Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Burlington, VT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Burlington, Vermont.

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The Salary Picture: Where Burlington Stands

If you’re considering a move to Burlington as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), let’s get the numbers out of the way first. The data paints a clear picture: Burlington is a stable market with wages that align closely with national averages, but the cost of living requires a careful budget.

The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the Burlington metro area is $35,760/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $17.19/hour. It’s worth noting that the national average for CNAs sits right at $35,760/year as well, meaning Burlington isn't a high-wage outlier, but it’s not underpaying you relative to the rest of the country. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but steady. There are currently 89 jobs available in the metro area at any given time, indicating consistent demand.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These figures are estimates based on local healthcare system pay scales and BLS data trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$35,760 - $39,000	$17.19 - $18.75
Senior (5-10 years)	$39,000 - $42,000	$18.75 - $20.19
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$42,000 - $48,000+	$20.19 - $23.08+

When you compare this to other cities in Vermont, the landscape is similar. Burlington is the metro hub, so it has the highest volume of jobs. Cities like Rutland or Barre may offer slightly lower wages (often 5-10% less) but also have lower housing costs. For a CNA, the trade-off between job volume and cost of living is the central calculus.

Insider Tip: The most significant salary bumps in Burlington come from working for the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC) or for specialty units like hospice or dialysis. Unionized positions, particularly at UVMC through the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, also provide structured pay increases and better benefits, which effectively raise your total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,760 is a gross figure. To understand your real purchasing power in Burlington, you need to look at the numbers after taxes and your largest expense: rent.

Using a standard tax estimator (accounting for federal, state, and FICA taxes), your take-home pay would be approximately $28,000 - $29,500 per year, or about $2,333 - $2,458 per month.

Now, let’s factor in the average 1BR rent of $1,441/month. The Cost of Living Index for Burlington is 100.0, meaning it’s exactly at the U.S. average. This is a critical point: it’s not a low-cost area, but it’s not expensive like Boston or New York.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,380	Based on $35,760 annual salary
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,441	The single biggest cost
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet)	$200 - $250	Burlington winters are cold; heating costs are real
Groceries	$300 - $400	Limited budget-friendly grocery chains (Shaw’s, Price Chopper)
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$300 - $500	Public transit is limited; a car is often necessary
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150 - $300	Many employers offer good plans
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$200	It’s a college town with breweries and festivals
Remaining Funds	~$189	This is tight.

Can you buy a home? On a single CNA salary, it’s extremely challenging. The median home price in Burlington is well over $400,000. With a take-home pay of under $2,500/month, a mortgage payment would be unaffordable. The path to homeownership for a CNA in Burlington typically involves dual-income households, moving to a neighboring town like Essex or Winooski for lower prices, or advancing to a higher-paying specialty role for several years.

Where the Jobs Are: Burlington's Major Employers

Burlington’s healthcare job market is dominated by one major system, but there are several key players. Hiring is nearly constant due to the aging population and the presence of a teaching hospital.

1. The University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMC): The largest employer in the state. This is a 500-bed academic medical center and Level I Trauma Center. They are almost always hiring CNAs. They offer the best benefits, union protections, and opportunities for advancement (like moving into a Patient Care Technician role). Hiring Trend: High volume, but competitive. They value experience and cultural fit.
2. The University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) – Community Clinics: This includes numerous primary care and specialty clinics across Chittenden County. It’s a great entry point for those who prefer a calmer environment than a hospital. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on long-term staff.
3. The Vermont Veterans’ Home (in Bennington, but a major VT employer): While not in Burlington, it’s a significant state-run facility that often recruits from the Burlington area for skilled nursing roles. Pay is state-scale, which is competitive.
4. Birchwood Terrace Healthcare & Rehab: A large, well-regarded long-term care and rehabilitation facility in Burlington. It’s a prime employer for CNAs looking to specialize in geriatric care. Hiring Trend: Very high demand; they often offer signing bonuses for night and weekend shifts.
5. The Manor at Burlington: Another major skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. They have a strong reputation and offer a clear path for CNA advancement. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring, especially for weekend availability.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurses Association of VT, Home Instead): For CNAs who want a change of pace from facility-based care. You’ll travel to patients' homes. This offers more autonomy but less structure. Hiring Trend: Growing as the population ages and more prefer to age in place.
7. Private Schools & Colleges: Places like the University of Vermont student health services or Champlain College may hire CNAs for their clinics. It’s a niche market but offers a different environment with typical school hours.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont has a straightforward licensing process, but it’s essential to follow the state’s specific steps. All information should be verified with the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR).

Steps & Timeline:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a minimum 75-hour course (including 25 hours of clinical training). Several local providers offer this:

   • Community College of Vermont (CCV) – Winooski.
   • Burlington Technical Center.
   • Various private training schools (e.g., Calliope College).
   • Timeline: 4-8 weeks for full-time programs; longer for part-time.
   • Cost: $800 - $1,500. Some employers, like UVMC, may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period post-hire.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: This consists of a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by a third-party vendor (like Credentia).

   • Cost: Approximately $125 - $150.
   • Timeline: You can schedule your exam as soon as you complete your training. Results are typically available within 2-3 weeks.

3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass, you apply to the Vermont OPR for your name to be placed on the state registry.

   • Cost: A modest application fee (under $100).
   • Timeline: Processing can take 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you’re listed on the Vermont Nurse Aide Registry and can work.

Total Estimated Cost (if paying out-of-pocket): $1,000 - $1,800
Total Timeline (from start to job): 2 - 4 months.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a CNA in another state, you can apply for reciprocity. Vermont generally makes this process smooth, especially if your home state is a member of the Nurse Aide Compact. Contact the OPR for the specific reciprocity application.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Burlington proper can be expensive. Most CNAs I know live in the surrounding "Old North End" or in nearby towns for better affordability. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Old North End (Burlington)	Dense, walkable, diverse. 5-10 min drive to UVMC. Excellent bus access.	$1,300 - $1,600	Those who want to be in the city, avoid a car commute, and enjoy walkable streets.
South End (Burlington)	Trendy, more residential, near the waterfront. 10-15 min drive to hospitals.	$1,400 - $1,800	CNAs with a higher budget who want a quieter, more scenic neighborhood.
Winooski (1.5 mi from downtown)	A separate city with a dense, mill-town core. 5-10 min commute to Burlington.	$1,200 - $1,500	The #1 choice for budget-conscious CNAs. It has its own amenities and a short, easy commute.
South Burlington (near Shelburne Rd)	Car-centric, modern apartments, close to shopping. 10-15 min commute to hospitals.	$1,500 - $1,900	CNAs who value modern amenities, proximity to grocery stores, and don’t mind driving.
Essex, VT (9 miles east)	Suburban, family-oriented, quieter. 15-20 min commute to Burlington.	$1,200 - $1,500	Those seeking more space, a suburban feel, and slightly lower rent.

Insider Tip: The Old North End is where many healthcare workers live. It’s historically working-class, has great community gardens, and is one of the few areas where you can find true 1BR apartments for under $1,400. Parking can be a challenge, but if you’re near a bus line, you can manage without a car.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying as a CNA in Burlington is a stable career, but advancement is possible if you’re strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: While the base is $35,760, specialties can push you toward the $40,000+ range.

  • Dialysis: CNAs in dialysis units often earn $2-$3 more per hour due to specialized training.
  • Hospice: Requires empathy and specific training, but pays at the higher end of the CNA scale.
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health: Working at the UVM Medical Center’s psychiatry unit offers a premium and critical experience.

• Advancement Paths (The Real Money):

  1. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): The most common step. CCV offers an LPN program. An LPN in Burlington can earn $50,000 - $60,000+. This is a 12-18 month commitment.
  2. RN (Registered Nurse): With an Associate’s or BSN degree. This is the major leap. RNs in Burlington start at $65,000+ and can reach $85,000+ with experience. UVMC has a strong RN career ladder.
  3. Medical Assistant (MA): If you prefer outpatient care, getting certified as an MA can lead to a similar or slightly higher salary, with more regular hours.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, competition won’t be fierce. Your leverage will come from experience, specialization, and further education. The healthcare system in Vermont is focused on retaining staff, so once you’re in, there are internal pathways to advance.

The Verdict: Is Burlington Right for You?

Burlington offers a high quality of life with a strong community, but it demands financial discipline. It’s not a “get rich quick” place for a CNA, but it’s a place for building a stable, meaningful career.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 89 jobs and consistent demand at major hospitals and nursing homes.	Tight Budget: Median salary of $35,760 barely covers average rent of $1,441/month.
Quality Employers: UVMC is a top-tier employer with strong benefits and union support.	High Housing Costs: Burlington is not an affordable city; you must be strategic about housing.
Excellent Work/Life Balance: The city is small, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Commutes are short.	Limited Public Transit: A car is often a necessity, adding to monthly costs.
Path to Advancement: Clear pathways to LPN and RN roles with local, accredited colleges.	Long, Gray Winters: The seasonal affective challenge is real and can impact morale.
Great Community: A progressive, engaged city with a strong sense of local pride.	Competitive for Newcomers: Breaking into the tight-knit local healthcare scene can take time.

Final Recommendation: Burlington is an excellent choice for a CNA who values job stability, quality of life, and has a clear plan for career advancement (like an LPN or RN program). If you are budget-conscious and willing to live in a shared apartment or in Winooski/Essex for the first few years, it’s very manageable. It’s not the place for a CNA looking to save aggressively on a single income, but it’s a fantastic place to build a life and a career in healthcare.

FAQs

1. What’s the winter commute like for healthcare workers?
It’s manageable but requires preparation. Snowfall is significant (60-80 inches annually). Major roads (like Shelburne Road, US-7) are plowed quickly. If you live in Burlington or Winooski and work at UVMC, a short commute is easy. If you live in Essex or South Burlington, a reliable car with good tires is essential. Most healthcare facilities have dedicated plowed parking.

2. Is it easy to find a job without prior Vermont experience?
Yes, especially at large employers like UVMC and Birchwood. They have high turnover and are accustomed to hiring out-of-state candidates. The key is to get your Vermont CNA license before applying. Having an active Vermont license on your resume shows commitment.

3. How does the union at UVMC affect my pay?
The Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (VFNH) negotiates the contract. This means your pay is based on a step system (years of experience) and education. The median salary of $35,760 is a baseline; with shift differentials (nights/weekends) and union-negotiated raises, you can exceed this. It also provides strong job protection and excellent benefits, which is a huge part of total compensation.

4. Are there many per-diem or PRN (as-needed) CNA jobs?
Yes. Hospitals and nursing homes love PRN staff to cover call-outs and vacations. The downside is no guaranteed hours and often no benefits. The upside is flexibility and sometimes a higher hourly rate (to compensate for lack of benefits). It’s a common way for new CNAs to get a foot in the door.

5. What is the best way to find an affordable apartment?
Start your search on Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and local rental agencies like Myriad. Be prepared to move quickly—good, affordable units go fast. Consider Winooski first. Look for "roommate wanted" listings if you’re open to sharing. Avoid waiting until summer when UVM students are also hunting; if possible, start looking in April or May for a July/August move-in.