Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Layton, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Layton Stands

If you're looking at a move to Layton as a Nursing Assistant (CNA), the first thing to understand is the local wage floor. The median salary for a CNA in Layton is $35,234/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.94/hour. This is just below the national average of $35,760/year, but given Layton's notably lower cost of living, that difference is less impactful than it might seem.

Layton is part of the Ogden-Clearfield, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area, which supports 167 CNA jobs. The 10-year job growth projection for this region is a modest 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable. The Davis School District serves the area and is one of the state's largest employers, which often translates to a steady demand for healthcare services in the community, especially for long-term care and school-based health services.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in the Layton area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Notes for Layton
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$30,000 - $34,000	Often starts at facilities like Aurora Care Center or in home health agency roles. Shift differentials for evenings/weekends can add $1.50-$2.00/hour.
Mid-Level (1-3 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	This is near the local median. With a clean record and solid references, you can negotiate for the higher end. Specializing in geriatrics or dialysis can push you past this.
Senior (3-7 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	CNAs in this bracket often move into charge aide roles, become preceptors for new hires, or work in higher-acuity settings like the Davis Hospital and Medical Center.
Expert (7+ years)	$42,000+	At this stage, you're likely in a specialized unit, a clinical instructor, or a manager. Some CNAs in Layton transition into medical coding or health unit coordination roles.

When you compare Layton to other Utah cities, the dynamic is clear:

• Salt Lake City/Provo: Median salaries are 5-10% higher, but the cost of living, especially rent, is 25-40% higher. The commute from Layton to SLC can be brutal on I-15 during peak hours.
• St. George: Salaries are similar, but the retiree population creates intense competition for jobs in skilled nursing facilities.
• Logan: Salaries are often lower, but the cost of living is also lower. Layton offers a better balance of urban amenities and job density.

Insider Tip: The $16.94/hour median is a starting point. Many Layton CNAs boost their income significantly by picking up extra weekend or night shifts. The differentials can add $200-$300 to your monthly take-home pay without changing your full-time job.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Breaking down the finances is crucial. Let's take the median $35,234/year salary and apply Layton's specific economic data.

• Monthly Gross Income: $2,936
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$450 - $525 (depending on withholdings)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $2,411 - $2,486

Now, let's layer in the essential costs:

• Average 1BR Rent in Layton: $1,283/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250 - $350/month
• Groceries: $300 - $400/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600/month (public transport is limited; a car is a necessity)
• Health Insurance Premiums: $150 - $250/month (if not covered by employer)
• Miscellaneous (Phone, personal care, etc.): $200 - $300/month

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $2,583 - $3,283

The Reality Check: At the median salary, a CNA in Layton is likely living paycheck-to-paycheck, especially if they are single and have student loans or other debt. The $1,283 rent for a 1BR is the biggest variable. Sharing a 2BR apartment with a roommate can cut housing costs to $650-$750/month, which makes the budget much more manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? At the median salary, it's an extreme challenge. The median home price in Davis County is well over $450,000. Even with a 3% FHA loan, the monthly mortgage payment would be over $2,300, which is untenable on a $2,400 take-home pay. Homeownership is typically only feasible for CNAs in Layton in the mid-to-senior level salary range ($38k+) with a dual-income household or after significant savings for a larger down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Layton's Major Employers

Layton's healthcare job market is centered around a few key players. Knowing who they are and what they value is your first step.

1. Davis Hospital and Medical Center: This is Layton's primary acute-care hospital. They often hire CNAs for roles in the Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical units, and sometimes in their lab or as patient transporters. They value reliability and a clean driving record (for transport roles). Hiring is steady, but competition is higher than at skilled nursing facilities.

2. Aurora Care Center (Layton): A large skilled nursing facility located near the hospital. This is a major employer of CNAs. They have high turnover (common in SNFs) but offer consistent opportunities. They often have sign-on bonuses for night shift positions. Their hiring process is faster, making it a common first stop for new CNAs in town.

3. St. Joseph's Manor (in nearby Ogden, but a major Davis County employer): A Catholic Charities facility known for high-quality care. It's a respected name and can be a career anchor for CNAs looking for long-term stability. They have a strong focus on elder care and dementia support.

4. Inspire Home Health & Hospice: For CNAs who prefer home health over facility work. This agency serves the entire Wasatch Front, including Layton. They value CNAs who are self-starters, have good communication skills, and can work independently. Pay can be slightly higher due to travel and mileage reimbursement.

5. Edgewood Layton: An assisted living and memory care community. It's a newer, well-regarded facility. They focus on a more residential, less clinical model of care, which can be appealing to some CNAs. Hiring tends to be more selective.

6. Davis School District: Not a direct CNA employer, but a major regional employer. Some school nurse aides are CNAs. This is a low-stress, daytime, weekday job with summers off. It's a competitive role and often requires connections or internal pathways.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent demand for CNA coverage for evening, weekend, and night shifts across all facility types. CNAs willing to work these shifts often receive better starting offers or more frequent overtime opportunities. The 4% job growth rate means openings appear primarily due to retirement or turnover, not massive expansion.

Getting Licensed in UT

Utah's licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The process is managed by the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), overseen by the Utah Department of Commerce.

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must complete a minimum 80-hour course (at least 59 hours of classroom and 21 hours of clinical). In the Layton area, you can find programs at:

   • Davis Technical College (in Kaysville, just north of Layton) - a highly respected, affordable option.
   • Various private career schools in the Salt Lake City area (e.g., CNA Training Institute, Red Cross).

2. Cost & Timeline: Program costs range from $800 - $1,500. The timeline is typically 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule. Financial aid may be available.

3. Pass the Competency Exam: After graduating, you'll take the state competency exam, which includes a written portion and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $125.

4. Apply for Registry Listing: Once you pass the exam, you apply to be listed on the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry. There is no separate "license" card; your registry number is your proof of certification.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially Aurora Care Center and other SNFs, will hire you as a "CNA-in-training" and cover the cost of your program if you commit to working for them for a set period (usually 6-12 months). This is a fantastic way to avoid the upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice in Layton will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top picks for a working CNA:

1. Central Layton (East of I-15): This is the heart of the city. You're within a 10-minute drive to Davis Hospital, Aurora Care Center, and most shopping centers. It's walkable in parts. Rent for a 1BR is right at the city average: $1,250 - $1,350/month. The best balance of convenience and cost.

2. South Layton (near the Layton Hills Mall): A newer area with more apartment complexes. Commute to the hospital is still under 10 minutes. Slightly quieter than central Layton. Rent is similar to central: $1,200 - $1,300/month. Good for those who want modern amenities.

3. North Layton (near the Hill Air Force Base): More residential and slightly more affordable. The commute to the hospital is still easy via I-15 (15 minutes). You might find older apartments or basement suites for $1,100 - $1,200/month. A great budget-conscious option.

4. Syracuse (just north of Layton): Technically a separate city but part of the same metro area. It's quieter and more suburban. The commute to Layton employers is 10-20 minutes. Rent can be slightly lower: $1,150 - $1,250/month. Good for those wanting more space and a family-friendly environment.

5. Kaysville (north of Layton): Home to Davis Tech. Similar to Syracuse but with a strong community feel. Commute is easy. Rent is on par with Layton: $1,200 - $1,300/month. A solid choice if you plan to train at Davis Tech.

Commute Note: Traffic on I-15 is the main factor. Living north of the Hill Field Road exit or south of the Layton Parkway exit can make your commute more predictable. Avoid living in Clearfield or Roy if you work in Layton, as the commute can be unpredictable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Layton can be a lifelong career or a springboard. Here’s how to think long-term.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis: CNAs trained in dialysis support can earn a premium, sometimes reaching the $38,000 - $45,000 range. The Davis Hospital has a dialysis center.
• Phlebotomy: Adding a phlebotomy certification is a common and valuable upgrade. It allows you to work in labs or as a mobile phlebotomist.
• Home Health Specialist: Experienced CNAs who specialize in ventilator care or advanced wound care have higher earning potential in home health.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals (like Davis) have CNA career ladders with titles like "Patient Care Technician" or "Clinical Technician II," which come with pay bumps.
2. Charge Aide/Specialist: In SNFs, moving into a lead role for a wing.
3. Transition to LPN/RN: Layton has excellent pathways. You can work as a CNA through Davis Tech's LPN program (which is affordable and respected) or through programs at Salt Lake Community College. Many local hospitals offer tuition assistance for this.
4. Administrative Roles: With experience, you can move into scheduling, admissions, or health unit coordination (HUC) at a hospital.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest, but the demand for experienced, specialized CNAs will remain strong. The aging population in Davis County (a popular place for retirees) ensures a steady need for geriatric care. Your value increases exponentially with experience and a clean professional record. Networking within the tight-knit local healthcare community is key.

The Verdict: Is Layton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than SLC or Provo, making your $35,234 salary stretch further.	Salary is near the national average but below what you'd find in the Salt Lake metro.
Stable, Predictable Job Market with major employers like Davis Hospital and Aurora.	Limited public transportation; a car is essential, adding to monthly expenses.
Family-Friendly Community with excellent Davis School District.	Homeownership is a distant dream at the median salary for a single person.
No Traffic Jams compared to Salt Lake City. Commutes are short and predictable.	Social scene is quieter; it's a suburb, not a vibrant urban center.
Proximity to Outdoor Recreation (Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, mountains) is exceptional.	Wages can be stagnant if you don't actively seek specialty training or advancement.

Final Recommendation: Layton is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, a manageable commute, and a good quality of life over maxing out salary potential. It's ideal for:

• New CNAs looking for their first job in a supportive, low-stress environment.
• CNAs with families who need good schools and safe neighborhoods.
• Career-focused CNAs who plan to use Layton as a stepping stone to LPN/RN school, leveraging local employers' tuition benefits.

If your primary goal is to earn the absolute highest wage possible and you're willing to tolerate a long commute and high rent, you might look at Salt Lake City. But for a balanced, sustainable career, Layton offers a compelling package.

FAQs

1. Can I get a CNA job in Layton without experience?
Yes. The local SNFs (like Aurora Care Center) are often the most willing to hire new graduates. Hospitals are more competitive and may prefer 6-12 months of experience. Being willing to work night/weekend shifts dramatically improves your chances.

2. Is it worth commuting from Layton to the Salt Lake City hospitals?
For a CNA, probably not. The $16.94 median wage in Layton is close to what you'd make in SLC, but the cost of gas, vehicle wear, and 1-2 hours of daily commute time erodes any financial benefit. The overtime opportunities in Layton make up for the difference.

3. How do the benefits for CNAs in Layton typically look?
Most full-time positions at hospitals and larger SNFs offer health insurance, dental, vision, and PTO. Davis Hospital and Aurora Care Center both offer retirement plans (401k or similar). Tuition reimbursement is a key benefit to ask about during interviews.

4. What's the best way to find housing on a CNA salary?
Look for apartments in North Layton or Syracuse. Consider a roommate situation to keep rent under $800/month. Check Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds for basement suites, which are common in this area and often cheaper than complexes.

5. Is the winter weather a problem for CNA commutes?
Winters in Layton are cold and can bring snow, but the city is excellent at clearing roads. I-15 is a major interstate and is prioritized. A reliable car with good tires is essential, but major commute disruptions are rare compared to other mountain regions.