Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Federal Way, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Federal Way Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Federal Way's job market for CNAs is stable but not booming. The median salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) here is $37,154 per year, which translates to about $17.86 per hour. While this is slightly above the national average of $35,760 per year, it's crucial to understand the local context. The cost of living index in Federal Way is 113.0, meaning it's 13% higher than the U.S. average. That extra pay doesn't stretch as far as you might think.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in the local market. These are realistic tiers based on job postings and conversations with healthcare workers in the area.

Experience Level	Estimated Yearly Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Work Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $38,000	$16.83 - $18.27	Long-term care, home health, hospital per-diem
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19	Hospital units, specialty clinics, agencies
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $47,000	$20.19 - $22.59	Charge CNA, mentor roles, specialized facilities
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$47,000+	$22.59+	Management tracks, education, complex care units

When you compare Federal Way to other Washington cities, it's middle-of-the-road. Seattle proper pays more (often $19-22/hour), but the commute and parking costs negate much of that. Tacoma is a closer competitor, with similar pay scales but a slightly lower cost of living. South of Federal Way, in cities like Auburn or Kent, salaries might be a touch lower, but so is the rent. The 10-year job growth projection of 4% is modest, aligning with national trends for an aging population but not explosive. There are 195 CNA jobs in the metro area at any given time, which means competition exists but opportunities are consistent for those with good references and flexibility.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. A $17.86/hour job at a major hospital like St. Francis Hospital often includes shift differentials (an extra $2-4/hour for evenings, nights, and weekends). A job at a skilled nursing facility might start lower but offer consistent hours. Always ask about the total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally real about the budget. With a median salary of $37,154, you're taking home roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month after taxes (federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare). The single biggest expense is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Federal Way is $1,864 per month. That's a staggering percentage of your take-home pay.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	Average for Federal Way. Could be lower in some areas.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Varies by season; electric is higher in summer with AC.
Groceries	$300	For one person, shopping at Bargain Grocery or Fred Meyer.
Transportation (Car)	$250	Gas, insurance, average maintenance. Public transit is an option.
Health Insurance	$100	Employer-sponsored plan, employee portion.
Cell Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Miscellaneous/Personal	$200	Toiletries, clothing, occasional coffee out.
Total	$2,964	This is $564 over the estimated take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home? In a word: no. Not on a single CNA's median income. The median home price in Federal Way is well over $500,000. A 20% down payment would be $100,000, and a mortgage payment would be roughly $2,500/month before taxes and insurance, which is impossible on this salary. Homeownership is a long-term goal that likely requires a dual-income household, significant savings, or moving to a more affordable region.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs I know in Federal Way have roommates or live in studios to make the math work. Others live in neighboring cities like Auburn or Kent where rent is $100-$300 cheaper, accepting a longer commute. The Sounder train or King County Metro bus lines from these areas are reliable and can be cheaper than driving and paying for parking.

Where the Jobs Are: Federal Way's Major Employers

Federal Way is a hub for healthcare, anchored by several key employers. The job market is competitive, and knowing the specific facilities and their hiring cycles is a major advantage.

1. St. Francis Hospital (CHI Franciscan): This is the biggest name in town, part of the Franciscan system. It’s a Level II trauma center, so they hire CNAs for the ER, med-surg, orthopedics, and ICU. Hiring is steady but can be seasonal (more openings in spring/summer). Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door here as a per-diem CNA is a common strategy. It offers flexibility and a foot in the door for a full-time role.

2. Kindred Hospital Seattle - Federal Way: A long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) specializing in ventilator and complex wound care. They hire CNAs with experience or a willingness to train for high-acuity patients. The work is demanding but pays at the higher end of the local scale.

3. Emerald Heights Retirement Community: Located in nearby Redmond but serving the broader Eastside, this is a large, upscale senior living facility. They have a constant need for CNAs in assisted living and skilled nursing. The community is known for good benefits and a stable work environment.

4. Aegis Living Federal Way: This is a prominent assisted living and memory care facility right in the city. They often hire directly and have a reputation for good training programs for new CNAs. The pace is different from a hospital—more focused on daily living assistance and memory care.

5. King County Public Health & Home Health Agencies: Agencies like Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) and Kaiser Permanente's home health division hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers more autonomy but less consistent hours. You often need your own reliable vehicle.

6. Valley Medical Center (in Renton): While not in Federal Way, it's a major employer just a 20-minute drive south. It's a King County-owned hospital with a strong reputation and often has more openings than St. Francis. The commute is manageable via I-5 or SR-18.

Hiring Trends: The biggest trend is the shift toward specialized skills. CNAs with training in dementia care, tracheostomy care, or ventilator assistance are in high demand and can command higher pay. The gig economy (agency work) is also growing, with many CNAs picking up shifts through agencies like NurseGrid or ShiftMed to supplement their income.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State is straightforward but specific. You cannot work as a CNA without being on the state registry.

Requirements:

1. Complete a state-approved training program: This is typically 120 hours (classroom and clinical). Many community colleges offer this, like Green River College (in Auburn, a short drive) or Renton Technical College. Private schools exist but are more expensive.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam has two parts—a written/oral test and a skills demonstration. The state uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for testing.
3. Pass a Background Check: A clean criminal background is mandatory. The state will check your record.
4. Apply for State Certification: Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program: $800 - $1,500. Community colleges are on the lower end. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year).
• Exam Fee: Approximately $100.
• Background Check: $45.
• Application Fee: $75.
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $1,750.

Timeline: From start to certification, you're looking at 2-4 months. The training itself is 4-6 weeks. Scheduling the state exam can take another 2-4 weeks. If you're already a CNA from another state, Washington has reciprocity, but you must apply through the DOH and may need to complete a background check and pay fees.

Insider Tip: Some hospitals, like St. Francis, have CNA apprenticeship programs. They pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment. This is the best path if you can get in—it eliminates the upfront cost and guarantees a job.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Federal Way impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top options for CNAs.

1. Downtown Federal Way: This is the core, with easy access to St. Francis Hospital and major bus lines. It's walkable to shops and restaurants. The downside? Highest rent. Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,100 for a 1BR. Best for those who want a short commute and don't mind the cost.

2. Celebration Park / Mirror Lake: This area is quieter, with more apartment complexes and townhomes. It's a short drive to the hospital and has good access to I-5. It's popular with young professionals and families. Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $1,950 for a 1BR. A solid middle-ground for budget and convenience.

3. The Commons / Saghalie: Located near the main shopping corridor (The Commons Mall) and the transit center. Excellent access to public transportation (the Sounder train to Seattle, buses everywhere). You can live here without a car, which saves on insurance and gas. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $1,900 for a 1BR. Ideal for commuters who use transit.

4. South Federal Way / Auburn Border: As you move south toward Auburn, rentals get cheaper. The drive to St. Francis is still only 10-15 minutes. You'll find more single-family home rentals and larger complexes. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800 for a 1BR. The best choice for maximizing your budget.

5. Weyerhaeuser / Lakota: This is the northern edge, near the Weyerhaeuser campus. It's scenic and quieter, but a longer commute to the main hospital area (15-20 minutes). Good for those who prefer a more suburban, residential feel. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,850 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and SR-18 can be brutal during rush hour. If you work a 7am-3pm shift, living in Auburn and driving north can add 30 minutes to your commute. Conversely, a night shift worker would have a much easier drive. Consider your shift before choosing a neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Being a CNA in Federal Way can be a career, not just a job. The key is specialization and advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dementia/Alzheimer's Care: Facilities like Aegis Living often pay an extra $1.00 - $2.00/hour for CNAs with verified training in memory care.
• Hospice & Palliative Care: This requires additional coursework but opens doors to home health agencies and hospice centers. Pay can be at the top of the scale.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Adding these certifications (often offered at local community colleges) makes you invaluable on a hospital floor and can bump your pay by $2.00+/hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. Charge CNA/Senior CNA: Taking on leadership duties for a shift, training new hires.
2. Medication Aide: After additional state-approved training, you can administer medications in certain settings (primarily assisted living). This is a significant step up in responsibility and pay.
3. LPN/RN Bridge Program: This is the most common path. Many CNAs use their experience to enroll in a nursing program at Green River College or Seattle Central College. With an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can become an LPN or RN, doubling or tripling your salary. Local hospitals often have tuition assistance programs for this.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is steady. The demand will be driven by the aging population in King County. However, automation (like electronic health records) won't replace hands-on care. The biggest threat is wage stagnation against a rising cost of living. Your best bet for long-term financial health is to pursue an LPN or RN degree within 5-7 years.

The Verdict: Is Federal Way Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With major employers like St. Francis, jobs are consistent.	High Cost of Living: The $1,864 average rent is a massive burden on a $37,154 median salary.
Career Advancement: Access to great community colleges for LPN/RN bridges.	Traffic & Commute: I-5 and SR-18 congestion can make daily life frustrating.
Benefits & Stability: Large hospital systems offer good health insurance and paid time off.	Modest Wage Growth: The 10-year growth of 4% means salaries won't skyrocket.
Urban-Suburban Balance: You get city amenities without the extreme density of Seattle.	Competitive Market: With 195 jobs in the metro, you need a strong resume and good references.

Final Recommendation: Federal Way is a viable, but challenging, place for a CNA. It's best suited for:

• A CNA who is already in a relationship or has a roommate to split housing costs.
• Someone planning to bridge to LPN/RN within 3-5 years, using the local college system.
• A professional who values job stability and good benefits over high immediate pay.

If you are a single CNA on a tight budget, you will struggle to get ahead financially. Consider starting your career in Federal Way to gain experience at a top hospital, then reassess your living situation or career path within a year.

FAQs

Q: Can I live in Federal Way on a CNA salary without a roommate?
A: It's extremely difficult. Your rent would be 75-80% of your take-home pay, leaving almost nothing for food, utilities, or transportation. You would need to find a studio for $1,400-$1,500 or a room in a shared house, which is uncommon. Most singles in the area have roommates or a partner.

Q: What's the best way to get my first CNA job in Federal Way without experience?
A: Target long-term care facilities and home health agencies first. They are more likely to hire new graduates than hospitals. Also, look for the apprenticeship programs at local hospitals. Getting any job, even part-time, gets you on the Washington State CNA registry and builds your resume.

Q: Is it worth it to commute from a cheaper city like Kent or Auburn?
A: Yes, for many it is. The rent savings of $200-$400/month can outweigh the cost of gas and time. Use the King County Metro Trip Planner to calculate your exact commute time and cost. A monthly transit pass is often a good deal if your employer is near a bus line.

Q: Do hospitals in Federal Way pay for CNA training?
A: Some do, but it's competitive. St. Francis Hospital and other large employers occasionally offer employer-sponsored training programs. You work for them for a set period (usually 1-2 years) in exchange for free training. Check their career websites directly and look for "Clinical Apprenticeship" or "Earn While You Learn" programs.

Q: What are the most common mistakes new CNAs make in the Federal Way job market?
A: 1) Applying only to hospitals and getting discouraged by rejection. Apply to nursing homes and agencies too. 2) Not networking. Go to job fairs at Green River College. 3) Ignoring shift differentials. A night shift job might pay $19.50/hour total, which is better than a day shift at $17.86/hour. 4) Not getting specialized certifications like dementia care, which sets you apart.