Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lehi, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Lehi Stands

As a local who’s watched Lehi grow from a quiet farming town to a tech corridor hub, I can tell you the nursing assistant landscape here is stable but competitive. The median salary for CNAs in Lehi is $35,223/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.93/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a gap you’ll need to weigh against Utah’s lower cost of living.

Here’s how pay typically scales with experience in the Lehi area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$30,000 - $33,000	Often starts at assisted living facilities or home health agencies.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$34,000 - $38,000	Hospital roles at American Fork Hospital or Intermountain Lehi become more accessible.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Specialized skills (geriatrics, rehab) or charge aide roles.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$42,000 - $47,000	Often in education, management, or niche home health.

Insider Tip: While the numbers seem modest, many local employers offer shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends—often an extra $1.50 to $3.00 per hour. This can push your effective hourly rate closer to $19/hour if you work off-peak shifts.

Compared to other Utah cities: Lehi’s salary is on par with Provo and Orem but lower than Salt Lake City, where the median is closer to $37,500. You’re trading a slightly lower wage for a more suburban, family-friendly lifestyle and a shorter commute if you live in the south valley.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $35,223, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (UT has a flat 4.55% income tax) is approximately $2,150 per month. Now, factor in Lehi’s average 1-bedroom rent of $1,282/month.

Here’s a conservative monthly budget for a Lehi CNA:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,282	Can be lower in shared housing or older complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	Varies by season; summer AC can spike costs.
Groceries	$300	Lehi has Walmart, Smith's, and Harmons.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity.
Gas	$150	Commutes to American Fork or Draper are common.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200	ACA marketplace plans vary.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,632
Monthly Deficit	-$482

The Bottom Line: On a single income, living alone on the Lehi CNA median salary is tight. The math shows a monthly deficit. Can they afford to buy a home? Not on this salary alone. The median home price in Lehi is over $550,000. A down payment would take years of aggressive saving. Most CNAs I know here either rent with a partner/roommate or own a home with a dual income.

Insider Tip: Look for employer-sponsored health benefits. Many local facilities offer them at 30+ hours/week, which can save you $200-$300 per month. Also, consider older apartment complexes in the "Lehi Bench" area for rents closer to $1,100.

Where the Jobs Are: Lehi's Major Employers

Lehi’s healthcare jobs are concentrated in the south end of the city, near I-15, and in the growing area around the Timpanogos Regional Hospital in nearby Orem. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Intermountain Lehi Hospital (part of the new "Canyons" medical campus): This is the newest hospital in the area (opened 2020) and is growing fast. They actively hire CNAs for med-surg, orthopedics, and rehab units. Hiring Trend: High. They are still building out their workforce and often post jobs directly on their site.
2. American Fork Hospital (Intermountain): A 5-minute drive north of Lehi. It’s a larger, established trauma center. CNAs here often start in the ER or ICU. Hiring Trend: Steady, with turnover creating openings.
3. Timpanogos Regional Hospital (Orem): It’s a 15-minute commute south. Part of the HCA Healthcare network, they have a strong rehab and labor & delivery unit. Hiring Trend: Consistent; they value experience.
4. Sundance Senior Living (American Fork): A high-end assisted living and memory care facility. Less physical than acute care, with a focus on dementia care. Hiring Trend: Growing as the senior population expands.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., LHC Group, BAYADA Home Health Care): These serve Lehi and surrounding communities. Great for flexible hours, but you need a reliable car. Hiring Trend: Strong demand due to the preference for aging-in-place.
6. Mountain View Hospital (Payson): A 25-minute drive south. Part of Intermountain, it’s a growing facility with less competition for jobs than Lehi or American Fork. Hiring Trend: Expanding; often hires new grads.

Insider Tip: Many jobs at Intermountain facilities are posted on the "Intermountain Careers" portal, which is separate from general job boards. Apply directly there for the best results. Also, network with nurses you meet during clinicals or interviews—they often know about openings before they’re posted.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR) oversees this.

Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: These are typically 80-120 hours (classroom + clinical). Cost ranges from $600 to $1,500. Community colleges like Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem offer competitive programs.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: Written and skills tests administered by Credentia. Exam fee is $125.
3. Submit Application to UNAR: There’s a $50 application fee.
4. Background Check: Required, with no cost to the applicant if done through a prospective employer.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Can take 1-3 months depending on class availability.
• Complete training: 4-8 weeks.
• Schedule and pass exam: Allow 2-4 weeks for scheduling and results.
• Get on the registry: 1-2 weeks after passing.

Total Estimated Cost: $775 to $1,725.
Total Time: 3 to 6 months from start to having your license in hand.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially large facilities like Intermountain, will reimburse your training costs if you commit to working for them for 6-12 months. It’s a common practice to ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Lehi is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute.

1. Lehi Bench / Old Town: Historic area with older, more affordable homes and apartments. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300. Commute: 5-10 minutes to Intermountain Lehi Hospital. Lifestyle: Quiet, established community. Best For: Those wanting a short commute and a local feel.
2. The Fields / Saratoga Springs Border: Newer developments with modern apartments and townhomes. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers. Lifestyle: Family-oriented, with parks and newer amenities. Best For: Those prioritizing modern living and willing to pay a bit more.
3. Mountainside / Dry Creek: Situated near the Traverse Mountains. More upscale single-family homes. Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; shared housing is typical. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Lifestyle: Active, scenic, with access to trails. Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts with a higher budget or a roommate.
4. American Fork (City Proper): Technically a separate city, but it’s a 5-minute drive to Lehi and has more housing options. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400. Commute: 5-15 minutes depending on location. Lifestyle: More urban than Lehi, with a walkable downtown. Best For: Those who want more city amenities without a long commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-15 and Lehi’s main thoroughfares (500 W, 1200 W) can be congested during rush hour. If you work a 7 AM shift, living in the Bench or Old Town can save you 15-20 minutes of stressed driving.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the Lehi metro is projected at 4%, which aligns with national averages. The growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of healthcare facilities. However, to move beyond the median salary of $35,223, you’ll need to specialize or advance.

Specialty Premiums:

• Telemetry/ECG Certified: Can add $1-2/hour.
• Phlebotomy/IV Certified: Highly valued in hospital settings.
• Geriatric/Dementia Care Specialist: In high demand at facilities like Sundance.
• Home Health Aide (HHA): Often paid more than facility-based CNAs due to autonomy.

Advancement Paths:

1. Move to a Hospital: Acute care experience is a stepping stone.
2. Become a CNA II or Charge Aide: Requires additional training and takes on more responsibility.
3. Transition to LPN/RN: Many CNAs use their experience as a springboard. UVU and BYU-Idaho (online) have affordable bridge programs. This is the most significant salary jump.
4. Specialize in Home Health or Hospice: These often have higher pay scales and more flexible schedules.

Insider Tip: The best career move in Lehi is often to gain 1-2 years of hospital experience at Intermountain or HCA, then use that to leverage a higher-paying role in a specialty unit or a training position. HR departments at major hospitals often post internal training programs for career advancement.

The Verdict: Is Lehi Right for You?

Lehi offers a stable, community-focused environment with a growing healthcare sector, but it requires financial creativity.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major employers (Intermountain, HCA).	Salaries are modest relative to the local cost of living, especially housing.
Lower cost of living than Salt Lake County (95.0 index vs. 100+).	Purchasing a home is a major challenge on a single CNA income.
Family-friendly lifestyle with good schools and low crime.	Limited public transit makes a car a necessity.
Growing city with new amenities and healthcare facilities.	Traffic can be congested during peak hours.
Access to outdoor recreation (Mount Timpanogos, American Fork Canyon).	Can feel suburban; nightlife and cultural options are limited compared to SLC.

Final Recommendation: Lehi is an excellent choice for a CNA if you are early in your career, have a partner with a second income, or are willing to start with a roommate. The hands-on experience you gain at top-tier Intermountain facilities is invaluable. If your primary goal is high earning potential immediately, you might look to Salt Lake City. But if you value community, a manageable commute, and a stable career ladder, Lehi is a solid foundation.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market saturated in Lehi?
A: Not saturated, but competitive. New graduates should apply broadly to both hospitals (Intermountain, HCA) and senior living facilities. Temp agencies like IntelyCare can help get your foot in the door.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely. Public transportation (UTA) exists but is limited for shift work. Most CNAs drive 10-20 minutes to work. Factor car insurance and gas into your budget.

Q: What are the most common shifts?
A: Hospital shifts are typically 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM). Assisted living and home health often offer 8-hour shifts. Flexibility is key to finding a good fit.

Q: How do I start applying?
A: 1) Get certified through a Utah-approved program. 2) Create a profile on the Intermountain Careers and HCA Healthcare job boards. 3) Network with instructors and clinical preceptors. 4) Apply to at least 5-10 positions.

Q: Is Lehi a good place to raise a family as a CNA?
A: Yes, but as a dual-income household. The excellent school districts (Lehi, Alpine) and safe neighborhoods are big draws. With careful budgeting and a partner’s income, it’s a very livable city for healthcare professionals.

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Utah Department of Workforce Services, Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), Zillow Rent Data, and local employer job postings (as of 2023-2024).