Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants in Marysville, Washington.

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The Marysville CNA Career Guide: A Local’s Take on Living and Working Here

If you’re considering a move to the Pacific Northwest for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Marysville deserves a spot on your shortlist. I’ve lived in Snohomish County for over a decade, and I’ve watched Marysville grow from a quiet satellite town into a genuine hub with its own distinct character. It’s not Seattle, and that’s a good thing. It offers a practical, grounded lifestyle for healthcare workers, with direct access to major medical centers without the brutal commute or cost of living you’ll find closer to the city.

This guide is a no-fluff, data-driven look at what your life as a CNA would look like in Marysville. We’ll cover the salary realities, the true cost of living, where the jobs are actually located, and what your long-term prospects look like. Let’s get into it.

The Salary Picture: Where Marysville Stands

Let’s be direct: the data tells a specific story. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the Marysville metro area is $37,154/year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $17.86/hour. This figure is a median, meaning half of the CNAs here earn more, and half earn less.

It’s important to contextualize this. The national average for the same role sits at $35,760/year. So, Marysville pays slightly above the national norm. However, this must be weighed against the local cost of living. Snohomish County is not a low-cost area, and while Marysville is more affordable than neighboring Everett or Lynnwood, it’s still part of the expensive Puget Sound region.

When we look at the broader Washington landscape, Marysville falls into a middle tier. It’s not the high-wage environment of Seattle-Bellevue, where CNAs might see higher pay but face astronomical housing costs. Nor is it the lower-wage, lower-cost rural eastern part of the state. Marysville represents a compromise: a living wage in a manageable community.

The job market is active but not overflowing. There are approximately 145 CNA and nursing aide jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This is a stable, steady outlook. It indicates consistent demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare facilities, but it’s not the explosive growth you might see in a tech-driven boom town. For a CNA, this means predictability—jobs are there, but you’ll be competing with a solid pool of local talent.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Annual Salary (Estimated)	Hourly Rate (Estimated)	Typical Role
Entry-Level	$33,000 - $36,000	$15.87 - $17.31	New graduate, first job in a nursing home or hospital.
Mid-Career	$37,154 (Median)	$17.86	2-5 years of experience, may have a specialty track.
Senior	$40,000 - $44,000	$19.23 - $21.15	5-10 years, possibly a lead CNA or in a complex unit.
Expert/Lead	$45,000+	$21.63+	10+ years, specialized certification, trainer, or PRN with premiums.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards, centered on the provided median data.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Est. Index)	Rent (1BR Avg.)	Key Takeaway
Marysville	$37,154	113.0	$1,864	Balanced compromise.
Seattle-Bellevue	$42,500+	~160.0	$2,200+	Higher pay, extreme cost of living.
Tacoma	$38,200	~118.0	$1,650	Similar pay, slightly higher living costs.
Spokane	$34,800	~100.0	$1,250	Lower pay, but significantly lower costs.

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the highest nominal salary. A $42k salary in Seattle can feel like less than a $37k salary in Marysville once rent and commute are factored in. Marysville’s value is in its relative affordability within a high-opportunity region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,154 translates to approximately $3,096/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer with the standard deduction can expect take-home pay to be roughly $2,650/month.

Now, let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a CNA living in Marysville.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single CNA, Median Salary)

• Take-Home Pay: $2,650
• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,864 (Marysville average)
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350 (Marysville is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $150 (premium share)
• Savings/Retirement (5% 401k): $155
• Misc. (Phone, Personal Care, Entertainment): $200
• Total Expenses: $3,199

This budget reveals a fundamental challenge. At the median salary, the numbers are tight. The surplus is -$549. This is not a sustainable budget for a single-income household at the median wage. It underscores why many CNAs in Marysville may live with a partner or roommate, work overtime, or seek out higher-paying PRN (as-needed) positions that often come with shift differentials.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Based on current median home prices in Marysville (often in the $550,000 - $600,000 range), this is not feasible on a single CNA’s median salary. The mortgage payment alone would exceed the entire take-home pay. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or a move into a leadership/management role with a higher salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Marysville's Major Employers

Marysville’s healthcare jobs are concentrated in a few key areas. The “medical corridor” is along State Avenue (WA-528) and near the I-5 interchange.

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Pacific Campus): Located on the southern edge of Marysville, this is the largest employer in the area. It’s a Level 3 Trauma Center and a major hub for inpatient care. CNAs here work in med-surg, rehab, and sometimes specialty units. Hiring is steady, and unionized positions offer clear pay scales and benefits.

2. Cascade Valley Hospital & Clinic (Arlington, 10 mins north): While technically in Arlington, it serves the entire Marysville area and is a major public hospital district employer. It’s known for a tight-knit, community-focused culture. Often has more openings than Providence due to its size.

3. Sunrise of Marysville: A high-quality assisted living and memory care community on the north side of town. This is a prime employer for CNAs who prefer the less-acute, resident-focused environment of long-term care. Shifts are often more predictable than in a hospital.

4. Marysville Place & Other Skilled Nursing Facilities: Marysville has several skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) like Marysville Place and Edmonds Landing. These are often the most consistent sources of CNA employment. They offer a steady stream of jobs but can be physically demanding. Many offer shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends.

5. Everett Clinic (Multiple Locations): While not a hospital, the Everett Clinic (now part of Providence) has primary care and specialty clinics in Marysville. They occasionally hire CNAs for clinical support roles, which are typically day-shift, Monday-Friday jobs—highly sought after for work-life balance.

6. Private Home Care Agencies: Companies like Visiting Angels or Home Instead have offices in Snohomish County and actively recruit CNAs for in-home care. This offers flexibility but often lacks benefits. It’s a good option for supplementing income or for those who prefer one-on-one care.

Hiring Trends: There’s a consistent demand for CNAs across all settings. The post-pandemic healthcare worker shortage is still felt here. Facilities are actively recruiting, often offering sign-on bonuses (typically $2,000 - $5,000) for full-time positions. The trend is toward hiring for specific shifts (e.g., night shift in a nursing home) rather than general pool hiring.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has clear, regulated pathways to becoming a CNA.

Requirements:

1. Training: Complete a state-approved Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) training program. These are offered at community colleges (like Everett Community College, which has a satellite center in Marysville) and private vocational schools. The program requires 85 hours of instruction (minimum 34 classroom, 51 clinical).
2. Exam: Pass the state competency exam, which includes a written/oral test and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Pass a state and federal criminal background check.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: $800 - $1,800. Some employers (like nursing homes) may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period after graduation.
• Exam & Licensing Fees: Approximately $165 for the exam and initial certification.
• Timeline: From enrollment to certification, expect 4-6 months. This includes the time to complete the course (often 6-8 weeks of intensive study) and schedule the state exam.

Insider Tip: Check with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for the most current list of approved training programs. Everett Community College is a solid, affordable option. Avoid unaccredited online-only courses; Washington requires in-person clinical hours.

Best Neighborhoods for a CNA Lifestyle

As a CNA, your neighborhood choice balances commute, safety, and affordability. Marysville is not a dense city; neighborhoods are often defined by major roads.

1. Downtown Marysville / “Smoky Point” Area:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable (for a PNW suburb), with older homes and some new townhomes.
   • Commute: Easy access to Providence Pacific Campus via State Ave. Walkable to some local shops and cafes.
   • Rent: Slightly above average, around $1,900 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: CNAs who want a community feel without a long commute.

2. North Marysville / 47th Ave NE Area:

   • Vibe: Residential, quieter, with newer subdivisions and families.
   • Commute: 10-15 minute drive to major employers; easy access to I-5 for jobs in Arlington or Everett.
   • Rent: More affordable, $1,700 - $1,900 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those seeking a peaceful, suburban home base with easy highway access.

3. East Marysville / Getchell Area:

   • Vibe: Rural and semi-rural, with larger lots and a more country feel. Closer to the Tulalip Reservation.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to major employers; requires a car for everything.
   • Rent: Can be lower, especially for older apartments or shared housing, $1,600 - $1,800.
   • Best For: CNAs who don’t mind driving and want more space and quiet.

4. West Marysville / Near 88th St NE:

   • Vibe: Mix of older apartments and single-family homes. Close to the I-5 corridor.
   • Commute: Very quick access to I-5, good for commuting to Everett or Lynnwood.
   • Rent: Mid-range, $1,750 - $1,950.
   • Best For: CNAs who may work at multiple locations or in Everett but want a Marysville address.

Insider Tip: Traffic on State Avenue (WA-528) during shift changes (7-8 AM, 3-4 PM) can be congested. Living east of I-5 can add 5-10 minutes to a commute to Providence Pacific. Factor this in if you’re considering a crowded 12-hour shift.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role is a foundational healthcare position. In Marysville, the path to advancement is clear but requires initiative.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience as a CNA, you can take additional training to administer medications in a long-term care setting. This can come with a pay bump of $1-2/hour.
• Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): A certification focused on dementia and Alzheimer’s care, valuable in memory care units.
• Phlebotomy/EKG Tech: Some CNAs cross-train in these skills, making them more versatile in hospital or clinic settings.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead CNA / CNA II: Takes on supervisory duties for a shift, often with a pay increase.
2. Transition to LPN/RN: This is the most common long-term path. Marysville’s proximity to Everett Community College (with LPN and ADN programs) and Washington State University Everett (for BSN) makes this feasible. Many local healthcare systems offer tuition assistance for this transition.
3. Healthcare Administration: With experience, moving into unit clerk, medical records, or patient coordination roles.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth indicates a stable core demand. The growth will be in specialized care areas—home health, hospice, and geriatrics—driven by the aging population. CNAs who obtain additional certifications (like in dementia care or as a medication aide) will have the best prospects for wage growth and job security. The field is not rapidly transforming due to technology; the hands-on care aspect remains irreplaceable.

The Verdict: Is Marysville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from major employers like Providence.	Tight Budget on Median Salary: Rent consumes a large portion of take-home pay.
Manageable Commute: Most jobs are within a 15-minute drive; no need to fight Seattle traffic.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Community Feel: Smaller town vibe with access to big-city amenities in nearby Everett.	Competitive Housing: Rental market is tight; budget and credit need to be strong.
Gateway to Advancement: Easy access to community colleges for further nursing education.	Slower Pace: Less cultural diversity and nightlife compared to Seattle/Bellevue.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to mountains, water, and outdoor recreation is a major quality-of-life perk.	Weather: Long, gray, wet winters can be challenging for those from sunnier climates.

Final Recommendation:
Marysville is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, a manageable commute, and a community-oriented environment over the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• A new CNA looking to gain experience in a hospital or nursing home without the overwhelming cost of Seattle.
• An experienced CNA seeking a better work-life balance and a slightly lower cost of living.
• Someone planning to pursue an LPN or RN degree locally while working.

If your primary goal is to maximize earnings immediately and you have a high tolerance for dense urban living and long commutes, Seattle/Bellevue might offer a higher salary ceiling. But for a sustainable, grounded career start, Marysville is a pragmatic and rewarding hub.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living truly manageable for a single CNA in Marysville?
At the median salary of $37,154, it is very tight. You will likely need a roommate, a partner with an income, or to pursue overtime/PRN work to live comfortably. Budgeting is critical.

2. How competitive are CNA jobs here?
There is steady demand, especially for night and weekend shifts. It’s not hyper-competitive, but you should have your certification in hand and a clean background check. Applying to multiple facilities is standard.

3. Do employers offer tuition reimbursement?
Yes, many do, particularly the larger skilled nursing facilities and some hospital systems. It’s a common retention tool. Always ask about this during the interview process.

4. What is the weather really like, and does it affect the job?
Gray and wet from October to May. It can be draining. However, the healthcare jobs are indoors and climate-controlled. The main effect is on your commute (driving in rain) and your personal well-being (vitamin D supplements are a local staple!).

5. Can I live in a neighboring city and commute to Marysville?
Absolutely. Many CNAs live in Arlington (cheaper, 10-15 mins north) or