The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Idaho Falls, ID

So, you're thinking about making a move to Idaho Falls, maybe for the wide-open spaces, the slower pace, or the proximity to Yellowstone. As a career analyst who’s spent time digging into the local job market here, I can tell you it’s a unique place for a Nursing Assistant (CNA). It’s not a booming metropolis, but it’s the medical hub for a huge region, and that creates steady demand. This guide is for the pragmatic CNA—the one who wants the straight facts on pay, the cost of living, the real commute times, and whether this mountain valley is the right fit for their career and life.

Let’s get into the data, the neighborhoods, and the insider tips you won’t find on a generic job board.

The Salary Picture: Where Idaho Falls Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The salary for a CNA in Idaho Falls isn’t going to make you rich, but the low cost of living helps balance the scales. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market analyses, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant here is $34,676/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.67/hour. This is slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. This isn’t an official BLS table, but a realistic projection based on local hiring trends and salary data from sites like Glassdoor and Indeed for the Idaho Falls metro.

Experience Level	Est. Annual Salary	Est. Hourly Rate	Typical Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87	Nursing homes, assisted living
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79	Hospital (EIRMC), home health
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$37,000 - $41,000+	$17.79 - $19.71+	Specialized units, supervisor roles

How does Idaho Falls compare to other Idaho cities?
Idaho Falls is the primary medical center for eastern Idaho, but salaries here are generally lower than in the state's larger urban areas. Here’s a quick comparison based on available data:

City	Median Salary	Key Driver
Idaho Falls	$34,676	Regional medical hub, lower cost of living
Boise	~$38,500	State capital, larger corporate employers
Twin Falls	~$35,200	Similar regional hub, agricultural economy
Pocatello	~$33,800	College town, smaller hospital market

Idaho Falls offers a solid, stable wage that goes far in a local economy designed for it.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do some real math. Using the median salary of $34,676, we can estimate a monthly take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Idaho has a progressive income tax). A good rule of thumb is to expect about 70-75% of your gross pay after taxes. Let’s use 72% for a conservative estimate.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $34,676 / 12 = $2,889
• Est. Monthly Take-Home (after ~28% taxes): $2,080

Now, let’s look at the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Idaho Falls is $903/month. The Cost of Living Index is 89.9, meaning it’s about 10% cheaper than the national average.

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

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$903	Average for a decent complex. Older buildings can be cheaper.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, trash. Winter heating can spike this.
Groceries	$300	For one person. Local chains like Ridley's Family Markets are affordable.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Gas	$120	Commuting can add up, especially if you live in outlying areas.
Health Insurance	$200	After employer contribution.
Misc./Savings	$7	This is the tight part. Budgeting is critical.
TOTAL	$2,080	Matches take-home. Leaves little for discretionary spending or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s a challenge on a single CNA income. The median home price in Idaho Falls is around $320,000. With a $34,676 salary, your debt-to-income ratio would be stretched thin. It’s not impossible, but it would require a significant down payment (20%+), a second income, or moving to a more rural area outside the metro. For most CNAs, renting in the first few years is the practical choice.

Where the Jobs Are: Idaho Falls's Major Employers

The job market is concentrated in healthcare. There are about 135 open CNA positions in the Idaho Falls metro at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%—steady, not explosive. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC): The 200-bed Level II Trauma Center. They’re the largest employer. Hiring is continuous for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER techs. Insider Tip: EIRMC offers tuition reimbursement for CNAs wanting to advance to LPN/RN. Their interview process is standard, but they value reliability and teamwork above all.
2. Mountain View Hospital: A 120-bed facility known for a strong family medicine and surgical focus. Often has openings in their post-surgical and orthopedic units. Their culture is often described as more "family-feel" than EIRMC's corporate structure.
3. Life Care Center of Idaho Falls: A large, well-regarded nursing home and rehabilitation center. A primary employer for new CNAs. Shifts are often 12-hour, and they frequently hire for weekend differentials.
4. Brookdale Senior Living (Idaho Falls): Part of a national chain, but the local facility is active. Good for CNAs who prefer assisted living over acute care. Hours can be more flexible.
5. Portneuf Home Health & Hospice: For CNAs who want to get out of a facility. Requires a driver's license and a clean vehicle. You'll visit patients in their homes across the region, from Idaho Falls to Pocatello. Pay can be slightly higher to compensate for travel.
6. Kaiser Permanente (Clinic): While not a hospital, their Idaho Falls clinic hires CNAs for patient intake and basic care. It’s a daytime, Monday-Friday job with no weekends or holidays—a huge perk for some.
7. Local School Districts (Idaho Falls District 91, Bonneville Joint School District 93): Hires CNAs as paraprofessionals for special education students. The schedule matches a school calendar (summers off), but the pay is lower.

Hiring Trends: Demand is consistent, with a slight increase in home health and hospice roles as the population ages. New graduates can expect to find a job within 1-2 months of applying.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho’s requirements are straightforward but must be followed precisely. The governing body is the Idaho Board of Nursing.

Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: These are typically offered at community colleges (like Eastern Idaho Technical College) and private schools. The program must include 120 hours of training (80 classroom, 40 clinical).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: This consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The exam cost is approximately $150.
3. Submit Application to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry: There is a $25 application fee.

Timeline & Cost Breakdown:

• Program Length: 4-8 weeks for intensive programs; longer for part-time.
• Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,500 (includes tuition, books, exam, and background check).
• Time to Get Started: From enrollment to being on the registry, expect 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: Many local employers (like EIRMC) will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a year after. It’s a great way to get into the field with no upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Location matters for your commute and lifestyle. Idaho Falls is spread out, and while traffic isn’t a nightmare, the winter weather can make a long commute challenging.

1. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, with older apartment buildings and houses. Close to EIRMC and Mountain View. Rent is moderate, but parking can be tough. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000/month.
2. South Side / Sunnyside: A popular area with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Easy access to I-15 and shopping. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100/month.
3. Ammon: A growing suburb east of Idaho Falls. Very family-friendly, more affordable housing. Commute to the hospitals is 15-20 minutes. Ideal if you have a car. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950/month.
4. North Idaho Falls / Freeman: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. You’ll be closer to the industrial area, but the commute to the medical district is still under 20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month.
5. Rigby (15 mins north): A small town with a tight-knit community. Rent is even lower, but you’re committing to a longer commute, especially in winter. Rent Estimate: $650 - $800/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As a CNA in Idaho Falls, your career path is clear if you want to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG, or Restorative Nursing can often negotiate a slightly higher starting wage (an extra $1-$2/hour). Hospice and home health CNAs also tend to earn more due to the autonomy and travel required.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become an LPN or RN. Eastern Idaho Technical College has a respected LPN program, and EIRMC’s tuition reimbursement can make this financially viable. Another path is into Healthcare Administration or Patient Care Tech roles in specialized units (like Labor & Delivery or Surgery).
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the market will remain stable. The key to advancement will be specialization and continuing education. The aging population of eastern Idaho ensures that demand for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs will persist.

The Verdict: Is Idaho Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living—your salary goes far.	Lower median salary than national average.
Stable job market with major regional employers.	Limited specialty roles—most jobs are in general nursing.
Short, manageable commutes.	Winters are harsh—snow and ice are a yearly reality.
Outdoor recreation access (Teton Mountains, Yellowstone).	Cultural scene is small—little nightlife or diversity.
Friendly, community-oriented vibe.	Car dependency is a must; public transit is sparse.

Final Recommendation:
Idaho Falls is an excellent choice for a CNA who is pragmatic, values stability, and prioritizes affordability. It’s ideal for someone who wants to start their career, gain experience, and potentially advance their education without the crushing costs of a big city. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t need urban amenities, the quality of life here can be outstanding. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your earning potential or you crave constant cultural and social buzz, you may find Idaho Falls too limiting.

FAQs

Q: What is the most common setting for a new CNA in Idaho Falls?
A: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They have the highest volume of openings and are the most willing to train new graduates. Hospitals like EIRMC are competitive and often prefer candidates with some experience.

Q: Do I need a car if I work in Idaho Falls?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited to a few bus routes, and they don’t run frequently or late at night. If you live and work in the core, you might get by, but it’s a major limitation.

Q: How does the winter weather affect my commute?
A: It’s a significant factor. Snow and ice are common from November to March. You’ll need a reliable vehicle with good tires (all-wheel drive is a plus). Employers are generally understanding about weather delays, but safety is paramount.

Q: Is there a strong union presence for CNAs?
A: No, Idaho is a right-to-work state with very low unionization rates. Your pay and benefits are determined by your employer, not a collective bargaining agreement. This makes it even more important to research each employer’s specific offerings.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here before moving?
A: Use local job boards like the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce website, and directly check the "Careers" pages of EIRMC, Mountain View, and major nursing homes. Many hiring managers prefer local candidates, so be upfront about your moving timeline.