A Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Quincy, MA

Thinking about moving to Quincy to build a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? You’re looking at a solid job market in a city that’s deeply connected to the broader Boston healthcare ecosystem, but one where the cost of living demands careful planning. As a local who knows the lay of the land, I’ll give you the unvarnished truth about what it’s like to work here.

Quincy isn't just another Boston suburb; it’s a bustling city in its own right with a complex identity. You’ve got the historic charm of the Adams National Historical Park, the bustling commercial corridors of Quincy Center, and the dense, walkable neighborhoods of Wollaston and North Quincy. For a CNA, this means you’re never far from a major employer, but you also need to navigate a competitive housing market. Let’s break down the numbers and the local reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

First, let’s get straight to the data. The salary for a CNA in Quincy is competitive for the region, but you need to understand what that means in the context of experience and location.

The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Quincy is $37,004 per year, with an hourly rate of $17.79 per hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760 per year. However, the job market is relatively tight, with approximately 203 jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which indicates steady, but not explosive, demand. This growth is largely driven by an aging population in Massachusetts and the continued expansion of healthcare services in the Greater Boston area.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Quincy. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region; the median figure is your anchor point.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31	Often starts at nursing homes or smaller clinics. Many positions require a CNA license from day one.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$37,000 - $41,000	$17.79 - $19.71	This is where the median salary of $37,004 sits. Experienced CNAs in hospitals like Boston Medical Center or Brigham and Women’s Faulkner can hit the higher end.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$41,000 - $46,000	$19.71 - $22.12	Specialized roles (e.g., hospice, dialysis) or lead CNA positions in long-term care facilities.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$46,000+	$22.12+	Often involves shift supervisor roles, training new staff, or specialized clinical tracks.

How does Quincy compare to other MA cities?

• Boston: Salaries are higher (median often $39,000-$42,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher, especially for rent. The commute from Quincy is a major factor.
• Worcester: Salaries are more comparable to Quincy ($36,000-$38,000), but the cost of living is lower. It's a different healthcare market.
• Fall River/Lowell: Salaries tend to be lower ($34,000-$36,000), but so is the cost of living. Quincy offers a "sweet spot" for pay relative to its proximity to Boston's top-tier hospitals.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Quincy employers, especially those affiliated with Boston-based health systems, offer differential pay for evening, night, and weekend shifts. This can add $1.50 to $3.00 per hour to your take-home pay, potentially pushing your annual income closer to $40,000 even at the mid-level.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,004 sounds manageable, but the cost of living in Quincy is high. The Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $2,377/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax: ~$3,084)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$3,084	Based on $37,004 / 12 months.
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$550 - $650	This is an estimate; actuals depend on withholding. MA has a flat 5% income tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$2,434 - $2,534	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Average)	$2,377	This is the biggest hurdle. It can range from $2,100 in parts of Wollaston to $2,600+ in newer North Quincy buildings.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Older buildings in Quincy can have higher heating costs in winter.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shopping at Market Basket in West Quincy or Stop & Shop in Quincy Center helps.
Transportation	$100 - $200	MBTA bus/subway pass is $90/month. Gas and parking if you drive.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $400	Many employers offer plans, but premiums can be high.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$150 - $200
Remaining for Savings/Discretionary	-$0 to -$200	This is the critical point. At the median salary, living alone in a 1BR apartment is extremely tight, often impossible without overtime, roommates, or a lower-than-average rent.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $37,004 salary, buying a home in Quincy is highly unlikely in the short term. The median home price in Quincy is over $500,000. Even with a modest down payment, the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would far exceed $3,000/month, which is unsustainable on this salary. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household or a significant advancement in career (e.g., becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse).

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Quincy live in shared apartments (2-3 roommates) or in more affordable neighboring cities like Braintree, Randolph, or even further south in Weymouth. The commute is manageable via the Red Line or commuter rail, and rent can be $300-$500 cheaper per month.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy is a healthcare hub. You’re not just looking at local clinics; you’re tapping into the massive Boston medical network. Here are the key employers for CNAs:

1. Boston Medical Center (BMC) - Quincy Campus: Located right off the Furnace Brook Parkway, this is a major satellite of the Boston-based safety-net hospital. They have a strong demand for CNAs in their outpatient clinics and urgent care centers. Hiring is steady, and they often provide tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
2. Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital: While technically in Jamaica Plain, it’s a critical 10-minute drive from many Quincy neighborhoods. It’s a major teaching hospital with opportunities in med-surg, orthopedics, and rehab. The culture is fast-paced and professional.
3. Manet Community Health Center: With multiple locations in Quincy (including Quincy Medical Center campus and Wollaston), Manet is a key community health provider. They often hire CNAs for primary care and behavioral health support roles. The pace can be more predictable than a hospital.
4. New England Sinai Hospital (in Stoughton, 15 min drive): A leading long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) specializing in complex chronic illnesses. This is a great place for CNAs who want to learn about ventilator care, wound care, and other specialized skills. It’s a niche but growing employer.
5. Local Nursing Homes & Skilled Nursing Facilities: Quincy has several, including D'Youville Senior Care (in Chelsea, very close) and Caretaker Health and Home Services (based in Quincy). These are often the most consistent sources of entry-level CNA jobs. The work is demanding but offers direct patient care experience.
6. Private Home Care Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association of Boston or Caregivers of America have a strong presence in Quincy. This offers flexible hours and the chance to build one-on-one relationships with patients in their homes. Pay can be slightly lower, but mileage reimbursement helps.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable push towards integrated care models. Employers like BMC Quincy and Manet are increasingly looking for CNAs who can work in team-based settings, supporting both medical and social needs. Experience with electronic health records (EHRs) is a plus.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific, regulated requirements for CNAs. You cannot work as a CNA without state certification.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. These are offered at community colleges (like Bunker Hill CC in Charlestown or Massasoit CC in Brockton), vocational schools, and some hospitals. The program typically includes 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation.
3. Register with the MA Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the state registry. Employers will verify your status before hiring.
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is mandatory.

Timeline and Costs:

• Training Program: Can take 4 to 12 weeks (full-time vs. part-time). Costs vary widely from $800 to $2,000, though some employers (especially nursing homes) may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Check with local community colleges first—they are often the most affordable route.
• Exam Fees: The NNAAP exam fee is approximately $115-$125.
• Background Check: About $35-$50.
• Total Estimated Cost: $900 to $2,200 if paying out-of-pocket.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving to Quincy and need to get licensed, start by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Nurse Aide Registry website. They list all approved training programs. Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown is a popular choice for Quincy residents due to its Red Line access and reputable program.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live in Quincy depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Wollaston	Residential, quiet, family-oriented. Walking distance to Wollaston Beach and the T station. 10-15 min commute to BMC Quincy.	$2,100 - $2,400	CNAs seeking a peaceful neighborhood with easy T access. More affordable than North Quincy.
North Quincy	Busy, urban, student-heavy (close to UMass Boston). Excellent T access and shopping. Can be noisy.	$2,400 - $2,700+	Those who prioritize a vibrant, walkable area with top-tier public transit. Higher rent.
Quincy Center	The “downtown” of the city. Historic, with new development. Good transit hub but parking can be a nightmare.	$2,200 - $2,500	Someone who loves city life and wants to be in the middle of everything.
West Quincy	More suburban, with single-family homes and larger apartment complexes. Requires a car for most errands.	$2,000 - $2,300	Those who drive and want more space. Commute to major employers is still easy via I-93 or Route 128.
Houghs Neck	A secluded peninsula with a small-town feel, right on the water. Limited transit options.	$1,900 - $2,200	A quiet escape. Not ideal if you rely on public transportation.

Insider Tip: If you’re working at a hospital like BMC Quincy, Wollaston or West Quincy offer the shortest, most predictable commutes. For jobs in Boston proper (like Brigham & Women’s), North Quincy is the best transit hub, putting you on the Red Line to Downtown Crossing in under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Being a CNA in Quincy is a fantastic starting point, but the long-term financial sustainability requires advancement.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Specialties: CNAs who gain experience in hospice, dialysis, or mental health can often command higher pay or find unique positions. For example, a CNA in a dialysis center may make $18.50-$20/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This is the most common next step. It requires a 1-1.5 year program. Quincy has several LPN programs (e.g., at Quincy College). LPNs in MA typically earn $55,000 - $65,000.
  2. Registered Nurse (RN): An Associate’s (ADN) or Bachelor’s (BSN) degree. This is a significant jump. RNs in Quincy/Boston earn $75,000 - $90,000+.
  3. Other Roles: Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician (with phlebotomy/EKG skills), or healthcare administration.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The projected 4% job growth is steady. This means job security, but not a wage explosion. The real growth will come from upskilling. The demand will be for CNAs who can transition to LPN/RN roles or who specialize in areas like geriatrics (given MA’s aging population) or rehabilitation. Quincy’s proximity to teaching hospitals means there are also opportunities to work in clinical trials or research support, which can offer different career trajectories.

Insider Tip: Many Quincy employers have tuition assistance programs. If you’re working as a CNA at BMC Quincy or a nursing home, immediately inquire about their education benefits. It’s one of the best ways to fund an LPN or RN degree while gaining relevant experience.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy can be a great launchpad for a nursing career, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with access to Boston’s top healthcare employers.	Very high cost of living, especially rent.
Excellent public transit (Red Line, Commuter Rail) reduces car dependency.	Salary does not comfortably support living alone at the median level.
Diverse job settings—hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home care.	Competitive housing market; finding an affordable apartment can be a challenge.
Pathways for career advancement are clear and supported by local colleges and employers.	Traffic congestion can be significant, especially during peak hours.
A vibrant, diverse city with great food, parks, and a sense of community.	Winters can be long and cold, impacting commute and lifestyle.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for a CNA who is:

• Career-focused and planning to advance (to LPN/RN) within 3-5 years.
• Willing to have roommates or live in a studio to make the budget work.
• Able to leverage public transit or manage a car commute.
• Looking for a diverse, lively city with a strong healthcare network.

It may be a challenging choice for a CNA who:

• Needs to support a family on a single CNA income immediately.
• Requires a large living space on a tight budget.
• Prefers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with easy parking.

In short: Quincy is a strategic move. It’s not the cheapest place to be a CNA, but it’s a place where you can build a real, upwardly mobile career in healthcare if you plan carefully and take advantage of the local opportunities.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to find a CNA job in Quincy?
With a valid MA CNA license and a clean background check, most candidates can find a job within 1-2 months. The key is applying to multiple employers (nursing homes, home care agencies