Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kennewick, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

Kennewick isn’t a high-wage market for Nursing Assistants, but it’s not the lowest in Washington either. The median salary for a CNA here is $35,652/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.14/hour. This is virtually identical to the national average of $35,760/year, meaning Kennewick offers pay that’s typical for the role across the U.S. However, it falls short of the Washington state average for CNAs, which often sits closer to $40,000+ due to higher costs in Seattle and the Puget Sound region.

Here’s how experience level typically impacts earnings in the Kennewick metro area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Notes for Kennewick
Entry-Level	$33,000 - $36,000	Starting pay is often at or slightly below the median. Most positions begin in long-term care or hospital per-diem roles.
Mid-Career (2-5 yrs)	$36,000 - $39,000	Gains come from shift differentials (evenings/weekends) and securing more stable hours at major employers.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$39,000 - $42,000	Often achieved by taking lead CNA roles, specializing (e.g., dialysis), or moving into hospital staff positions.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$42,000 - $45,000+	Top earners are typically in niche roles (e.g., hospice, complex care units) or have moved into supervisory positions.

Compared to other Washington cities, Kennewick is on the lower end of the scale. A CNA in Spokane might earn $38,500 on average, while those in Bellingham or Olympia can see closer to $40,000. The gap is most dramatic compared to Seattle, where salaries often exceed $45,000 but are offset by a much higher cost of living. Kennewick’s job market for CNAs is modest but steady, with approximately 170 jobs in the metro area at any given time and a 10-year job growth of 4%—a stable outlook that aligns with aging population trends.

Insider Tip: Your pay in Kennewick is heavily influenced by shift. Working evenings or nights can add a differential of $1.50 to $3.00 per hour. Weekend shifts often bring another premium. If you’re flexible, you can push your effective hourly rate closer to $19-$20/hour.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $35,652/year. This assumes you’re single with no dependents and use typical deductions (federal/state taxes, FICA, and basic health insurance).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $2,971
• Estimated Net (after ~25% deductions): $2,228

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,206	Kennewick's average 1-bedroom rent.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Varies by season; summer AC can push this higher.
Groceries & Household	$350	Based on a single person's budget.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Assumes a modest car payment and insurance.
Fuel & Maintenance	$150	Important in a car-dependent city.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$100	Even with employer insurance.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$242	Phone, internet, clothing, and any savings.
Total Expenses	$2,528
Monthly Surplus/Deficit	-$300

The Math: After taxes and rent, a CNA earning the median salary is immediately in a deficit. This is the core financial challenge of being a CNA in Kennewick. The $300 monthly shortfall must be covered by overtime, a second job, or a roommate. The Cost of Living Index of 99.0 (slightly below the U.S. average of 100) doesn’t provide enough relief when housing consumes over 50% of net income.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA income, it’s extremely difficult. The median home price in the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) is approximately $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000, and a monthly mortgage payment would be over $2,000, far exceeding the median take-home pay. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household or a significant career advancement into a higher-paying role.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Kennewick live in shared houses or with family to reduce housing costs. Others take consistent overtime (often 8-12 hours per week) to make the budget work. Living in neighboring Pasco, where rents can be slightly lower, is a common strategy.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

Kennewick’s healthcare hiring is dominated by a few major systems and a strong network of long-term care facilities. The 170 available jobs are primarily concentrated here.

1. Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Richland): The region's largest employer and a Level II Trauma Center. Kadlec hires CNAs for Med/Surg, Telemetry, and ICU units. They offer tuition reimbursement and clear pathways to LPN/RN programs. Hiring is competitive; having a clean record and recent experience is key.
2. Trios Health (Kennewick): A key hospital directly in Kennewick, part of the Trios Health system. They frequently hire CNAs for their inpatient units and skilled nursing facilities. It's a major employer with a community-focused reputation.
3. St. Joseph Medical Center (Richland): Part of the CHI Franciscan network, another major hospital system. They hire CNAs for various departments and often have needs for per-diem and part-time staff.
4. Sunrise Gardens of Kennewick & Garden Vista of Kennewick: Two of the city's largest skilled nursing facilities. These are high-volume employers for CNAs, offering predictable schedules but often demanding workloads. They are a common starting point for new CNAs.
5. Terrestrial Health (Various Locations): This local company operates multiple assisted living and memory care communities in the Tri-Cities. They are known for a more residential atmosphere and can be a good fit for CNAs who prefer long-term care over hospital settings.
6. Lourdes Health (Pasco): Located just across the river in Pasco, Lourdes is a significant hospital employer. The short commute from Kennewick is common, and they have a strong presence in the community.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady, not explosive. Hospitals prefer CNAs with acute care experience. For those without it, long-term care facilities are the best entry point. The 4% growth rate means jobs are available, but you must be proactive. Networking with nurses and other CNAs during clinicals or through local Facebook groups (like "Tri-Cities Healthcare Jobs") is crucial.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state certification is mandatory and managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The process is straightforward but requires careful planning.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 85 hours of training (including 45 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinical practice). In the Kennewick area, programs are offered at Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco, Bates Technical College (Western WA, but has online/hybrid options), and several private schools. Cost: $1,200 - $2,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes a written portion and a skills evaluation. You register through Headmaster/PSI. Cost: ~$200 for both portions.
3. Apply for Certification: Submit your application, exam scores, and a fingerprint/background check to the DOH. Processing can take 2-4 weeks. Cost: ~$125 (includes background check).

Total Timeline: From starting training to being certified and job-ready typically takes 3-6 months. The fastest path is an intensive program (e.g., 4-6 weeks full-time), while part-time programs may take 4-6 months.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, including Kadlec and Trios, will hire you as a "CNA-in-training" and help cover the cost of your certification in exchange for a work commitment. Ask about these programs during your job search—it’s one of the best financial paths for new entrants.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice in Kennewick directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

• East Kennewick (Near Trios Health & Grocery Outlet): This is the classic, affordable CNA hub. You’re close to the hospital, keeping commutes under 10 minutes. Housing is a mix of older apartments and modest single-family homes. Average 1BR Rent: $1,100 - $1,200. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical and budget-friendly.
• South Kennewick (near 395 Ave & 10th Ave): A bit more established, with older apartment complexes and some duplexes. The commute to Trios or Sunrise Gardens is still easy (10-15 mins). You’ll find more grocery and retail options here. Average 1BR Rent: $1,150 - $1,250. Good balance of cost and convenience.
• West Kennewick (near Columbia Drive & Highway 240): This area is more suburban, with newer apartment complexes near the Columbia River. Commute to Kadlec (15-20 mins) is manageable via the highway. Rents are higher due to newer builds. Average 1BR Rent: $1,250 - $1,400. Best for those wanting more modern amenities.
• Pasco (Across the River): While not in Kennewick, it’s a major option. Rents are often 10-15% lower than Kennewick. Commute to Kennewick employers is 10-20 minutes via the cable bridge. A great choice for stretching your budget. Average 1BR Rent: $1,000 - $1,100.
• South Richland (Near Kadlec): If your target is Kadlec, living in South Richland can put you 5-10 minutes from work. It’s a quieter, more residential area with a higher cost of living. Average 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,500. Only recommended if you secure a job at Kadlec first.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Kennewick. A “bad” commute is 20 minutes. Prioritize being within a 15-minute drive of your workplace to save on gas and reduce stress. Avoid the immediate area around the Kennewick Fairgrounds if you dislike event traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook of 4% growth is stable but limited. Significant salary jumps require moving beyond the basic CNA role.

Specialty Premiums (Approximate Annual Increase):

• Dialysis CNA: +$5,000 - $7,000 (requires specialized training, often provided by employers like DaVita).
• Hospice CNA: +$3,000 - $5,000 (requires strong emotional resilience and additional certification).
• Phlebotomy/ECG Certification: +$2,000 - $4,000 (adds skills that are directly applicable in hospital settings).

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead CNA / CNA II: Takes on supervisory duties (mentoring, scheduling). Pay increase: $1-$2/hour.
2. Transition to LPN/RN: This is the most common and impactful path. Local employers like Kadlec offer tuition assistance. An LPN in Kennewick earns $48,000 - $55,000+, and an RN earns $75,000 - $90,000+. This is a 2-4 year commitment but fundamentally changes your financial trajectory.
3. Healthcare Administration/Coordinator: With experience, some move into scheduling, medical records, or office management roles. Requires additional coursework but offers a break from physical labor.

Insider Tip: Your greatest asset is building relationships with nurses and managers. Express your career goals early. A nurse who values your work may recommend you for a tuition-assisted LPN program or a specialty role. This informal network is often more powerful than online applications in Kennewick’s healthcare scene.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 170 jobs and 4% growth, you can find work.	Tight Budget: The median salary ($35,652) leaves little room for error after rent and taxes.
Lower Cost of Living: Index of 99.0 vs. Seattle’s 160+ is a massive advantage.	Limited Career Ceiling: Without additional education, pay growth is slow.
Clear Employer Path: Major hospitals and care facilities provide structured entry points.	Car-Dependent City: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Manageable Commutes: Even in peak times, commutes are short.	Limited Social/Cultural Scene: It’s a family-oriented, practical city—not a nightlife hub.
Gateway to Advancement: Tuition assistance from major employers is an open door.	Competitive for Hospital Roles: Breaking into acute care without experience is tough.

Final Recommendation:
Kennewick is a pragmatic choice for a CNA, not a destination. It’s an excellent place to start your career, gain experience, and leverage employer tuition benefits to become an LPN or RN. The math is challenging on a single CNA income, so it’s best for those with a partner, family support, or a willingness to work overtime. If your goal is to build a stable life in healthcare while moving up the ladder, Kennewick offers a clear, if modest, pathway. If you prioritize high starting salary or a bustling urban environment, look toward the Seattle-Tacoma corridor (if your budget can handle it) or consider a larger hospital system in Spokane.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Kennewick?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Hospitals prefer experience, so your first job will likely be in long-term care. Apply to 5-10 facilities at once. Having your certification in hand before applying is a major advantage over those with just training.

Q: Is it worth getting a job in Richland or Pasco if I live in Kennewick?
A: Absolutely. The commute is trivial (10-20 minutes). Kadlec in Richland is the largest employer and often pays a shift differential. Don’t limit your search to Kennewick proper; the entire Tri-Cities metro is your job market.

Q: Can I live in Kennewick on a CNA salary without a roommate?
A: It’s very difficult but possible with strict budgeting and consistent overtime. The data shows a -$300 monthly deficit at the median salary. You would need to earn at least $18.50/hour (through premiums/overtime) or reduce housing costs to under $1,000/month (e.g., by living in Pasco or sharing a home).

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new CNAs make in Kennewick?
A: Staying in a single employer’s long-term care facility for too long without seeking specialized training or hospital experience. The pay growth stagnates. Plan to get 1-2 years of experience, then pursue a specialty certification or apply to a hospital.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Yes. Kennewick does not have reliable public transportation for shift work. Buses are limited, especially for evening/night/weekend shifts. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool for this job in this city.

Sources for this guide include data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national and metro-level employment, the Washington State Department of Health for licensing requirements, and local rental data from platforms like Apartments.com and Zillow, cross-referenced with community knowledge of the Tri-Cities job market.