The Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide: Lee's Summit, Missouri

Lee's Summit isn't your typical sprawling suburb. It's a self-contained city of over 100,000 people, a regional healthcare hub in its own right, and a place where you can afford to live on a CNA's salary without a brutal commute. If you're considering a move here as a CNA, you're likely weighing the balance of cost of living, job availability, and quality of life. This guide is your data-driven roadmap.

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

Let's be direct: CNA pay in Lee's Summit is slightly below the national average, but the local economy makes it work. The median salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in Lee's Summit is $35,041 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.85. For context, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year, meaning you're earning about $719 less annually than the typical American CNA. However, Missouri's cost of living is a significant buffer.

The jobs in metro Lee's Summit number around 208, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is stable, if not explosive. This indicates a steady demand, typical for the aging population in the Kansas City metro area.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Lee's Summit)	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87	Often starts in long-term care or hospital float pools.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,041 (Median)	$16.85	You'll hit median pay with solid experience and reliability.
Senior (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	$17.79 - $19.23	Specialized roles (e.g., hospice, dialysis) or team lead positions.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$41,000+	$19.71+	Requires niche certification (e.g., Restorative Nursing Assistant, CNA II) and leadership.

How does this compare to other Missouri cities?

• Kansas City Metro: Lee's Summit pay is right in line with the broader Kansas City area, which is a major healthcare market. You won't find a significant premium by moving 15 minutes east or west.
• St. Louis: St. Louis pay is marginally higher (often 2-5% more), but the cost of living, especially in central and western suburbs, is also higher. The net gain is minimal.
• Columbia (Home to Mizzou): While starting salaries can be competitive, the overall job market is smaller. Lee's Summit offers more opportunities and a better balance of urban amenities without the college-town transient population.

Insider Tip: The $16.85/hour median is a benchmark. The highest payers in the area are typically Saint Luke's East Hospital and Lee's Summit Medical Center. Always negotiate, especially if you have prior experience. New graduates often start at or just above $16.00.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where Lee's Summit shines for entry and mid-level healthcare workers. The Cost of Living Index is 93.3 (U.S. average = 100). Your median annual salary of $35,041 provides a livable, if not luxurious, budget.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay (after taxes)	~$2,300	This is an estimate for a single filer with standard deductions.
Rent (1-Bedroom Apt.)	$886	The city average. You can find options from $750 in older buildings to $1,050 in luxury complexes.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Trash)	$150 - $200	Highly variable in summer (AC) and winter (heating).
Groceries	$300 - $350	Lee's Summit has competitive grocery stores (Hy-Vee, Price Chopper, Aldi).
Car Payment + Insurance	$350 - $500	Crucial: Lee's Summit is not walkable. Public transit is limited. A car is a non-negotiable expense.
Health Insurance (if not through employer)	$150 - $250	Varies widely. Many full-time CNAs get this through their hospital or facility.
Miscellaneous (Phone, internet, personal care)	$200 - $250
DISCRETIONARY INCOME	~$50 - $350	After all essentials, the remaining budget is tight but manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $35,041 salary, buying a home is challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Lee's Summit is approximately $285,000. A standard 20% down payment is $57,000. Using a conservative mortgage calculator, a $228,000 loan at 7% interest would have a monthly payment (PITI) of roughly $1,850. That's over 80% of the median take-home pay, which is unsustainable.

Realistic Path: Buying a home here on a single CNA income would require a substantial down payment (e.g., 10% or more), a lower interest rate, or a dual-income household. A more attainable goal is to build savings and invest in further education (LPN, RN) to increase earning potential before pursuing homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

Lee's Summit is a healthcare anchor city. The job market is dominated by a few major players, all within a 15-minute drive of most residential neighborhoods.

1. Saint Luke's East Hospital (Lees Summit Campus): The largest and most prestigious employer. They have a constant need for CNAs in Med/Surg, Telemetry, and their growing Emergency Department. Hiring is competitive. They offer robust benefits, tuition reimbursement for LPN/RN programs, and a clear career ladder.
2. Lee's Summit Medical Center: A HCA Healthcare facility, this is the other major hospital in town. It's known for a strong cardiac and oncology program. CNAs here often work in Post-Surgical, ICU, and Orthopedics. They frequently hire new grads and offer sign-on bonuses (check their current postings).
3. Commerce Bank Health System (formerly Lee's Summit Hospital): Now a specialized surgery center and outpatient facility. Less CNA turnover, but when they hire, it's for Pre-Op/PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) roles. These are highly sought-after, stable positions.
4. Saint Luke's Pharmacy & Infusion Services: A niche employer. CNAs here work in home infusion support and outpatient infusion centers. It’s a different pace from bedside care—no weekends, no holidays. Perfect for those seeking work-life balance.
5. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: These are the backbone of the CNA market. Major local chains include Sunrise Senior Living (in Independence, a short commute), Brookdale Senior Living, and several locally owned facilities. They offer consistent hours and are the best place to gain experience. Pay is often slightly below the median ($15-$16/hour) but experience here is gold for future hospital applications.
6. Lee's Summit School District: Not a direct healthcare employer, but they hire CNAs for their Special Education and Health Services departments. It’s a school-year schedule with summers off—a unique perk for CNAs with families.

Hiring Trends: Hospitals are prioritizing CNAs with EKG certification and phlebotomy skills. Facilities are desperate for night and weekend shift workers, often offering shift differentials of $1.50 - $2.50/hour. The market is stable; layoffs are rare, but turnover is highest in long-term care.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri has a straightforward but mandatory process. You cannot work as a CNA in any setting (hospital, nursing home, home health) without an active state certification.

The Steps:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: A minimum of 75 hours (classroom and clinical). Programs in the Lee's Summit/Kansas City area cost between $800 and $1,500. Community colleges (like Metropolitan Community College - Longview in Lee's Summit) offer affordable, high-quality programs. Private schools are faster but more expensive.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: This is a two-part state test (written and skills). The exam fee is ~$125. You must register through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) or their approved vendors.
3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, the state will issue your certificate. This process can take 2-4 weeks. Your name will be added to the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry.
4. Find Employment: With your certificate in hand, you can apply. Most employers require a background check and a drug screen.

Insider Tip: Many employers (especially hospitals) will reimburse your training costs after you complete a certain period of employment (usually 12 months). Always ask about this during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Lee's Summit is divided into distinct areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1-BR Estimate)	Why It's Good for CNAs
Downtown Lee's Summit	Historic, walkable, charming. 10-15 mins to both hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Walk to cafes and parks. Older apartments, character-filled homes. Limited parking.
North Lee's Summit	Newer, suburban, family-oriented. Close to I-70 for easy hospital access.	$850 - $1,000	Modern complexes, good schools. 10-15 min commute. Less "charm," more convenience.
East Lee's Summit	Quiet, residential, near Saint Luke's East.	$800 - $950	Extremely short commute to the main hospital. Very suburban, car-dependent.
West Lee's Summit / Lakewood	Affluent, established, near the lake. 15-20 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	Beautiful, safe, but pricier. Better for senior CNAs with higher incomes.
Blue Springs (Adjacent City)	Slightly lower cost of living, similar amenities. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $900	Excellent option to stretch your budget. Many CNAs live here and commute.

Personal Insight: North Lee's Summit offers the best balance for most CNAs—affordable new builds, a safe environment, and a straightforward drive to all major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Lee's Summit is a powerful launchpad, not a dead end.

• Specialty Premiums: While base pay is standardized, you can increase your hourly rate by $1.00 - $2.00 by obtaining certifications like Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA), EKG, or Phlebotomy. Hospitals pay more for these skills.
• Advancement Paths: The most common and lucrative path is CNA → LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) → RN (Registered Nurse). As mentioned, major employers like Saint Luke's offer tuition assistance. The local community college system is a fantastic, affordable resource for these degrees.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is conservative. The real growth will be in home health and outpatient care as the population ages. CNAs with experience who pivot to these settings often find better hours and less physical strain. An RN, however, sees a dramatic salary jump. In Lee's Summit, a median RN salary is around $68,000, effectively doubling your take-home pay and making homeownership a straightforward goal.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $35,041 salary goes much further here than in most metro areas.	Modest Salary: Pay is at or slightly below the national average. Significant raises require skill advancement.
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers provide job security and options.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is not a viable option.
Excellent Work/Life Balance: Average commute is 10-20 minutes. You can live close to work.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: You'll drive to KC for major concerts, pro sports, and diverse nightlife.
Clear Career Ladders: Strong employer support for advancing to LPN/RN.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold winters can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation:
Lee's Summit is an excellent choice for new or mid-career CNAs who value affordability, job stability, and a manageable lifestyle. It's a place where you can build a career, get educated, and enjoy a sense of community without the financial stress of a larger city. If you're solely chasing the highest possible salary, you might look to St. Louis or Kansas City core. But if you want a balanced life where your work as a CNA supports a comfortable, stable life, Lee's Summit is a top contender.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to get a CNA job in Lee's Summit?
A: No, the market is steady. The key is flexibility—being open to night, weekend, or long-term care shifts will make you highly employable. Hospitals are competitive but always hiring for reliable staff.

Q: What's the best way to find CNA jobs here?
A: Directly on hospital career pages (Saint Luke's, Lee's Summit Medical Center) and on Indeed. Also, network with instructors at local training programs; they often have direct connections to hiring managers.

Q: Will I need to commute to Kansas City proper?
A: Almost certainly not. All major employers are within Lee's Summit or immediately adjacent suburbs. A 10-15 minute commute is the norm.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel on this salary?
A: It's tight but workable. You'll budget carefully, especially with a car payment. Roommates or a dual-income household significantly improve financial flexibility. The ability to afford a $886 1-bedroom apartment alone is a major advantage over coastal cities.

Q: Is the 4% job growth a concern?
A: Not for an individual. 4% is the projected industry growth, which is slower than average but positive. The actual number of CNA openings will always be higher due to turnover and retirements, ensuring you'll find work.