Decatur, AL: A Career Guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the healthcare job market across Alabama, I can tell you that Decatur is a unique case. It’s not Birmingham or Montgomery, but it’s a steady, affordable market with a high demand for direct-care workers. If you’re a CNA looking for a place where your skills are needed, your paycheck goes further, and you can build a life without the frantic pace of a major metro, Decatur deserves a close look. This guide breaks down the reality of being a Nursing Assistant in this River City, from the numbers in your paycheck to the neighborhoods you might call home.

The Salary Picture: Where Decatur Stands

Let’s get straight to the data. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Decatur, AL is $34,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.68. It's crucial to understand that this is a median—meaning half of CNAs here make more, and half make less. This figure sits just below the national average for CNAs, which is $35,760/year. The difference isn't drastic, but it's a real factor, especially when you pair it with Decatur's lower cost of living.

The job market here is modest but stable. There are approximately 115 CNA positions in the Decatur metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is in line with the national average for the profession. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a consistent, reliable need—driven largely by an aging population and the steady operations at the city's major medical facilities.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential over time, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local pay scales and industry trends.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$33,000 - $37,000	$15.87 - $17.79
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$37,000 - $41,000	$17.79 - $19.71
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$41,000 - $45,000+	$19.71 - $21.63+

Insider Tip: Specialties like geriatrics in long-term care or phlebotomy skills can push you toward the higher end of these brackets. Facilities like Decatur Morgan Hospital or nursing homes in Priceville often pay a premium for CNAs with additional certifications or weekend shift availability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a starting point. What matters is what you can actually afford. Decatur’s cost of living is a major advantage for healthcare workers. The Cost of Living Index here is 90.1, significantly below the US average of 100. Your dollar stretches further, especially in housing.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $34,697. We’ll estimate taxes (federal, state, FICA) at roughly 22% of gross pay, a standard assumption for this income bracket.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $34,697 / 12 = $2,891
• Estimated Taxes (-22%): -$636
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,255

Now, let’s layer in the average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Decatur, which is $763 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Take-Home: $2,255
• Rent (1BR): -$763
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $1,492

This leaves a comfortable cushion for other expenses. Utilities (electric, water, internet) might run another $150-$200, leaving you with over $1,200 for groceries, gas, car insurance, and savings. This is a sustainable budget, not one that requires constant financial stress.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is a key question. With a net monthly income of ~$2,255, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would need to be kept under around $900-$1,000 to maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio. In Decatur, this is feasible. Median home values hover around $150,000-$175,000. A 30-year mortgage on a $160,000 home with a modest down payment could result in a monthly payment in that target range. While it requires discipline and saving for a down payment, homeownership is a realistic long-term goal for a CNA in Decatur, which is far from the case in many other parts of the country.

Where the Jobs Are: Decatur's Major Employers

Decatur’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market is concentrated, so knowing where to look is half the battle.

1. Decatur Morgan Hospital (Main Campus): The largest employer in the city. This is a 172-bed acute care facility. They have a constant need for CNAs in their Med/Surg, ER, and Orthopedic units. Hiring is steady, and they often post jobs directly on their website. Hiring Trend: They are actively expanding their outpatient services, which creates new CNA roles in clinics and procedural areas.

2. Decatur Morgan Hospital - Specialty Care (South Campus): This campus focuses on behavioral health and other specialized services. CNAs here often work in unique environments that require specific training in patient de-escalation and mental health support. Hiring Trend: Increased focus on mental health services has led to more CNA positions here.

3. The Terrace at Decatur: A large skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. This is a prime employer for CNAs who prefer long-term care over acute hospital settings. Shifts are often predictable, and the patient relationships can be deeper. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand due to the aging population in North Alabama.

4. Brookdale Decatur: An assisted living community. CNAs here focus on daily living assistance and social engagement. It’s a less medically intense environment than a hospital but requires strong interpersonal skills. Hiring Trend: The senior living sector is growing nationally, and Decatur is no exception.

5. Decatur-Morgan County Senior Center: While not a direct healthcare employer, the Senior Center is a hub for community health initiatives and often partners with local providers. They are a fantastic resource for networking and learning about non-traditional CNA roles in community health. Hiring Trend: A growing trend is "community-based" care, where CNAs work in clients' homes (through agencies like Home Instead Senior Care, which is active in Decatur).

6. North Alabama Medical Center (in nearby Florence): While not in Decatur proper, it's a key regional player just 30 minutes away. Many Decatur residents commute here for work, especially for specialized roles or higher pay scales. The job market here is slightly larger.

Insider Tip: Don't just apply online. Walk into the HR departments of these facilities with your resume in hand. Decatur’s job market, especially in healthcare, often values personal initiative.

Getting Licensed in AL

If you’re new to the field or moving from another state, the licensing process is your first step. Alabama’s requirements are clear and regulated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) - Center for Healthcare Quality.

For New CNAs (Never Certified):

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, including 60 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered at community colleges (like John C. Calhoun State Community College in Decatur), technical schools, and private facilities. The cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes both a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation. The exam fee is approximately $115.
3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass, you apply to the ADPH to be listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. There is a nominal fee for this.

For CNAs Moving from Another State:
Alabama has reciprocity with many states. You must submit an application for reciprocity, provide proof of your current, active certification in good standing from your home state, and possibly pass a background check. If your certification has lapsed, you may need to retake the competency exam.

Timeline: From start to finish, getting certified as a new CNA in Alabama typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the training program schedule and exam availability. Reciprocity can be faster, often taking 2-4 weeks for processing.

Insider Tip: Calhoun Community College in Decatur offers affordable and reputable CNA training programs. They often have rolling admissions and can be a great local resource. Always verify a program’s approval status with the ADPH before enrolling.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Decatur’s geography is split by the Tennessee River, with the "West Decatur" side (where the hospital is) and the "East Decatur" side. Your neighborhood choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for a CNA
West Decatur / Old Decatur	Historic, walkable, near the hospital. Commute is under 10 minutes.	$700 - $850	Proximity is king. Being minutes from your workplace reduces stress and saves on gas. The area has a charming, small-town feel.
East Decatur / Point Mallard	More suburban, family-oriented. Commute to the hospital is 15-20 minutes.	$750 - $900	More space for your money. Larger apartments and rental homes. Close to parks and the Point Mallard recreation area for off-duty relaxation.
Priceville	Quiet, rural-suburban. Commute is 15-25 minutes via I-65.	$650 - $800	Lowest rents in the guide. Ideal if you prioritize saving money. The trade-off is a longer, car-dependent commute.
Morgan City / Lacey Springs	Semi-rural, very quiet. Commute 20-30 minutes.	$600 - $750	Maximum budget savings. For CNAs who don't mind driving and want a peaceful, low-cost environment. Limited amenities, so you'll drive to Decatur for shopping.

Insider Tip: If you work at Decatur Morgan Hospital’s main campus, living in West Decatur or the adjacent "Cairo" area is a game-changer. You can be at work in 5 minutes, which is invaluable for 12-hour shifts or when you’re on call.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Decatur can be a stable career or a springboard. The 4% job growth indicates stability, but advancement comes from specialization and further education.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who gain additional certifications can command higher pay. Examples include:

  • Phlebotomy: Drawing blood in a hospital lab or outpatient clinic.
  • EKG Technician: Performing electrocardiograms.
  • Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): Specialized training for long-term care.
  • Medication Aide (CMA): In long-term care facilities, after additional training, CNAs can administer medications, which often comes with a pay increase.

• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to use your CNA experience as a stepping stone to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Local hospitals and community colleges have clear pathways for this. John C. Calhoun State Community College, for example, has strong LPN and RN programs. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing further education.

• 10-Year Outlook: With an aging population in Alabama, the demand for CNAs will remain strong. The 4% growth will likely hold steady. However, CNAs who upskill will see more opportunities and higher earning potential. The trend is moving toward more specialized care, both in facilities and in the home. By 2033, a CNA in Decatur with 10 years of experience and a specialty certification could realistically earn $42,000 - $48,000 annually, assuming continued local demand and wage inflation.

The Verdict: Is Decatur Right for You?

Decatur offers a compelling package for a CNA who values affordability, community, and steady work over high-paced, high-cost city life. It’s a place where you can build a career and a life simultaneously.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than in most places.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer employers than a major city like Birmingham.
Stable, Predictable Demand: 115 jobs and 4% growth means consistent opportunity.	Lower Median Salary: Slightly below the national average.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you can live affordably without a long drive.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer niche restaurants, cultural events, or shopping options.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to LPN/RN via local colleges.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant action and novelty, it may feel quiet.
Sense of Community: Smaller city feel with friendly, long-term coworkers.	Reliance on a Car: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation: Decatur is an excellent choice for the career-focused CNA who is also life-minded. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid debt, build savings, and potentially buy a home within a few years. It’s less suited for someone who wants the highest possible salary out of the gate or thrives in a fast-paced, anonymous urban environment. If you value stability, community, and financial predictability, Decatur is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from another state. How long does it take to get my Alabama CNA license?
If you have an active, in-good-standing CNA license from another state, the reciprocity process typically takes 2-4 weeks. You’ll need to submit an application to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, provide verification from your home state, and pass a background check. Ensure your current license is active before you move.

2. Are there many 12-hour shifts for CNAs in Decatur?
Yes. Hospitals like Decatur Morgan and nursing facilities like The Terrace frequently operate on 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). This is common in healthcare and can be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle. It often means working three days a week, but the days are long.

3. What’s the most in-demand specialty for CNAs in Decatur right now?
Currently, CNAs with geriatric care experience are in high demand due to the aging population. Additionally, CNAs with phlebotomy or EKG certification are highly sought after by Decatur Morgan Hospital for their lab and diagnostic departments. These roles often come with a pay premium over standard CNA positions.

4. Can I support a family on a CNA salary in Decatur?
Supporting a family on a single CNA salary would be challenging but possible with extreme budgeting, especially with more than one child. A dual-income household, even if both partners are in entry-level healthcare roles, would be much more comfortable given Decatur’s low cost of living. Many families here have both adults working.

5. Is the job market competitive?
With only 115 jobs in the metro, it's not a vast market, but the demand is steady. Competition is moderate. Having a clean background check, good references, and a proactive approach (applying directly, following up) will give you a significant edge. New graduates should consider starting in a nursing home or assisted living to gain experience, as they often have more openings than hospitals.

Data Sources: Salary and job growth data are based on the provided figures. Cost of living and rent data are from public market analyses of the Decatur, AL metro area. Licensing information is from the Alabama Department of Public Health.