The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Huntington, WV

If you’re a CNA considering a move to Huntington, you’re looking at a city where your skills are in steady demand, the cost of living is friendly on a modest salary, and the community is tight-knit. This isn’t a high-growth, high-salary market, but it’s a place where you can build a stable career without breaking the bank. Let’s break down the nuts and bolts.

The Salary Picture: Where Huntington Stands

As a CNA in Huntington, you can expect to earn a median salary of $34,515 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.59. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760, which is typical for the region. The job market in the metro area is relatively small, with about 92 jobs available for Nursing Assistants. However, the 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is steady, if not explosive. This growth is driven by an aging population and the consistent need for long-term care and hospital services.

Here’s how experience level breaks down in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Huntington)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $31,000	Basic patient care, bathing, mobility assistance, vital signs.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$32,000 - $37,000	More complex patient care, training new CNAs, shift leadership.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$35,000 - $40,000	Specializing in areas like memory care, acting as a CNA II or lead.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$38,000+	Charge CNA, mentorship, potential transition into training or management.

Insider Tip: Your exact pay will depend on the employer. Hospital-based roles (like at Cabell Huntington Hospital) often start slightly higher than nursing homes, but may have more stringent requirements and a faster pace. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially if you have experience or a specialty.

How Huntington Compares to Other WV Cities:

• Charleston: Median salary is closer to the state average, around $35,200, but rent and cost of living are higher.
• Morgantown: Home to WVU Medicine, salaries can be slightly higher (median ~$35,000), but the student population drives up rental costs significantly.
• Parkersburg: Similar to Huntington, with a median salary around $34,000 and a lower cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $34,515, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, and FICA) will be approximately $27,500-$28,500 annually, or about $2,290-$2,375 per month. Huntington’s cost of living is a major advantage, sitting at 88.4 (US average = 100). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $815/month, but this varies widely by neighborhood.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,300	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$815	Can be as low as $650 or as high as $1,000+
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, water, gas, internet
Groceries	$300	Eating locally and cooking at home
Car Insurance/Gas	$200	Essential; public transport is limited
Healthcare	$150	Copays, prescriptions (varies by employer)
Miscellaneous	$200	Clothing, entertainment, savings
Total	$1,815	Leaves ~$485/month for savings/debt

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it’s absolutely possible, but it requires careful budgeting. The median home price in the Huntington metro area is around $150,000. With a down payment of $10,000 (which is achievable with a few years of saving), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $900-$1,100, which is comparable to renting a nicer apartment. A CNA earning the median salary could qualify for an FHA loan, making homeownership a realistic long-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Huntington's Major Employers

Huntington’s healthcare sector is dominated by a few key players, creating a stable but competitive job market. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Cabell Huntington Hospital: The region’s primary hospital and a Level II Trauma Center. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and the Emergency Department. Hiring is constant, but competition is higher. Trend: They often prefer candidates with Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and some hospital experience.
2. St. Mary’s Medical Center: Part of the Marshall Health network. Similar to Cabell, they offer hospital-based CNA roles. They have a strong focus on patient experience, so soft skills are crucial here.
3. Marshall Health – University Physicians: This large outpatient network often has openings for CNAs in clinics and specialty practices (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics). The pace is generally slower than inpatient settings, which can be a better fit for some.
4. West Virginia Veterans Memorial Hospital (WVMH): Located in nearby Huntington, this state-run facility provides care for veterans. State jobs offer excellent benefits and job security, but hiring can be slower due to government processes.
5. Genesis Healthcare (Various Facilities): This national chain operates several nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in the area (e.g., Huntington Health & Rehab). They are often the largest employers of new CNAs and offer consistent shifts, including nights and weekends.
6. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living: Facilities like Armstrong Nursing & Rehabilitation, The Wyndham, and Shepherd’s Hill provide essential long-term care. These jobs are the backbone of the CNA market here. Insider Tip: Many of these facilities are often desperate for reliable night shift workers, which can come with a small shift differential.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Appalachian Home Care provide in-home services. This offers more flexible schedules but requires your own reliable transportation.

Getting Licensed in WV

To work as a CNA in West Virginia, you must be listed on the state’s Nurse Aide Registry. Here’s the path:

1. Complete State-Approved Training: You must complete a minimum 75-hour training program. In Huntington, these are offered at community colleges (like Ashland Community & Technical College, which serves the area), technical schools, and some healthcare providers. The typical cost is $500 - $1,200, depending on the provider. Some employers, particularly nursing homes, may offer paid training in exchange for a work commitment.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written/oral test and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $100 - $125.
3. Submit Application to the Registry: Once you pass, your training program will help you submit your application to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to be listed on the registry.
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required, which may add a small fee and a few days to the process.

Timeline: From start to finish, assuming you start a class immediately, you can be certified and working in 2-3 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Huntington means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are the top areas for CNAs:

1. Southside / Ritter Park: This is the premier neighborhood. You’re close to Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major hospitals. Lifestyle: Walkable, historic, with beautiful parks. Rent: Higher end, averaging $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
2. Central City / Old Main: The downtown area is experiencing revitalization. It’s walkable to restaurants and bars. Commute: 10-20 minutes to hospitals. Lifestyle: Urban, energetic, a mix of students and professionals. Rent: $750 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
3. Guyan / Altizer: Residential and family-friendly, located in the southwestern part of the city. Commute: 15-25 minutes to hospitals. Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban feel with good schools. Rent: Very affordable, averaging $650 - $850 for a 1BR.
4. East Huntington / Harveytown: Located along the Ohio River, this area offers a mix of older homes and newer developments. Commute: 15-30 minutes. Lifestyle: Slower pace, river views, strong community ties. Rent: $700 - $950 for a 1BR.
5. Proctorville (OH, just across the river): Technically in Ohio, but a 5-minute commute to Huntington. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Lifestyle: Small-town feel with lower taxes. Rent: $600 - $850 for a 1BR. A popular choice for those looking to save money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base salary may seem modest, Huntington offers clear paths for advancement, especially if you’re motivated.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who specialize can earn more. For example, a CNA in a telemetry unit or ICU (when positions open) may earn a $1-$2/hour premium. CNAs with geriatric or dementia care specialization are highly valued in the area’s many nursing homes and memory care units.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. CNA II / Lead CNA: Gain experience and take on training or shift-lead duties. This often comes with a pay bump.
  2. Medication Aide: With additional training and certification, you can administer medications, increasing your responsibility and pay.
  3. LPN/RN Bridge: Many CNAs in Huntington start their journey here, using employer tuition reimbursement programs at Marshall University or the University of Charleston to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). This is the most common and rewarding long-term path.
• 10-Year Outlook: Given the 4% growth rate and the aging population, job security for competent CNAs is strong. The key to growth is specialization and further education. The market will reward those who move beyond entry-level skills.

The Verdict: Is Huntington Right for You?

Huntington is a pragmatic choice for a CNA, not a dream destination for high-flying ambition. It’s for someone who values stability, affordability, and community.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living lets your salary go far.	Median salary is below national average.
Steady demand in hospitals and nursing homes.	Limited variety in healthcare employers.
Clear paths to advancement (LPN/RN bridge).	Night/weekend shifts are common; flexibility is key.
Tight-knit community; you’ll know your patients and coworkers.	Economic growth is slow; fewer new, high-tech healthcare jobs.
Opportunity for homeownership on a CNA salary.	Public transportation is limited; a reliable car is a must.

Final Recommendation: Huntington is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values job stability, and is open to further education for career advancement. It’s particularly well-suited for those starting their family or looking to buy a first home. It may not be the best fit for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-earning career in a major metropolitan healthcare hub.

FAQs

1. Are there many night shift jobs for CNAs in Huntington?
Absolutely. Hospitals and nursing homes operate 24/7, and night shifts (7p-7a) are consistently in high demand. In fact, night shift positions often come with a $1-$2/hour shift differential, which can boost your annual income by several thousand dollars.

2. How competitive is the job market for new CNAs?
It’s competitive, but manageable. Having your BLS certification (CPR) already completed when you apply gives you a significant edge. Being willing to work in a skilled nursing facility (nursing home) is the easiest way to get your foot in the door, as they have the highest turnover and most openings.

3. What is the typical CNA schedule in Huntington?
Schedules vary. Hospitals often use 12-hour shifts (e.g., 3 days a week). Nursing homes frequently offer 8-hour shifts (e.g., 7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a). Many employers require every-other-weekend and holiday availability.

4. Is it worth it to get my CNA license in Huntington if I plan to move later?
Yes. The West Virginia CNA license is not transferable to all states, but the experience is invaluable. Most states have an "equivalency" process that makes it easier to get licensed elsewhere if you have experience. Holding a WV license for at least 2 years makes you eligible for the Nurse Aide in Good Standing list, which is recognized by many states.

5. What resources are available for CNA exam preparation in the area?
Your training program will provide the best preparation. Additionally, the Cabell County Public Library offers free study space and sometimes hosts exam prep workshops. Local community colleges (like ACTC) often have open enrollment for refresher courses if you need extra practice before the skills exam.

Sources:

• Salary and Jobs Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook for Nursing Assistants and Orderlies.
• Cost of Living & Rent: Sperling's BestPlaces.net.
• Population: U.S. Census Bureau (2022 estimates).
• Licensing: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) - Nurse Aide Registry.