The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Georgetown, KY

As a career analyst who has studied Kentucky's healthcare landscape for years, I can tell you that Georgetown is a unique spot for nursing assistants. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but it’s a critical piece of the regional healthcare puzzle, sitting just north of Lexington. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect as a CNA here—no sugarcoating, just the data and local insights you need to decide if this is the right move for your career and life.

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

Georgetown doesn’t have its own dedicated Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) metro area, but data from the Lexington-Fayette Metro Area (which Georgetown is part of) and local job postings paint a clear picture. The key thing to understand is that while the cost of living is low, salaries for entry-level healthcare roles often follow a similar trajectory.

For a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Georgetown, the median salary is $35,019/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.84/hour. This sits slightly below the national average for CNAs, which is $35,760/year. The local job market for CNAs is modest but steady, with approximately 76 jobs currently available in the metro area. Over the past decade, job growth has been a modest 4%, which is slower than the national average but reflective of a stable, rather than booming, healthcare sector.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in this field are heavily dependent on experience, certifications, and the type of facility you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Georgetown area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-1 years, post-licensure	$29,000 - $32,000
Mid-Career	2-5 years, possibly a specialty	$33,000 - $37,500
Senior/Lead	6-10 years, may supervise	$38,000 - $42,000
Expert/Specialist	10+ years, specialized skills	$42,500+ (e.g., dialysis, hospice)

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry benchmarks. Your specific salary will depend on the employer, shift differentials (nights/weekends often pay $1-$2 more), and any additional certifications.

Comparison to Other KY Cities

Georgetown’s salary is competitive for its size and cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up against other Kentucky cities for CNAs:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (US Avg=100)	Key Healthcare Employer(s)
Georgetown	$35,019	93.1	Georgetown Community Hospital, Baptist Health
Lexington	$36,200	96.0	UK Hospital, Baptist Health, CHI St. Joseph
Louisville	$35,880	91.5	Norton Healthcare, UofL Health, Baptist Health
Bowling Green	$34,150	89.0	Med Center Health, TriStar Greenview

As you can see, Georgetown’s median salary is right in the pack with major cities, but its cost of living is significantly lower than Louisville and Lexington. This gives your paycheck more purchasing power locally, which is a major advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $35,019, what does your budget actually look like in Georgetown?

First, the take-home pay. After federal and Kentucky state taxes (roughly 15-20% combined for this income level), you’re looking at a monthly net income of approximately $2,200 - $2,300.

Now, the biggest fixed cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Georgetown costs $837/month. This is a key advantage. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA in Georgetown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (after taxes)	$2,250	Based on $35,019 annual salary
Rent (1BR)	$837	Average for Georgetown proper
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$130	Can vary by season
Groceries	$300	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$250	Essential; public transit is limited
Gas/Transportation	$120	Commuting to work, errands
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plan premium
Student Loans/Debt	$100	Varies widely per person
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$100	Essentials
TOTAL EXPENSES	$1,987
REMAINING	$263	For savings, emergencies, fun

Insider Tip: Many local employers offer shift differentials of $1.50-$2.50/hour for nights and weekends. Working just a few extra evening shifts per month can add $150-$250 to your net income, significantly boosting your savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA income, it’s challenging but not impossible in the long term. The median home price in Georgetown is around $220,000. With a $263 monthly surplus, saving for a down payment would take many years. However, with a partner’s income or after gaining experience and moving into a higher-paying specialty (see "The Long Game" section), homeownership within 5-7 years is a realistic goal for many locals. Single-income home buying is extremely difficult on this salary without significant savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown’s healthcare jobs are concentrated in a few key areas, primarily along the I-75 corridor and in the historic downtown. The hiring trends are stable; employers value reliability and experience, especially in long-term care.

Here are the primary employers for CNAs in Georgetown:

1. Georgetown Community Hospital: The largest acute-care facility in the area, part of the Baptist Health system. They serve Scott County and the surrounding region. Hiring is constant for Med/Surg and ER techs. Insider Tip: They prefer CNAs with Basic Life Support (BLS) and at least 6 months of experience. They are known for good benefits and a clear path to further training.

2. Baptist Health Georgetown: A large outpatient and primary care complex that often needs CNAs for its diagnostic clinics and same-day surgery units. The pace is generally more predictable than a hospital floor.

3. Williamstown Senior Living (Williamstown, KY - 15 mins north): A large skilled nursing facility. Constant demand for CNAs in long-term care. This is a classic entry point. Hiring Trend: They often hire directly from local training programs. Shift flexibility is a huge plus here.

4. The Willows Assisted Living & Memory Care: Located in Georgetown proper. Focuses on assisted living, which requires a different skill set than a nursing home—more emphasis on daily living assistance and social engagement. Less intensive physically than SNFs.

5. Sunrise of Georgetown: A national chain specialized in memory care. They look for CNAs with patience and a specific interest in dementia care. Training is extensive.

6. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like Kindred at Home or Visiting Nurse Association hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers flexibility and one-on-one patient relationships. Insider Tip: This path often requires a driver’s license and a clean background check. Pay can be slightly lower than facilities, but mileage reimbursement helps.

General Hiring Trend: Most employers post openings on their own websites and on Kentucky’s state job board. Walk-in applications to nursing homes are still common and can lead to on-the-spot interviews. Networking with instructors from local CNA programs is a prime strategy.

Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky’s licensing process is straightforward but has strict requirements. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, split between classroom (theory) and clinical (supervised practice) hours. Programs are offered at community colleges and private schools in Georgetown and nearby Lexington.

   • Local Options: Bluegrass Community & Technical College (Georgetown Campus) and American Red Cross (Lexington) are the most reputable.
   • Cost: Training programs typically cost between $600 - $1,200, depending on the provider. Some facilities offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period after graduation.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your training program, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration test. The exam is administered by Credentia, the state’s testing vendor.

   • Exam Cost: Approximately $125 for both parts.
   • Passing Score: You must score 80% or higher.

3. Apply for State Registry: Once you pass, your training program submits your completion to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate application fee for the registry itself.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a Program: Can be done immediately; many have rolling admissions.
• Complete Training: Typically 4-8 weeks for full-time programs (8-hour days). Part-time evening programs can take 3-6 months.
• Schedule & Pass Exams: Allow 2-4 weeks for scheduling and results.
• Total Time: 6-12 weeks from enrollment to being listed on the registry and eligible to work.

Insider Tip: Some employers will hire you contingent on passing your state exam, allowing you to work supervised while you complete the process. Always ask during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living strategically in Georgetown can save you time and money on a CNA salary. Proximity to employers is key, as public transportation is minimal.

1. Downtown Georgetown: The historic heart of the city. You’re within a 5-minute drive of Georgetown Community Hospital and many clinics. Rent is slightly higher here ($850-$950) due to charm and walkability. Best for those who want a short commute and local restaurant/bar scene.

2. Northside / I-75 Corridor: This area is dominated by newer subdivisions and apartments. It’s close to the large Baptist Health outpatient complex and offers easy highway access for commutes to Williamstown or Lexington. Rent is very competitive ($800-$900). Ideal for commuters.

3. Southside / Woodlake Area: A quiet, established residential area with single-family homes and some older apartments. It’s a short drive to the hospital. Rent can be a bit lower ($750-$850). Good for those seeking a quieter, family-friendly environment.

4. Leestown Road (W. Main St.): This is the commercial strip leading into Georgetown from Lexington. It’s packed with apartments, retail, and restaurants. Very convenient if you work at the Baptist Health complex. Rent is average ($825-$925).

5. Georgetown College Area: The college campus is on the north side of town, surrounded by student-oriented housing. This can be a good option for younger CNAs; rent is low ($700-$800) but expect more noise and proximity to college life.

Insider Tip: Avoid the area directly off I-75 near the industrial park for housing if you want a quiet setting, though it’s the closest to the hospital. Always check the specific commute during rush hour (7-8 AM and 4-5 PM), as I-75 traffic can be heavy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As a CNA in Georgetown, your salary growth will come from a combination of experience, specialization, and potentially further education.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis: CNAs with dialysis training can earn $2-$3/hour more. Scott County has dialysis centers that serve the broader region.
• Hospice: Requires additional emotional resilience but often comes with a small pay bump and a less physically demanding role.
• Mental Health/Behavioral Health: Training in de-escalation and mental health first aid can open doors to specialized units or facilities, with pay $1-$2/hour above standard CNA rates.

Advancement Paths:

1. Stay and Specialize: Become a "super-user" for a specific unit (e.g., Med/Surg, ER, Orthopedics) at Georgetown Community Hospital. This leads to lead CNA roles and higher pay.
2. Pursue Further Education: This is the most direct path to a significant salary increase. Many CNAs in Georgetown are LVNs or RNs.
   • LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse): A 12-18 month program. Georgetown has no IV tech schools, but local community colleges in Lexington (like BCTC) have LVN programs. LVN median salary in KY is ~$50,000+. A huge leap.
   • RN (Associate Degree in Nursing): A 2-3 year program. RNs in the Georgetown/Lexington area can earn $60,000 - $75,000+ with experience and specialty certs.
3. Move into Management: With 5+ years of experience, you can aim for roles like CNA Supervisor in a long-term care facility, with pay potentially reaching the $40,000s.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not boom. The real opportunity lies in the aging population and the constant need for experienced, reliable staff. The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training projects continued demand for all healthcare support roles. Your long-term earning potential is not tied to Georgetown’s job growth but to your willingness to advance your credentials.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Deciding on Georgetown requires weighing its specific pros and cons against your personal and professional goals.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $35,019 median salary goes much further here (93.1 index).	Limited Job Market: Only 76 CNA jobs in the metro; competition can be fierce for openings at the top employers.
Short, Easy Commutes: Most neighborhoods are 5-10 minutes from work. No city traffic woes.	Lower Wage Ceiling: Salaries for specialized CNAs are lower than in Louisville or Lexington. Significant raises often require a commute or a change in career path (LVN/RN).
Stable, Family-Friendly Environment: Safe, community-oriented, with good schools.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: If you crave big-city amenities, you’ll be driving 30 minutes to Lexington.
Proximity to Lexington: Easy access to the larger city for shopping, dining, and specialized healthcare jobs without the high cost of living.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is virtually non-existent.
Entry-Level Friendly: Many local employers are willing to train new CNAs, especially if they are local graduates.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% growth means you must be proactive about seeking advancement or further education.

Final Recommendation:
Georgetown is an excellent choice for a CNA who values work-life balance, stability, and affordability over rapid career advancement or high city wages. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are early in their career and want to gain solid experience without being overwhelmed by a major metropolitan hospital system. It’s also a great place for seasoned CNAs looking to slow down, with a lower cost of living and less stressful commutes. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your salary as a CNA or you want the fastest possible path to a high-paying specialty, you may find more opportunities in Lexington or Louisville. For many, Georgetown’s sweet spot of decent pay, low living costs, and a manageable pace of life makes it a very sustainable home for a healthcare career.

FAQs

Q: How do I find a CNA job in Georgetown with no experience?
A: Start with long-term care facilities like Williamstown Senior Living or The Willows Assisted Living. They often hire newly licensed CNAs and provide on-the-job training. Networking with instructors from your training program is also crucial; they often have direct contacts with hiring managers.

Q: Is the cost of living really manageable on a CNA salary in Georgetown?
A: Yes, with careful budgeting. Rent ($837 for a 1BR) is your biggest expense, and it’s manageable on the $16.84/hour median wage. The key is to have a reliable vehicle (no car payment is ideal) and to take advantage of shift differentials for extra income.

Q: Should I consider commuting from Georgetown to Lexington for better pay?
A: It’s a common choice. Lexington CNAs earn a higher median salary ($36,200), but you must factor in a 30-minute commute (with I-75 traffic), higher parking costs, and potentially a higher state income tax bracket. Do the math—after gas and time, the net gain might be minimal unless you land a significant raise or