Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Raleigh, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Raleigh Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Raleigh isn't a story of booming wealth, but it's a stable, respectable income in a city with a reasonable cost of living. The median salary for a CNA in Raleigh sits at $35,545 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.09. It's important to frame this correctly: this is slightly below the national average of $35,760 per year, but the gap is minimal. The real story isn't the raw number; it's how that number interacts with Raleigh's specific economic landscape.

When you break it down by experience, the progression is steady but not dramatic. Entry-level CNAs in the Raleigh area start closer to the $32,000 mark. After a few years of solid experience and perhaps additional certifications, you can move into a mid-career range around $36,000. Senior CNAs, especially those in specialized units or with charge nurse responsibilities, can push toward $40,000. Experts—those who become clinical instructors or move into lead roles in long-term care facilities—may see salaries nearing $44,000.

Here’s how Raleigh stacks up against other major NC cities:

City	Median Salary (CNA)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Notes
Raleigh	$35,545	98.0	Hub of major hospital systems, strong long-term care market
Charlotte	$36,120	102.5	Larger corporate healthcare base, slightly higher competition
Durham	$35,700	99.5	Part of the same metro, Duke University Hospital dominance
Greensboro	$33,900	92.8	Lower cost of living but also lower salary average
Asheville	$34,200	105.1	Higher cost of living, tourism-driven healthcare needs

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. Raleigh's job market is competitive, with 964 jobs currently listed in the metro area. With a 10-year job growth of 4%, demand is steady, not explosive. This means employers are looking for reliable, certified candidates. Positions in specialized units like ICU, orthopedics, or rehab can often pay $1-$2 more per hour than general medical-surgical floors. Your best leverage for a higher starting salary is negotiating based on shift differentials (evenings/weekends) and any existing specialty certifications.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally practical. Your gross annual income is $35,545. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and North Carolina state taxes (which is a flat rate), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $2,250. This is a crucial number to anchor your budget.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh is $1,466 per month. This immediately consumes about 65% of your take-home pay. This is the single biggest financial challenge for a CNA in Raleigh. It's not impossible, but it requires strict budgeting.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay	Notes
Gross Annual Salary	$35,545
Monthly Take-Home	~$2,250	100%	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,466	65%	The biggest hurdle
Utilities (Electric, Water)	$150	7%	Varies by season
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	16%	Assume modest used car
Groceries	$250	11%	Cooking at home is essential
Healthcare/Incidentals	$100	4%	Co-pays, OTC meds
Remaining	-$66	-3%	This is the reality

Can they afford to buy a home? In short: not on a single CNA salary. The median home price in the Raleigh metro is over $420,000. A standard 20% down payment is $84,000, and a mortgage would be unaffordable on this income. Homeownership for a single CNA in Raleigh is typically a long-term goal achieved through dual-income households, significant side work, or a major career advancement into nursing or management.

Insider Tip: To make the numbers work, most CNAs I know either have a roommate (cutting rent to ~$750-$900) or live further out in towns like Knightdale, Wendell, or Clayton, where 1BR rents can be $100-$250 less than the Raleigh city center. This adds to the commute, however.

Where the Jobs Are: Raleigh's Major Employers

Raleigh's healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few major players. Knowing who they are and what they prioritize is key to your job search.

1. WakeMed Health & Hospitals: The primary public healthcare system in Wake County, with its flagship hospital in downtown Raleigh. They have a massive network of outpatient clinics and rehab centers. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for both inpatient and home health roles. Good benefits package, which is a major plus on a CNA salary.
2. Duke University Hospital (Durham): While technically in Durham, it's a 20-minute commute from most of Raleigh and is a top-tier employer. Duke is known for cutting-edge medicine. Hiring Trend: High competition for jobs, but they offer excellent training and clear pathways for advancement. They often have sign-on bonuses for hard-to-fill shifts.
3. UNC Health Rex (Raleigh): Part of the UNC Health system, Rex is a major employer in Southwest Raleigh. It has a strong reputation for community care and a less corporate feel than some systems. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring, especially for their surgical and orthopedic units. They have a strong focus on employee retention.
4. Kindred Healthcare (Raleigh): A major player in long-term acute care (LTAC) and rehabilitation facilities. This is a different pace from a hospital but offers deep experience in complex patient care. Hiring Trend: Always looking for dedicated CNAs who are comfortable with longer-term care plans. Shift differentials can be significant here.
5. Trinity Health of New England (Raleigh area): Operates several senior living communities and nursing homes in the region. This is a critical sector with high demand. Hiring Trend: Very high demand. If you are reliable and compassionate, you can find work here easily. The work can be emotionally and physically demanding.
6. Private Home Health Agencies (e.g., Home Instead, Comfort Keepers): The home health sector is booming. This offers more flexibility but often fewer benefits. Hiring Trend: Surging post-pandemic. Clients often prefer CNAs with experience in hospital or facility settings. Pay can sometimes be higher per hour, but you must account for unpaid drive time between clients.

Insider Tip: Check hospital career pages directly. Many positions are posted there before they hit major job boards. Also, network on LinkedIn with nurse managers at these facilities. A simple, polite connection request can get your foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina licensing is managed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). The process is straightforward but has non-negotiable steps.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide I program. In Raleigh, these are offered at community colleges (like Wake Tech), vocational schools, and private academies. The course is typically 75-100 hours of classroom and lab work.
2. Cost: Program costs vary widely. Community college programs are the most affordable, often $200-$500 for in-state students. Private schools can run $800-$1,500. Always verify the program is on the NCBON's approved list.
3. Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass both a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration exam through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is approximately $115.
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required. This costs about $45.
5. Timeline: From start to finish, a motivated person can get certified in 3-4 months. Some accelerated programs can do it in 4-6 weeks, but the 75-hour minimum is fixed.

Total Estimated Cost: $400 - $2,000, depending on your program choice. Financial aid and employer reimbursement are common, especially if you're already working in a healthcare setting (e.g., as a patient care tech).

Insider Tip: Wake Technical Community College is a fantastic, affordable resource. Their program is well-regarded by local employers. Check their website for session dates. Once certified, you must renew your listing on the NCBON registry every two years, which requires 8 hours of continuing education.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live is a balance of commute, cost, and vibe. Here are four neighborhoods that work well for healthcare workers.

1. North Raleigh (e.g., Falls of Neuse area):
   • Rent: ~$1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to WakeMed Main, Rex, or Duke (via I-40). Easy access to I-540.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, with lots of shopping and chain restaurants. Safe and quiet. Good for those who want space and don't mind a drive.
2. Downtown/South Park:
   • Rent: ~$1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR (older buildings can be cheaper).
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to WakeMed Main and Rex. Walkable to some clinics.
   • Lifestyle: Energetic, urban. Young professionals, great restaurants, breweries, and cultural events. For CNAs who want a social life outside of work, this is the spot. Parking can be a hassle.
3. Southwest Raleigh (NC State area):
   • Rent: ~$1,250 - $1,450 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most major hospitals. Great access to I-40.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of students, young professionals, and families. More affordable than downtown, with a younger, energetic vibe. Lots of affordable eateries and parks.
4. Knightdale (Eastern Suburb):
   • Rent: ~$1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to major hospitals. Can be impacted by I-40 traffic.
   • Lifestyle: A growing, family-friendly suburb with a small-town feel. Significantly more affordable, allowing for a better budget. Fewer nightlife options, but great for saving money.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-40 and I-440 during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can add 15-30 minutes to any commute. If you work a 7 AM or 7 PM shift, you'll avoid the worst of it. Living near a direct bus line (GoRaleigh) to your hospital can be a huge money and stress saver.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic entry point, but it's often a stepping stone. The 10-year job growth of 4% for CNAs indicates stability, not rapid advancement within the role itself. The real growth comes from leveraging your experience.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs in OR, L&D, and Psych often earn a $1-$3/hour premium. Certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) are a must; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or PALS can give you an edge in hospital settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A 12-18 month program. Salaries jump to the $48,000-$55,000 range locally. This is the most common and logical next step.
  • Registered Nurse (RN): An Associate (ADN) or Bachelor's (BSN) degree. This is a significant investment (2-4 years), but salaries start in the $65,000-$75,000 range in Raleigh and have a much higher ceiling.
  • CNA-to-RN Bridge Programs: Many Raleigh schools (Wake Tech, St. Augustine's) offer accelerated paths for CNAs.
  • Healthcare Administration: With experience, moving into scheduling, unit coordination, or patient services management. Salaries vary widely but can offer a better work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for direct care workers in aging populations is undeniable. While tasks for CNAs may evolve with technology, the human-touch element is irreplaceable. Your experience as a CNA in a major Raleigh hospital system becomes a powerful resume builder for any future healthcare role. The key is to treat your first CNA job as an apprenticeship. Learn everything you can, build relationships with nurses and managers, and be strategic about your next educational step.

The Verdict: Is Raleigh Right for You?

Raleigh offers a solid, stable career for a CNA, but it's not a get-rich-quick city. It's a place to build a foundation. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros	Cons
Strong job demand (964 jobs, 4% growth) with diverse employers.	High rent-to-income ratio (65% of take-home). Budgeting is tight.
World-class healthcare employers for resume building.	Can't buy a home on a single CNA salary without significant sacrifice.
Reasonable cost of living (98.0 index) compared to national average.	Traffic congestion can impact commute times.
Access to top-tier training programs and hospitals for advancement.	Competitive job market – need to stand out with reliability and certifications.
Vibrant city with good food, culture, and outdoor activities.	Summers are hot and humid – adjust to the climate.

Final Recommendation: Raleigh is an excellent choice for a CNA who is serious about a healthcare career and is willing to live with a roommate or in a more affordable suburb for the first few years. If your primary goal is to earn a high salary immediately, other cities in the South or Midwest might offer better ratios. However, if you want a stable job in a growing city with clear pathways to become an LPN or RN, Raleigh provides the ecosystem to make it happen. Come with a plan for your first two years, get your experience, and then reassess your long-term financial and career goals.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the CNA job market in Raleigh?
A: With 964 jobs in the metro, demand is steady. Competition is highest for day shifts at the best hospitals (Duke, WakeMed). To stand out, have a clean record, excellent references from your clinicals, and be flexible with shifts (evenings/weekends). A BLS certification is mandatory.

Q: What is the typical shift like for a CNA in Raleigh?
A: Most hospital roles are 8 or 12-hour shifts. You can expect to work every other weekend and some holidays. Long-term care facilities often have more flexible shift options. Overtime is common and paid at time-and-a-half.

Q: Is it worth it to get my CNA license in Raleigh if I plan to move?
A: Yes. North Carolina has a compact state agreement with several other states for licensure, making it easier to transfer. The experience gained at a top-tier Raleigh employer is highly valued nationwide. It's a portable credential.

Q: How can I afford rent on a CNA salary?
A: You have three main options: 1) Get a roommate (most common), 2) Live in a more affordable suburb (Knightdale, Clayton, Garner), or 3) Find a private landlord in an older building who may charge less than corporate complexes. Always budget for the full $1,466/month as your baseline.

Q: What's the best path to becoming an RN in Raleigh?
A: Start with a CNA role to gain experience and save money. Then, enroll in an ADN program at Wake Technical Community College (most affordable) or a BSN program at NC State or Shaw University. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing their RN degree. The CNA-to-RN bridge is a well-trodden and successful path in this city.

Sources: Salary data based on provided figures; Cost of Living from BestPlaces.net; Job growth from NC Department of Commerce; Licensing info from NC Board of Nursing; Employer research from local job postings and healthcare system websites.