Career Guide: Nursing Assistant (CNA) in High Point, NC

Welcome to High Point. If you're considering moving here as a CNA, you're looking at a city with a stable healthcare ecosystem, a lower cost of living than the national average, and a community that values its medical professionals. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a solid place to build a career, especially if you're looking for a balance between work and life in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. As someone who's watched this city's healthcare sector evolve, I'll give you the straight facts, the local nuances, and the numbers you need to decide if High Point is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

Let's get right to the numbers, because they tell the most honest story. In High Point and the surrounding metro area, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is $34,976 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.82. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760 per year, but don't let that number scare you off. When you factor in the cost of living here, that paycheck goes much further than it would in Raleigh or Charlotte.

High Point is part of the Greensboro-High Point MSA, a major healthcare hub. There are currently 232 job openings for CNAs in the metro area, which speaks to consistent demand. The 10-year job growth for this field is projected at 4%, which is about as stable as it gets—it's not explosive growth, but it's steady, meaning you won't struggle to find work as long as you're certified and reliable.

To break it down further, here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (High Point)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,500	Typically starts around $15.00 - $16.10/hour. Often found in long-term care facilities and home health.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,000 - $38,000	This is near the median. You have experience and can work in hospital settings like T. J. Oshorn & Associates or follow-up care centers.
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,500 - $42,000	Specialized experience (e.g., geriatrics, rehab) or shift differentials (nights/weekends) can push you into this range.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,000 - $46,000+	Often leads to charge aide roles, training positions, or moving into adjacent roles like Medical Assistant or LPN (with further education).

Insider Tip: The key to moving from entry to mid-level here is often shift differentials. Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer an extra $1.50 to $3.00 per hour for evening, night, and weekend shifts. If you're a night owl, you can significantly boost your annual income.

Comparison to Other NC Cities:

• Raleigh/Durham: Median salary is closer to $37,500, but the average 1BR rent is over $1,400/month, and the cost of living is significantly higher.
• Charlotte: Similar salary to Raleigh (~$37,000), with a cost of living approaching the national average.
• Greensboro: Directly adjacent, with almost identical salary and cost of living figures. High Point and Greensboro are a single job market for most healthcare workers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you're earning the median salary of $34,976. Let's see what that looks like on the ground.

First, your take-home pay. After federal taxes, state tax (North Carolina has a flat rate of 4.75%), and FICA (7.65%), a single filer with no dependents will take home roughly $27,500 - $28,500 annually. That's about $2,300 per month.

Now, let's build a sample monthly budget for a CNA in High Point:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	This is the city average. You can find places from $850 in older neighborhoods to $1,200+ in newer complexes.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, water, and internet. High Point summers can be hot, so A/C costs are a factor.
Groceries	$300 - $400	For a single person. The city has several Food Lion, Aldi, and Harris Teeter locations.
Car Payment & Insurance	$350 - $500	High Point is not walkable. A reliable car is a necessity. Insurance is cheaper than in big cities but still a cost.
Gas	$120 - $150	Commuting within the city is relatively short, but you'll drive to work and errands.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	If not provided by an employer, or for premiums and copays.
Miscellaneous	$200 - $300	Phone bill, personal care, occasional eating out, entertainment.
Total Monthly	~$2,312 - $2,842	This is tight. Your take-home is ~$2,300. This budget requires strict discipline.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary, it's a significant challenge, but not impossible with the right strategy. The median home price in High Point is around $240,000. With a 3.5% FHA loan down payment ($8,400), your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be roughly $1,600 - $1,700. This is above the recommended 30% of your take-home pay. The path to homeownership here is typically one of three ways: 1) Dual-income household (a partner also working), 2) Significant savings for a larger down payment to lower the mortgage, or 3) Moving into a roomier, older home in a neighborhood like Jamestown or Archdale and renting out a room. It's a long-term goal, not an immediate one on a starting salary.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point's healthcare scene is anchored by a mix of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. The "Piedmont Triad" region means you're also within a 20-minute commute of major employers in Greensboro and Thomasville.

1. T. J. Oshorn & Associates: This is a local, physician-owned surgical hospital. It's a fantastic place for CNAs interested in surgical tech roles or working in a fast-paced, specialized environment. They have a reputation for being a premier employer and often pay at the higher end of the local scale.
2. High Point Regional Hospital (part of UNC Health): This is the city's main hospital. While it's not a massive Level 1 trauma center, it handles a wide range of services. CNAs here work in med-surg, rehab, and sometimes ER observation. Being part of the UNC system can offer better benefits and opportunities for tuition assistance for further education.
3. Piedmont Healthcare Services & Rehabilitation Center: A major long-term care and rehab facility. This is a classic CNA employer. It's steady work, often with predictable schedules, but can be physically and emotionally demanding. They hire frequently.
4. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Interim HealthCare, Gentiva): High Point has a significant aging population, driving demand for in-home care. This offers more schedule flexibility but often fewer benefits. It's a great option if you prefer one-on-one patient care and have a reliable vehicle.
5. Brookdale High Point (Senior Living): Part of a national chain, this assisted living and memory care community is a major local employer. The pace can be different from a hospital, focusing more on daily living assistance and building relationships with residents.
6. Piedmont Medical Center (just over the line in Thomasville): A 10-minute drive from High Point, this is another major hospital system (Atrium Health) that pulls from the same labor pool. It's worth applying to both High Point Regional and Piedmont Medical to compare offers.
7. Guilford County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (in Greensboro): A 15-minute commute, this county-run facility is known for stable employment and good public sector benefits.

Hiring Trends: The most consistent hires are for night and weekend shifts in long-term care. Hospitals may have periodic hiring freezes, but they are always looking for CNAs with a clean record, good references, and flexibility. Insider tip: Many facilities use a "per diem" or "casual" worker pool. Getting your foot in the door this way can lead to a full-time position once you prove your reliability.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina requires all CNAs to be listed on the state's Nurse Aide I Registry. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training (a mix of classroom and clinical). Programs are offered at community colleges (like GTCC in Greensboro/High Point), technical schools, and some nursing homes. Cost: $800 - $1,200 is typical. Some employers (especially nursing homes) will offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you'll take the written (multiple choice) and skills (demonstration) exam administered by Credentia. Cost: $125 for both parts.
3. Submit Application to the NC Board of Nursing: Once you pass, you'll apply for listing on the registry. There's a $20 application fee.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Can be done quickly; many have rolling admissions.
• Training: Typically takes 2-4 months if part-time, or 3-6 weeks if full-time.
• Exam & Registry: Allow 1-2 months from finishing training to being fully listed.
• Total: From zero to being a licensed CNA ready to work, expect 3 to 6 months.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, check the NC Board of Nursing for reciprocity. If you're already on another state's registry, the process can be faster and cheaper. If not, you'll likely need to complete the full training and exam here.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in High Point affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown:

1. Jamestown (West of I-40): A quiet, residential suburb with a small-town feel. Rent: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most High Point employers, 20 minutes to Greensboro hospitals. Great for families or those seeking peace. Less nightlife.
2. Archdale (South of High Point): A larger, more affordable suburb with a mix of older and newer housing. Rent: $850 - $1,100. Commute: 10-15 minutes to High Point employers, 25 minutes to Greensboro. It's a practical, budget-friendly choice with plenty of shopping and chain restaurants.
3. Downtown High Point: The city is revitalizing its core. You'll find older apartments and some new loft-style conversions. Rent: $900 - $1,200. Commute: Possibly walkable or a very short drive to some clinics. Offers a more urban feel with local coffee shops and events. Parking can be a hassle.
4. Sunset Hills (East of I-85): A classic, established neighborhood with tree-lined streets and mid-century homes. Rent: $1,100 - $1,400. Commute: 15-20 minutes to most employers. It's a desirable area with good schools, which can be a plus if you have or plan a family.
5. Brown Summit (Just outside the city, north): Rural and spacious, with larger lots and lower rent. Rent: $800 - $1,000. Commute: 20-25 minutes to High Point employers. Ideal if you want a quiet home base and don't mind a slightly longer drive. You'll need a car for everything.

Insider Tip: Traffic in High Point is generally manageable, but the I-40 and I-85 interchange can get congested during rush hour. If you work at a hospital in the core, living in Jamestown or Archdale can minimize your commute stress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in High Point is a stable starting point, but the "long game" requires planning.

• Specialty Premiums: While not as pronounced as in major metros, you can earn more by specializing. CNAs with experience in dementia care or rehab are highly valued in long-term care. Bilingual CNAs (especially Spanish) are in high demand and may command a premium in some settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience, you can take a state-approved course to administer medications. This often comes with a pay bump and more responsibility.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This is the most common path. LPN programs are 12-18 months and often offered at GTCC and other community colleges. An LPN in High Point can earn $45,000 - $55,000+, significantly more than a CNA.
  • Medical Assistant (MA): If you prefer clinic work over bedside care, an MA program (typically 1-2 years) can open doors in doctors' offices (like those at High Point Regional's medical plaza).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is steady, not booming. Automation and policy changes won't eliminate the need for hands-on care. The real growth will be for CNAs who upskill. LPNs and MAs are in higher demand. Your best bet for financial growth is to use the stability of your CNA job to fund your next degree. Local hospitals often have tuition assistance programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

This is a practical, no-nonsense town. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's a fantastic place to build a career.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are significantly below national averages.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Wages for CNAs are modest compared to larger metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals, rehabs, and home health.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer major cultural attractions, dining, or nightlife options.
Short Commutes: Easy to get around the city and to neighboring job markets.	Car Dependency: Public transportation is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Strong Community Feel: People are generally friendly and community-oriented.	Slower Pace: Can feel quiet if you're used to a bustling urban environment.
Pathway to Advancement: Good access to affordable LPN/MA programs at nearby community colleges.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasionally icy winters.

Final Recommendation: High Point is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values stability over high risk, and has a clear plan for advancement. If you're willing to work hard, embrace the local lifestyle, and use your job as a stepping stone (e.g., to an LPN program), you can build a secure and comfortable life here. It's not a place to get rich quickly as a CNA, but it's a place to build a solid foundation for the rest of your career.

FAQs

1. Can I live in High Point without a car?
Technically, yes, but it's very difficult. The public transit (High Point Transit System) has limited routes and hours. Most healthcare jobs require shift work that doesn't align with bus schedules. You would be dependent on ride-sharing or coworkers. Strongly recommended: Have a reliable car before moving.

2. How competitive are CNA jobs here?
For entry-level positions, competition is moderate. You will need a clean background check and a good reference. The market is less competitive than in Raleigh, but you still need to present yourself professionally. The biggest advantage is flexibility—being willing to work nights and weekends will make you a highly sought-after candidate.

3. What's the best way to find a job?
Check the websites of the major employers listed above (T. J. Oshorn, High Point Regional, Piedmont Healthcare). Also use Indeed and LinkedIn, filtering for High Point. Insider tip: For nursing homes and home health, a direct phone call to ask about openings can sometimes be more effective than an online application. Show initiative.

4. Is the cost of living really as low as the index says?
The Cost of Living Index of 92.7 (US avg