Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missoula, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Missoula Stands

Let’s cut right to it: if you’re moving to Missoula as a Nursing Assistant (CNA), you need to understand the local pay scale. The median salary here is $35,019/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.84/hour. This sits just below the national average for CNAs, which is $35,760/year. It’s not a massive gap, but it’s one you’ll feel in your monthly budget, especially with Montana’s specific cost of living dynamics.

Here’s how that pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Missoula market. This isn't an official state matrix but a synthesis of local job postings and wage data from the Billings and Missoula MSAs.

Experience Level	Typical Missoula Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$29,000 - $33,000	$13.94 - $15.87
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	$15.87 - $17.79
Senior/Lead (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $41,000	$17.79 - $19.71
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$41,000 - $45,000+	$19.71 - $21.63+

When you compare Missoula to other Montana cities, the picture gets clearer. Billings, the state’s largest metro, often has slightly higher CNA wages due to a larger hospital system and more competition, with medians edging closer to $36,500. Bozeman, with its booming growth and high cost of living, can push CNA wages higher in some private facilities, but the rent there is a brutal offset. Missoula sits in a middle ground: pay is modest, but the job market is steady, with 155 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth is slower than the national average, reflecting Montana's aging population but also a constrained healthcare budget. You’re not walking into a gold rush, but you’re walking into a stable, if modest, market.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base median. Many Missoula employers, especially the larger hospital systems, offer shift differentials ($1.50-$3.00/hour for nights/weekends) and sign-on bonuses for positions that are hard to fill, like swing shift or rural postings. Always ask about these in an interview.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $35,019 sounds manageable, but the real test is your monthly take-home. In Montana, you’ll face a state income tax that ranges from 1% to 6.75%. For a single filer earning the median, expect about 22-25% of your gross pay to go to federal and state taxes, plus FICA. That leaves you with a net monthly take-home of roughly $2,200 - $2,300.

Now, let’s factor in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Missoula costs $988/month. This can vary wildly by neighborhood, as we’ll see later. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a CNA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	~$2,250	After taxes & FICA
Rent (1BR Avg)	$988
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Missoula winters are cold; heating costs matter.
Groceries	$300
Car Payment/Insurance	$250	Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity.
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer.
Misc. (Personal, Clothing)	$200
Remaining	$182

This budget is tight. There’s very little room for error, savings, or discretionary spending. The $182 surplus is vulnerable to a car repair, a medical co-pay, or a spike in heating bills.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA income at the median, it’s extremely challenging. The median home price in Missoula County is over $425,000. Even with a modest down payment, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200/month, which is essentially your entire net income. Homeownership on this salary is generally only feasible with a dual-income household or by moving up into a higher-paying healthcare role (e.g., LPN or RN). Renting is the realistic path for most CNAs in Missoula.

Where the Jobs Are: Missoula's Major Employers

Missoula’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key players, with a mix of hospital, long-term care, and home health opportunities. Here are the major employers for CNAs:

1. St. Luke’s Community Hospital (Part of Providence Health): The city’s primary acute-care hospital. They hire CNAs for patient care tech (PCT) roles on medical-surgical floors, the ER, and sometimes in the birth center. Hiring is steady but competitive. They offer strong benefits and tuition assistance, making it a top choice for career growth.
2. St. Joseph Hospital (Part of PeaceHealth): Located in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood, this is another major acute-care facility. They have a dedicated long-term care wing and regularly post CNA openings for both hospital and LTC units. Their union contract (with SEIU) provides clear wage steps and benefits.
3. The Springs Living: A premier chain of senior living communities with a large facility in Missoula. They offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This is a major employer for CNAs, with a focus on person-centered care. They often have better staff-to-resident ratios than some nursing homes.
4. Missoula Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: The city’s largest skilled nursing facility (SNF). This is a high-volume employer for CNAs. The work is demanding but provides excellent experience in long-term care. They frequently hire for all shifts, including nights.
5. Home Instead Senior Care: A leading non-medical home care agency. This is a great option for CNAs seeking more flexible hours, one-on-one patient interaction, and a break from institutional settings. Pay can be slightly lower, but the schedule is often more controllable.
6. Partners in Home Care: A local, Missoula-based home health and hospice agency. They sometimes hire CNAs for personal care aide roles under an RN’s supervision. This is a good path for those interested in hospice care.

Hiring Trends: The demand is most consistent for full-time, evening/night shifts in both hospital and LTC settings. Weekend positions are also in high demand. Part-time and PRN (as-needed) roles are plentiful but offer fewer benefits. The 4% 10-year growth means competition for desirable day shifts at the hospital can be stiff. New grads should be prepared to start on nights or weekends.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific steps. You must be listed on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry to work as a CNA.

Requirements:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must graduate from a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). These are offered at Missoula College (University of Montana), the Missoula Job Service, and several private schools. The course is typically 120 hours (80 classroom/lab, 40 clinical).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After graduation, you’ll take the written (or oral) and skills exams administered by Credentia (the state’s contracted testing service). The exam fee is approximately $115.
3. Apply for Registry Listing: Once you pass, you’ll submit an application to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). There’s no additional state fee for initial listing.

Timeline & Cost:

• Training Program: 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule. Cost ranges from $600 to $1,200. Missoula College is often the most affordable option and is highly regarded by local employers.
• Total Cost (Training + Exam): Budget $715 to $1,315.
• Job Start: Once you’re on the registry (which can take 2-4 weeks after passing the exam), you can start applying. Many employers will hire you conditionally pending your registry number.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like St. Luke’s or The Springs, may offer tuition reimbursement or even pay for your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). Always ask about these programs during the hiring process.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your choice of neighborhood in Missoula will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of areas popular with healthcare workers:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
The University District	Quiet, academic, close to St. Luke’s. Easy bike/walk to hospital. Older apartments.	$950 - $1,100	Those who want a short, walkable commute to St. Luke’s and don’t mind older housing stock.
The Fort (Franklin to the Fort)	Historic, charming, near St. Joseph Hospital. Walkable to downtown, great restaurants.	$1,050 - $1,250	CNAs working at St. Joseph’s who want a vibrant, central neighborhood with character.
Westside	Working-class, affordable, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to hospitals. More house rentals.	$850 - $1,000	Budget-conscious CNAs, especially those with families looking for more space.
Southside (Miller Creek area)	Suburban, modern apartments, great mountain views. 10-15 min drive to hospitals via Reserve St.	$975 - $1,150	Those who prefer newer construction and don’t mind a short commute. Popular with younger professionals.
Orchard Homes	Rural feel, larger lots, lower density. 15-20 min drive to hospitals. More single-family homes.	$900 - $1,100 (for a small house or shared rental)	CNAs who want a yard, quiet, and don’t mind driving. Offers a break from city life.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Missoula is mild, but the Reserve Street corridor can get congested during rush hour. If you work at St. Luke’s, living in the University District or The Fort can save you time and gas. For St. Joseph’s, The Fort and Southside are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the starting pay is modest, a CNA license in Missoula is a valuable foothold in healthcare. Here’s how to leverage it:

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience, you can take a state-approved course to administer medications in LTC settings. This adds about $1.00-$2.00/hour to your wage.
• Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification: Specializing in home care can open doors to agencies like Home Instead. Pay can be similar, but the role is less physically demanding on a single patient.
• Bridge to LPN/RN: This is the most common and financially rewarding path. Missoula College and the University of Montana’s nursing programs are excellent and have partnerships with local hospitals for clinicals. Many employers offer tuition assistance. An RN in Missoula earns a median of $75,000+, a significant jump.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady, driven by Missoula’s aging population and the expansion of senior living facilities like The Springs. The real growth, however, is in the career ladder. The demand for LPNs and RNs is much higher, with projected growth closer to 6-8%. A CNA who uses the role as a stepping stone will find ample opportunity for advancement in Missoula’s integrated healthcare network.

The Verdict: Is Missoula Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 155 current jobs and steady demand in LTC and hospitals.	Low Pay Relative to Cost: Median of $35,019 is tight with $988 average rent.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Access to world-class outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, fishing) is unparalleled.	High Competition for Day Shifts: New hires often start on nights/weekends.
Strong Employer Benefits: Major hospitals offer good health insurance, retirement, and tuition help.	Slower Career Growth: 4% growth is modest; advancement usually requires more education.
Manageable Commutes: No brutal traffic; easy to live close to work.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a financial necessity.
Supportive Healthcare Community: A relatively small, interconnected network of providers.	Harsh Winters: Heating costs and winter driving can add stress and expense.

Final Recommendation: Missoula is an excellent choice for a CNA who prioritizes lifestyle and outdoor access over high salary. It’s ideal for someone starting their healthcare career, planning to bridge to LPN/RN, and who values a tight-knit community. It is not recommended for a CNA seeking to maximize income or save aggressively for a home on a single salary. If you can manage a modest budget and thrive in a four-season climate, Missoula offers a rewarding and stable environment to build a career in healthcare.

FAQs

1. What is the realistic starting wage for a new CNA in Missoula?
Most new CNAs start between $15.00 and $16.50/hour ($31,200 - $34,320/year), which is at the lower end of the entry-level range. Your best bet for a higher starting wage is to apply directly to hospitals, which often have more structured pay scales than private nursing homes.

2. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially in hospital and LTC settings. Overtime is typically paid at 1.5x your base rate. During flu season or periods of high census, overtime hours can be abundant. However, it’s not guaranteed and shouldn’t be relied upon for your base budget.

3. How competitive is the job market for CNAs?
For day shifts at St. Luke’s, it can be very competitive. For evening/night shifts and positions at nursing homes, there are frequent openings. Being flexible with your hours is the key to landing a job quickly. Having your Montana registry number in hand before applying is a major advantage.

4. Is it feasible to work as a CNA while attending nursing school in Missoula?
Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended. Missoula College’s nursing program is designed for working students, with clinicals often scheduled in blocks. Many students work PRN (as-needed) at a facility like Missoula Nursing and Rehab, which offers scheduling flexibility. The experience is invaluable for nursing school applications and future careers.

5. What about winter weather and commuting?
Missoula winters are real. You will need a vehicle with good snow tires or all-wheel drive. Commutes are short, but black ice and heavy snow can make the 10-minute drive to the hospital feel long. Factor an extra $500-$800/year for winter tires, car maintenance, and potentially higher heating bills in your budget.