Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Everett, Washington.

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Nursing Assistant Career Guide: Everett, WA

Everett isn't just a paycheck; it's a community built on the backs of its industrial past and a thriving healthcare future. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), this city offers a unique blend of opportunity and challenge. It's home to major aerospace employers like Boeing, but its true engine is the network of hospitals and long-term care facilities that serve a growing population. This guide isn't a sales pitch. It's a hard-nosed look at what it takes to build a career as a CNA in Everett, from the salary numbers to the neighborhoods you'll call home.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. A CNA's earning potential in Everett is a story of modest stability, not explosive growth. The data, primarily from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, paints a clear picture.

The median salary for a CNA in Everett is $37,154 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.86. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, reflecting Washington's generally higher cost of living and strong healthcare sector. However, it's crucial to understand that this median is a midpoint. Your actual earnings will swing based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Everett metro area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Estimate)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	Starting wages at major hospital systems or nursing homes. Often begins on the lower end of the scale.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	Increased responsibility, potential for shift differentials, and specialized unit experience (e.g., telemetry, rehab).
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $47,000	Often involves charge CNA roles, preceptor duties, or specialized certifications (like EKG tech).
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$47,000+	Leadership positions, clinical educator roles, or specializing in high-demand areas like hospice or dementia care.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base hourly rate. Many Everett hospitals and larger care facilities offer a $2.00 - $4.00 per hour differential for evening, night, and weekend shifts. This can add a significant $4,000 - $8,000 to your annual income, making those off-hours shifts financially smarter.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities

Everett is part of the larger Puget Sound region, where salaries and costs vary significantly. While it offers a solid wage, it doesn't command the same top-tier pay as Seattle or Bellevue, nor does it have the lower cost of living seen in some southern Washington cities.

City	Median Annual Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Insight
Everett	$37,154	113.0	The "balanced" option. Decent pay relative to the cost, with strong local employer presence.
Seattle/Bellevue	$39,500 - $42,000	150.0+	Higher pay is completely offset by extreme housing and living costs. Commute from Everett is possible but grueling.
Spokane	$34,500	95.0	Lower pay but a significantly lower cost of living. A different market entirely.
Tacoma	$36,800	110.0	Very comparable to Everett; competition for jobs is fierce between the two cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until it meets your monthly budget. In Everett, the math is tight but manageable with careful planning. Let's break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $37,154/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,096 ($37,154 / 12)
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~22% (This is an estimate; use a WA paycheck calculator for precision)
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$2,415

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,864	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper (e.g., $1,600 in north Everett) or more expensive.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; older Everett apartments can be drafty in winter.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shopping at local chains like Haggen or Grocery Outlet can save money.
Transportation (Gas/Insurance/PTA)	$150 - $250	The Everett Transit bus fare is $2.50/ride. A car is often necessary for suburban shifts.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$100 - $250	Employer plans vary. Factor in co-pays and deductibles.
Student Loan/Debt	$100 - $300	Varies widely by individual.
Total Essential Expenses	$2,664 - $3,264	This exceeds the median take-home pay.

The Reality Check: The numbers are stark. Earning the median salary, a single CNA living alone in an average 1-bedroom apartment in Everett is in a deficit. This is the most critical takeaway from this guide. To make it work, you must:

1. Secure Housing Below Average: Target shared housing, studios, or apartments in more affordable neighborhoods (see below).
2. Maximize Shift Differentials: Working nights or weekends is not just a choice; it's a financial necessity for many.
3. Live Lean Initially: Budgeting for groceries and transport is non-negotiable.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single CNA salary, buying a home in Everett is not feasible in the short term. The median home price in Everett is well over $600,000. A 20% down payment is $120,000, and the monthly mortgage payment would be unsustainable. Homeownership is a long-term goal that typically requires dual incomes, significant savings, or substantial career advancement into a higher-paying healthcare role (e.g., LPN or RN).

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The job market for CNAs in Everett is steady, with 222 jobs available in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates consistent demand, especially to replace retiring staff. Hiring is active year-round.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Colby Campus & Pacific Campus): The 800-pound gorilla of local healthcare. This Level II Trauma center is the largest employer in the region. They hire CNAs for virtually every unit: Med-Surg, ICU, ED, Orthopedics, and Oncology. Hiring Trend: They have frequent new graduate CNA cohorts. They prioritize internal candidates, so getting your foot in the door here is a huge career move.
2. Cascade Valley Hospital & Clinic (Arlington, 15 mins north): Part of the Providence system, this hospital serves the growing Arlington and Smokey Point area. It's a smaller facility, which can mean a tighter-knit team and broader skill exposure. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for CNAs, especially in their Medical/Surgical unit and Emergency Department.
3. Regency on Bickford (Skilled Nursing Facility): One of the largest and most well-known nursing homes in the area. It's a major employer for CNAs seeking experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, and memory care. Hiring Trend: High turnover is common in SNFs, meaning they are almost always hiring. It's an excellent place to build foundational skills quickly.
4. Edmonds Living Care Center (Edmonds, 15 mins south): While just south of the Everett city line, it's a major employer for the entire metro. This is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center with a strong reputation. Hiring Trend: They actively recruit for day and evening shifts, with a focus on staff retention in a competitive market.
5. Alderwood Post-Acute Rehabilitation (Lynnwood, 20 mins south): Another key player in the post-acute care space. They specialize in short-term rehabilitation, giving CNAs exposure to a fast-paced recovery environment. Hiring Trend: Look for job postings for weekend Baylor programs (working two 12-hour shifts for full-time pay and benefits).
6. Private Home Care Agencies: Companies like ComForCare Home Care and Visiting Angels serve the aging-in-place population. This offers a completely different work environment—often one-on-one care in a client's home. Hiring Trend: Demand is growing as the population ages. Flexibility is a major perk, but pay can be slightly lower than hospital work, and benefits may be limited.

Insider Tip: Many of the larger facilities (Providence, Regency) use a centralized hiring system. Tailor your resume to the specific job description, and be prepared for a multi-stage interview process that may include a skills test.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has a clear, regulated path to becoming a CNA. The process is managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

• Requirement: 85 hours of training, split into 35 hours of classroom theory and 50 hours of clinical/lab practice.
• Where: Community colleges (like Everett Community College's "Nurse Assistant" program), private vocational schools, and some hospitals/facilities offer training.
• Cost: Tuition ranges from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, especially long-term care facilities, may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment (typically 6-12 months).
• Timeline: Programs typically take 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on the schedule.

Step 2: Pass the Competency Exam

• After completing training, you must pass the state competency exam within 24 months. The exam consists of a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation.
• Cost: The exam fee is approximately $150 - $200.
• Timeline: You can schedule the exam as soon as you graduate. Most candidates take it within 2-4 weeks of finishing their program.

Step 3: Apply for State Certification

• Once you pass the exam, you apply for your CNA certificate through the Washington DOH. There is a small application fee (around $35).
• Timeline: The DOH typically processes applications in 2-3 weeks. You can work as a "CNA 1 Pending" while your application is being processed if you have a job offer.

Total Estimated Cost (Without Employer Sponsorship): $1,000 - $1,800
Total Estimated Timeline (From start to holding certificate): 2 - 3 months

Insider Tip: Before enrolling in a private program, check with local employers like Regency or Prosser Memorial Health (in nearby Prosser) about potential tuition reimbursement programs. It can save you thousands.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your choice of neighborhood will directly impact your commute, rent, and quality of life. Everett is divided by I-5, creating distinct areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
Northwest Everett	Quiet, residential, close to the hospital (Providence Pacific). Easy access to I-5.	$1,600 - $1,800	Those wanting a short commute to Providence Pacific or who work nights and want to sleep during the day.
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, vibrant. Home to the Port, restaurants, and events. Commute is easy with bus routes.	$1,700 - $1,950	Cnas who want a social life outside of work and don't mind a slightly longer commute to suburban facilities.
South Everett	More affordable, diverse, and dense. Closer to the Boeing Everett factory. Commute can be congested.	$1,500 - $1,700	Budget-conscious CNAs who don't mind a longer commute and want more apartment options.
Mill Creek	Suburban, family-oriented, and pricier. Feels more "upscale." Commute is manageable via I-5 or 128th St.	$1,900 - $2,200	CNAs with higher earnings (senior level or dual income) seeking a quieter, community-focused lifestyle.
Narrabeen/Woodway	Very quiet, residential, and near the water. Limited rentals. Commute is straightforward to the west side of Everett.	$1,750 - $2,000	Those seeking peace and quiet, willing to pay a bit more for a serene environment close to parks and the bay.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 between Everett and Lynnwood/Seattle can be a nightmare during peak hours (7-9am, 4-6pm). If you work at a facility in Lynnwood but live in North Everett, your commute could be 20 minutes or 60 minutes. Always test-drive a potential commute during your shift times before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license in Washington is a powerful starting point, not a final destination. The skills you build are foundational for advancement.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Certifications: While not always tied to an immediate raise, obtaining certifications like EKG Technician (CET) or Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) can make you a more valuable candidate for hospital roles and open doors to higher-paying, specialized positions.
• Specialty Units: Gaining experience in high-acuity areas like ICU, Emergency Department, or Labor & Delivery can lead to higher pay and makes you a competitive candidate for LPN/RN programs.
• The Direct Path: LPN/RN: This is the most common and lucrative path. Washington's community college system (e.g., Everett Community College) has highly-regarded and competitive nursing programs. An LPN program takes about 12-18 months, an RN (Associate Degree) takes 2-3 years. The salary jump is significant: LPNs in Everett earn a median of ~$56,000, and RNs earn ~$92,000.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth for CNAs is steady. The real opportunity lies in the retirement wave. As experienced CNAs and LPNs retire, there will be a constant need for new staff. However, the most significant growth will be for those who advance. The demand for LPNs and RNs in Everett is projected to be much higher than for CNAs. Your long-term financial stability is directly tied to your willingness to invest in further education.

Insider Tip: Many large employers like Providence offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing LPN or RN degrees. This is a game-changer. A $2,000 annual tuition benefit can reduce your educational debt by tens of thousands of dollars over a multi-year program.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Making the move to Everett as a CNA is a strategic decision. It's a solid market to start a career, but it demands financial discipline and a long-term plan.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Major healthcare employers provide consistent demand.	Tight Budget: The median salary struggles against the average rent. Roommates or sub-1BR living are common.
Pathway to Growth: Strong community college system and employer tuition benefits for advancing to LPN/RN.	High Competition: Good jobs at top employers are competitive. You need a standout resume and interview.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further than in states with income tax, partially offsetting the high cost of living.	Cost of Living Pressure: Rent, gas, and groceries are significantly higher than the US average.
Proximity to Nature: Easy access to the Puget Sound, mountains (hiking/skiing), and outdoor recreation.	Traffic: Regional traffic, especially on I-5, can be a major daily stressor.
Diverse Work Environments: From Level II Trauma centers to quiet long-term care facilities.	Weather: The famous "drizzle" and gray skies from fall to spring can be difficult for those used to sunnier climates.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is a viable and strategic choice for a CNA, but with major caveats. It's an excellent place to start your career and gain high-quality experience, especially if your goal is to advance to an LPN or RN. The presence of major employers and tuition assistance programs creates a clear ladder for upward mobility.

However, if you are looking for a comfortable, single-income lifestyle as a long-term CNA, Everett will be a financial struggle. It is not a city where you can "coast" on a CNA salary. You must be proactive, budget aggressively, and have a clear plan for career advancement. For the right, ambitious individual, Everett can