Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Evanston, WY

As a career analyst with deep roots in Southwest Wyoming, I've watched the healthcare landscape shift for decades. Evanston isn't a bustling metropolis; it's a tight-knit community where nurses and CNAs are known by name. If you're considering a move here, you need the unvarnished truth—no polished brochures, just the data and the local insight you'd get over a coffee at the local diner.

This guide is built for the practical, data-driven CNA. We'll break down what your paycheck really looks like, where the jobs actually are, and what it takes to build a life here. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

The salary data for Nursing Assistants in Evanston tells a specific story: a stable, modest wage in a low-cost environment. The median salary for a CNA in Evanston is $35,438/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.04/hour. The national average sits at $35,760/year, meaning Evanston's wages are nearly identical to the national figure, which is uncommon for rural Wyoming. This is a key point—it suggests a competitive local market for CNAs, likely driven by the need to attract and retain staff in a remote area.

However, the job market itself is small. There are only 23 jobs in the metro area for CNAs, according to the most recent data. This isn't a place with endless openings; competition for the best positions at the top employers can be tight. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which mirrors the slower growth pattern typical of rural healthcare markets. This isn't a growth industry here, but it's recession-resistant.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Wages in Evanston follow a predictable progression based on experience and certification. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$29,000 - $32,000	Starting pay often at $15.00 - $16.00/hour. May include weekend/night differentials.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	Aligns with the median $35,438. Increased responsibility, potential for charge CNA roles.
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	Specialization (e.g., geriatrics, dementia care) or mentorship roles.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,000+	Often requires additional certifications (CPR, ACLS) or moves into supervisory/education roles.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

How does Evanston stack up against its Wyoming peers? It's solidly in the middle.

City	Median Annual Salary (CNA)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Job Market Size
Evanston	$35,438	97.0	Small (23 jobs)
Cheyenne	~$38,500	98.9	Large (100+ jobs)
Casper	~$37,800	98.1	Medium (60+ jobs)
Gillette	~$36,200	99.5	Small-Medium (30 jobs)

Insider Tip: While Cheyenne and Casper offer slightly higher wages, the cost of living isn't dramatically different. Evanston's advantage is its proximity to Salt Lake City, UT (a 1.5-hour drive) for weekend shifts or per-diem work at higher Utah wages, which a surprising number of local CNAs do to boost income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally honest about the math. On a median salary of $35,438, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Wyoming has no state income tax) will be approximately $2,650 - $2,800 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Evanston's average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $921/month. This is the cornerstone of your budget.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,725	After taxes (est.)
Rent (1BR)	$921	Average for Evanston
Utilities	$200	Includes electric, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA low-cost plan
Transportation	$250	Gas, insurance, basic maintenance
Healthcare	$150	Insurance premiums & co-pays
Miscellaneous	$300	Clothing, personal care, entertainment
Savings/Debt	$554	Remaining for savings, student loans, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,725	Matches take-home pay

Can they afford to buy a home? Possibly, but it's a stretch on this salary. The median home price in Evanston is around $275,000. A 20% down payment ($55,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with a good credit score, FHA loans (3.5% down) make homeownership more accessible. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be $1,400-$1,600, which would consume over 50% of your take-home pay—an uncomfortable ratio for most. Homeownership is a long-term goal here, best pursued with a dual-income household or after several years of wage growth.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

The 23 open positions aren't evenly distributed. They cluster around a few key facilities. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Evanston Regional Hospital (Part of Intermountain Health): The largest employer. This is a 25-bed critical access hospital with a 60-bed skilled nursing facility (Sunnyside Care Center). They hire CNAs for both the hospital and the nursing home. Hiring is steady but not constant. They prefer candidates with Wyoming certification and some experience. Insider Tip: The skilled nursing side often has more openings and offers stable, predictable hours.

2. Sunnyside Care Center: A freestanding 60-bed skilled nursing facility (part of the regional hospital system). This is your classic long-term care environment. They often have the most consistent CNA openings due to high turnover in the industry. Pay is typically at the median or slightly above. They offer shift differentials for nights and weekends.

3. Help at Home (HHA) Agencies: Several regional agencies provide in-home care. These are great for CNAs who prefer one-on-one care and a more flexible schedule. Pay can be slightly lower ($15-$16/hour) due to less institutional overhead, but mileage reimbursement and direct patient interaction are perks. Check with agencies like Salt Lake Home Care which services the Evanston area.

4. Uinta County School District #1: Not a traditional employer, but they hire CNAs for health aides in schools, especially for students with special needs. This is a unique, daytime, school-year-only position. It’s competitive and requires school-specific certifications.

5. Uinta County Memorial Nursing Home: A separate county-run facility. It’s smaller than Sunnyside but can be a good entry point. Their hiring process is through the county, not the hospital system.

6. Staffing Agencies (Aya Healthcare, etc.): While not a direct employer, these agencies are the primary source for temporary assignments at the hospital and nursing homes. For a traveler CNA, this is the path to Evanston. They often pay a higher hourly rate (e.g., $20-$25/hour) for 13-week contracts, but with no benefits.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical. The highest turnover—and thus most openings—occurs after winter (April-June) and in late summer (August-September), as employees leave for seasonal work or after the school year ends. January is the slowest hiring period.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming's licensing process is straightforward but has specific steps. You cannot work as a CNA here without an active state certification.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum 75-hour training program (including 16 hours of clinicals). In Evanston, programs are offered through Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) in Rock Springs (about 45 minutes away) or through the Evanston Regional Hospital itself, which occasionally runs in-house training for new hires.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written (or oral) test and a skills test administered by Headmaster (now part of D&S Diversified Technologies). The exam fee is approximately $125.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit your application to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. The fee is $50. Your name will be added to the Wyoming Nurse Aide Registry.
4. Background Check: Wyoming requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check (approx. $50).

Total Estimated Cost (excluding training): $225.
Timeline: From starting a training program to being on the registry, expect 2-4 months. If you're already a CNA from another state, you can apply for reciprocity if your certification is current and in good standing. This process is faster, typically 4-6 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Evanston is small, but neighborhoods vary. Commute is rarely an issue, but lifestyle and rent differ.

1. Downtown/Corinthian: The historic heart of Evanston. Walkable to cafes, the historic downtown, and the train depot. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $950-$1,050. Ideal for those who want a short walk to work (if you work at the hospital) and enjoy a community feel. The downside is older buildings with less parking.
2. Eastside: The residential area east of downtown. Primarily single-family homes and duplexes. Rent is more affordable, averaging $800-$900 for a 1BR. Very quiet, family-oriented. Your commute to the hospital or nursing home is an easy 5-10 minute drive.
3. North Park: A quiet, established neighborhood with larger homes and mature trees. Rent is similar to Eastside ($800-$950). It's a bit farther from the main commercial strip but offers more space and a peaceful environment. Great for those with a car.
4. West End: The more modern, suburban part of town with newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. Rent is higher ($950-$1,100) for newer amenities. Commute is still minimal. Best for those who prioritize modern finishes and newer construction.
5. Outlying Areas (Bear River, etc.): For those willing to live just outside city limits, rent can drop to $700-$800 for a 1BR or small house. You'll need reliable transportation and be comfortable with a 10-15 minute drive to town. This is the best option for maximizing housing value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Evanston, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and diversification.

• Specialty Premiums: There are no formal "specialty pay" differentials like in big cities. However, CNAs who obtain additional certifications—such as CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), or dementia care training—are first in line for better shifts and more responsibilities. Specializing in geriatrics or long-term care is the most direct path to job security here.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge CNA/Senior CNA: Supervising other CNAs on a shift. Requires experience and strong interpersonal skills.
  2. Medication Aide (CMA): In Wyoming, CNAs can take a separate state-approved course to become a Certified Medication Aide, allowing them to administer medications in long-term care facilities. This comes with a pay bump ($1-$2/hour more) and significantly more responsibility.
  3. LPN/RN Bridge Programs: The most significant advancement. Western Wyoming Community College offers LPN and RN programs. Many local CNAs pursue these degrees part-time while working. An LPN in Evanston earns $45,000-$55,000, and an RN earns $60,000-$75,000+. This is the single best investment for long-term earnings.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth reflects a stable, not booming, demand. The real opportunity lies in replacing retirees. With a significant portion of the local healthcare workforce nearing retirement, there will be steady openings for new CNAs, especially those with local training and a commitment to staying in the community. The push for more home-based care (Medicaid waivers) may also create new job types outside of institutional settings.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Here’s the honest breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Very Limited Job Market: Only 23 openings. You may have to wait for a position.
Stable, Recession-Proof Employment: Healthcare is always needed.	Limited Career Advancement: Without further education, you'll plateau quickly.
Strong Community: You're not a number; you're a neighbor.	Remoteness: 1.5 hours from Salt Lake City for major shopping/airport.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Harsh Winters: Can be isolating and challenging if you're not used to it.
Proximity to Nature: Unparalleled access to mountains, lakes, and parks.	Cultural & Leisure Limitations: Limited dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a close-knit community over high-frequency nightlife, endless job options, or rapid career climbs. It's ideal for someone planning to start a family, who enjoys the outdoors, and who is willing to commit to a smaller market. It's less suitable for a CNA seeking constant job-hopping, diverse specialty fields, or a bustling urban lifestyle. If you find a job here, you can build a very comfortable life—but you must be intentional about your long-term career plan.

FAQs

Q: Can I live in Evanston and commute to Salt Lake City for a higher-paying CNA job?
A: Yes, it's a common strategy. The commute (approx. 1.5 hours each way) is manageable for 2-3 shifts per week. Many CNAs work 12-hour shifts in Utah (e.g., at Intermountain facilities) and enjoy Wyoming's lower cost of living. However, factor in gas costs ($15-$20 per round trip) and vehicle wear.

Q: Is it hard to find housing as a new CNA?
A: The rental market is tight but not impossible. The $921 average rent is accurate, but inventory can be low. Start your search 1-2 months before you plan to move. Be prepared with references and proof of steady income (a job offer letter helps). Consider a roommate to split costs and build savings faster.

Q: What's the winter like for healthcare workers?
A: Winters are long (November-March) with significant snow. The hospital and nursing homes run 24/7 regardless of weather. You'll need a reliable vehicle with 4WD or good snow tires. The facilities are well-prepared, but commuting requires caution. On the upside, winter community events are cozy and family-focused.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes, especially at Sunnyside Care Center and through home health agencies. Many CNAs work part-time at one facility and pick up extra shifts during flu season or holidays. The small market means flexibility, but full-time benefits (health insurance) are typically only offered at 30+ hours/week.

Q: How important is it to get certified in Wyoming before moving?
A: Critical. Having your Wyoming certification (or reciprocity application in process) makes you a far more attractive candidate. Employers here often hire locally to avoid the wait time for certification. If you're moving from out-of-state, contact the Wyoming State Board of Nursing immediately to start the reciprocity process.

Data Sources: Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state wage surveys. Cost of living and rent data from city-data.com and local real estate analyses. Job growth projections from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Licensing information from the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.