. Always check the commute during rush hour (7-8 AM, 4-5 PM) before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Bloomington can be a launching pad, not just a job.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with additional certifications earn more. A CNA with a Dementia Care certification can add $1-$2/hour. Hospice CNA training is also valuable and often leads to higher pay in home health or palliative care settings. Phlebotomy or EKG tech skills can open doors to clinic roles.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Local colleges like Normandale Community College (in Bloomington) have excellent, affordable LPN programs. Many employers offer tuition assistance. Another path is into healthcare administration or patient care coordination, often starting with a role as a unit clerk or health unit coordinator.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is stable. The real growth will be in home health and community-based care. CNAs who build experience in these settings will have the most mobility. The aging population in Minnesota means demand for CNAs in long-term care will remain strong, but the field will become more competitive, pushing CNAs to specialize.

Insider Tip: Network with the charge nurses and unit managers where you work. Express your interest in growth early. In the tight-knit Bloomington healthcare community, your reputation and relationships are your most valuable currency for landing that next role.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Bloomington offers a stable, if modest, career path for CNAs. It's a city of practicality, not glamour. You will find consistent work, but you'll need to be financially savvy.

Pros	Cons
High job density with major employers clustered nearby.	Cost of living is above national average; rent is a major burden on the median salary.
Steady job growth (4%) in a recession-resistant field.	Car-dependent; public transit is not robust for all commutes.
Proximity to top-tier hospitals and senior care networks for career growth.	Salary ceiling is lower than in Rochester or downtown Minneapolis.
Diverse work settings (hospitals, clinics, home health, schools).	Competitive market for the best positions (hospital-based roles).
Access to the entire Twin Cities metro for job hunting.	Winters are harsh, and commuting can be challenging.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is a strong choice for a practical, career-focused CNA who values job stability and clear advancement paths over a high starting salary. It is not the right choice for someone looking to buy a home immediately on a single income or who wants a vibrant, walkable urban lifestyle. If you're willing to specialize, network, and possibly share housing costs, Bloomington can be a solid foundation for a long-term healthcare career in Minnesota.

FAQs

Q: Are there many night shift jobs for CNAs in Bloomington?
A: Yes, absolutely. Hospitals and 24/7 senior care facilities like Presbyterian Homes and Ebenezer have constant needs for night shift CNAs. The shift differential can make these roles financially attractive, often pushing your effective hourly wage to $20-$21/hour.

Q: How do I stand out in the Bloomington job market?
A: Beyond your license, highlight any specialized experience (dementia care, post-surgical care, pediatric experience) on your resume. Obtain a Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification—it's often required. During interviews, demonstrate knowledge of the specific employer (e.g., "I admire Allina's focus on community health").

Q: Is it better to work for a hospital or a nursing home?
A: It depends on your goals. Hospitals (like Southdale) often pay slightly more, offer better benefits, and look better on a resume for future nursing school applications. Nursing homes (like PHS) may offer more consistent hours and a deeper sense of community with residents. Hospitals are more fast-paced; nursing homes focus on long-term care.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a new CNA in Bloomington?
A: The biggest challenge is financial. The $1,327 average rent on a $36,242 salary is a tight squeeze. Many new CNAs start with roommates or live in older, less desirable apartments until they gain experience and move into a higher pay bracket.

Q: Can I use Bloomington as a stepping stone to Minneapolis?
A: Definitely. Many CNAs start in Bloomington to gain experience, then move to a downtown Minneapolis hospital for the higher pay and prestige. The experience you get in a large Bloomington employer like Fairview or Allina is directly transferable and valued in the core city.