Janesville, WI: A Career Guide for Nursing Assistants (CNA)

As a career analyst who’s spent years studying the Wisconsin job market, I’ve seen many healthcare workers consider Janesville. It’s a city that flies under the radar, but for Nursing Assistants, it offers a solid, affordable foundation to build a career. This isn’t a glossy brochure; it’s a data-driven guide to what life and work as a CNA in Janesville really look like.

Janesville is the heart of Rock County, with a population of about 66,113 in the metro area. It’s a community with deep roots in manufacturing, but healthcare is one of its most stable and growing sectors. The cost of living here is significantly lower than the national average—at an index of 91.4 (US avg = 100)—meaning your paycheck stretches further. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $841/month, a figure that’s becoming rare in many parts of the country.

For a CNA, this combination of steady demand and low living costs makes Janesville a practical choice. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect.

The Salary Picture: Where Janesville Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Janesville, the financial reality for a Nursing Assistant is defined by the median salary. According to local labor data, the median salary for a CNA here is $34,837/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.75/hour. It’s important to note that this is slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. However, this gap is more than made up for by Janesville’s dramatically lower cost of living.

While the median is $34,837, your earnings will vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Janesville market:

Experience Level	Expected Annual Salary	Typical Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,000	Nursing homes, assisted living
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	Hospitals, specialty clinics
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $40,000+	Hospital units, charge CNA roles
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$40,000 - $42,000+	Education, management, or specialized units

When you compare Janesville to other Wisconsin cities, the picture becomes clearer. While a CNA in Milwaukee or Madison might earn a higher nominal salary, the difference is often erased by housing and transportation costs. For example, the median rent in Madison is over $1,200/month, nearly 45% higher than in Janesville.

City	Median CNA Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Janesville	$34,837	$841	91.4
Milwaukee	$36,500	$1,050	96.5
Madison	$37,200	$1,250	102.1
Green Bay	$34,500	$795	89.8

The key takeaway: Janesville’s $34,837 median salary, paired with the city’s low 91.4 cost of living index, offers a comparable or better quality of life than higher-paying Wisconsin metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, what does a $34,837 annual salary mean for your monthly budget in Janesville? Let’s do the math.

Annual Salary: $34,837
Monthly Gross: ~$2,903
Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$570/month (approx.)
Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,333

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single CNA in Janesville:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $841
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350
• Health Insurance (if employer plan not available): $200
• Personal, Entertainment, Savings: $442
• Remaining Buffer: $0

This budget is tight but manageable in Janesville. The $442 for personal expenses, entertainment, and savings is crucial—this is where you build an emergency fund or save for a goal. The key is that all essential costs are covered without stress.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Janesville is roughly $170,000. For a 20% down payment, you’d need $34,000. With a take-home of ~$2,333/month, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $136,000 loan would be around $950-$1,050/month. This is about 40-45% of your take-home pay, which is at the high end of what lenders recommend. It’s possible, but you’d likely need a dual-income household, a larger down payment, or to consider a more affordable condo/townhouse.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Mercyhealth, offer mortgage assistance programs or financial wellness counseling. It’s worth asking about during your interview.

Where the Jobs Are: Janesville's Major Employers

Janesville’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few major players. The job market for CNAs here is stable, with 132 current openings in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable.

Here are the primary employers you need to know:

1. Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center: The largest employer in the region. This is a Level II Trauma Center and the main hub for acute care. It’s located on the city’s north side. Hiring trends here are consistent; they often have openings on medical-surgical floors, the ER, and rehab units. They value experience with electronic health records (EHR) like Epic.
2. St. Mary’s Hospital (Janesville): Part of the SSM Health system, this hospital is another major employer. It has a strong focus on community health and offers a different institutional culture than Mercyhealth. They frequently hire for their long-term care and skilled nursing facilities attached to the hospital.
3. Rock County Healthcare Center: This is the county-run skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. It’s a key employer for CNAs seeking stable, government-backed positions. The pace can be demanding, but the benefits are often excellent. It’s located near downtown Janesville.
4. Senior Living Communities: Janesville has several large facilities, including Edenbrook of Janesville and Oak Ridge Healthcare Center. These are consistently the largest employers of CNAs in the city, offering a more consistent schedule (often 8-hour shifts) but with a focus on long-term care.
5. Agrace HospiceCare: While based in Fitchburg, Agrace has a significant presence in Rock County and employs CNAs for in-home and inpatient hospice care. This is a specialty area that pays a premium and offers a profoundly different work experience.
6. Janesville Clinic (now part of Mercyhealth): A large outpatient clinic network. While they hire fewer CNAs directly, they are part of the larger ecosystem and sometimes have openings for patient care techs in specialty clinics like orthopedics or cardiology.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand is steady, not frenetic. Most openings are filled through internal referrals or direct applications on hospital websites. Insider Tip: Apply directly on the employer’s career page rather than through a generic job board. HR departments in Janesville prioritize these applications.

Getting Licensed in WI

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to get a Wisconsin CNA license. Here’s the process:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA course (minimum 75 hours, including clinicals). If you’re already a CNA from another state, you may be able to test directly if your state’s requirements are comparable.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam, administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies), includes a written/oral test and a skills evaluation. The total fee is approximately $225.
3. Submit Application to the WI Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass, you apply for listing on the state registry. The application fee is around $50.

Timeline: From enrolling in a course to getting your license can take 2-4 months. If you already have a valid CNA license from another state, you can apply for reciprocity, which can be faster (4-6 weeks).

Where to Train Locally: Blackhawk Technical College (located in nearby Monroe, but serving Rock County) and private schools like the Janesville School of Nursing offer approved programs. Expect to pay $800 - $1,500 for tuition.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Janesville affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, all with easy access to the major hospitals on the north side.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
North Side	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Close to parks and the Rock River.	$900 - $1,000	Excellent. 5-10 minute drive to Mercyhealth, St. Mary’s.
Downtown	Walkable, historic, with cafes and local shops. More apartments and condos.	$950 - $1,150	Good. 10-15 minute drive to all major hospitals.
East Side	Affordable, practical, with older housing stock. Good for first-time renters.	$750 - $850	Very Good. 10-15 minute drive. Easy highway access.
Harlem/Robbins Road Area	Mid-century suburban, close to retail (Target, Walmart).	$800 - $900	Very Good. 10-minute drive.

Insider Tip: For a CNA working 12-hour shifts, the North Side is ideal. You’re minutes from work, close to the interstate for errands, and in a quiet area to sleep between shifts. If you’re on a tighter budget, the East Side offers the best value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Janesville is a great place to start, but where can it take you? Growth is more about specialization than rapid promotion.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs in the ER, ICU, or dialysis units at Mercyhealth or St. Mary’s can earn $1-$2/hour more than base pay. Specialized certifications (e.g., gerontology) can also lead to higher pay.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Medication Aide: After 6-12 months of experience, you can take a course to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), allowing you to administer medications. This comes with a pay bump and more responsibility.
  • LPN/RN Bridge Programs: Both Blackhawk Technical College and UW-Whitewater offer affordable bridge programs. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs who want to become nurses. This is the most common and rewarding path for advancement.
  • Specialist Roles: Roles like a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in dialysis or a hospice aide offer higher pay and different challenges.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the market will remain stable. Automation (like more advanced patient lifts) may reduce some physical tasks but won’t eliminate the need for human contact and care. The biggest growth will be in home health and hospice, as the population ages. CNAs who specialize in geriatric care or hospice will have the most opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Janesville Right for You?

Janesville isn’t for everyone. It’s a quiet, affordable city that values stability over flash. For a CNA, it offers a clear path to a sustainable life if you prioritize cost-of-living and steady work.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (rent $841, index 91.4)	Salaries are below the national average ($34,837 vs. $35,760)
Stable job market (132 jobs, 4% growth)	Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Short commutes (under 15 mins to most employers)	Less diverse healthcare landscape than big metros
Strong sense of community and employer loyalty	Career growth often requires further education (LPN/RN)
Excellent work-life balance potential	Winters can be long and cold

Final Recommendation:
Janesville is an excellent choice for a CNA who values financial stability and a calm lifestyle. It’s perfect for those starting their career, raising a family, or looking to transition from a high-cost city. If you’re driven by constant new challenges and a fast-paced environment, you might find it limiting. But for the pragmatic CNA who wants a good home, a secure job, and a manageable budget, Janesville delivers.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for CNAs in Janesville?
A: It’s moderately competitive. With 132 openings, there are jobs available, but employers often have their pick. Having a clean record, good references, and flexibility with shifts (especially nights/weekends) will make you a stronger candidate.

Q: Do I need my own car to work as a CNA in Janesville?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (Beloit-Janesville Metro Transit) exists but is limited, especially for the off-shifts common in healthcare. A reliable car is a necessity.

Q: What’s the typical CNA schedule in Janesville?
A: Most hospital jobs are 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a), often 3 days a week. Nursing homes may offer 8-hour shifts (7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a). Weekend and holiday work is standard.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes, especially at the major hospitals and larger nursing homes. Overtime is often voluntary but available, especially during flu season or staffing shortages. It can be a significant boost to your $34,837 base salary.

Q: How does the weather affect the job?
A: Janesville has true Midwestern seasons. Snowy winters can mean a challenging commute. However, healthcare employers are generally understanding about weather delays. The key is to have a reliable vehicle with good tires and an emergency kit.