Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Redmond, Washington.

---

The CNA's Guide to Redmond, WA: A Realistic Career & Cost Analysis

As a career analyst who has watched Redmond evolve from a quiet suburb into a global tech hub, I can tell you that this city presents a unique paradox for healthcare workers. On one hand, you’re in the heart of the Puget Sound’s economic engine. On the other, the cost of living is relentless. This guide isn’t about selling you a dream; it’s about giving you the hard data, local employer insights, and budget realities you need to make a smart career move.

Let’s break down what it really means to be a CNA in the "Eastside" of Seattle.

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

The first thing to understand is that while Redmond is home to Microsoft and Nintendo, healthcare salaries here haven’t kept pace with the explosive growth of the tech sector. You are paid for your skill, not for the stock price of your neighbor’s employer.

The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Redmond is $37,154/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $17.86/hour. While this is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, the gap is marginal. When you factor in Washington’s high cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is significantly lower than in most other parts of the country.

The local market is competitive but stable. There are approximately 160 jobs available in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This indicates a steady demand, but not a boom. You won’t see frantic hiring spikes, but you also won’t face mass layoffs. It’s a market defined by consistency.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression for CNAs in Redmond follows a predictable, slow climb. You need to specialize or move into supervisory roles to significantly increase your earnings.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	$33,000 - $36,000	New grads, recent licensees. Often start in nursing homes or larger hospital systems (like Overlake) for structured training.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$37,000 - $41,000	This is the median range. Proficient in clinical skills, may have a specialty like dementia care. Seeking stability over rapid growth.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$42,000 - $47,000	Often leads to Charge CNA or Mentor roles. May work in specialized units (rehab, ICU) or high-end private duty.
Expert/Lead	$48,000+	Typically requires additional certifications (e.g., CNA II, Phlebotomy). Roles in home health agencies or as a lead in a specialized clinic.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

To put Redmond’s salary in context, here’s how it stacks up against other major Washington cities. While Seattle pays more, the cost differential is massive.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Real Wage Value
Redmond	$37,154	~113	Moderate
Seattle	$39,200	~160	Low
Tacoma	$36,500	~110	Good
Spokane	$34,800	~95	Excellent
Olympia	$36,000	~108	Good

Insider Tip: Don’t be seduced by Seattle’s slightly higher number. A $2,000/month rent in Redmond becomes $2,400+ in Seattle for a similar commute time. The math rarely works in favor of moving to the city center for a CNA role.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the budget. Washington has no state income tax, which is a major plus. However, sales tax is high (over 10% in King County), and housing is the primary budget killer.

Annual Salary: $37,154
Monthly Gross: ~$3,096
Monthly Take-Home (after federal taxes, FICA, and health insurance): ~$2,450

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (Avg 1BR): $1,864
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance/Bus): $150
• Healthcare (Copays/OTC): $100
• Personal/Discretionary: $86

Total Expenses: $2,650

Monthly Deficit: -$200

As you can see, the numbers are tight. Living on a single CNA income in Redmond, especially in a 1-bedroom apartment, is mathematically challenging. This is why many CNAs in Redmond:

1. Live with roommates (cutting rent to ~$1,100-$1,300).
2. Work in home health/private duty (often pay a higher hourly rate but with less consistent hours).
3. Have a dual-income household.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

No. The median home price in Redmond is over $1.3 million. A 20% down payment is $260,000. Even with a significant other earning a tech salary, a CNA’s income alone would not qualify for a mortgage on a Redmond property. Homeownership here is a long-term goal that requires substantial savings from other sources or moving further east to cities like Snohomish or Pierce County.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s healthcare ecosystem is shaped by three major hospital systems and a robust network of private agencies. Hiring trends favor candidates with strong references and weekend availability.

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: The primary hospital in Redmond. It’s a Level III Trauma Center with a growing cardiac and cancer institute. Hiring Trend: They prefer CNAs with BLS certification and experience in acute care. They offer tuition reimbursement for LPN/RN programs, making it a great long-term employer.
2. EvergreenHealth (Kirkland/Redmond border): Serves the entire Eastside. Their Redmond Medical Center is a key outpatient hub. Hiring Trend: High demand for CNAs in their skilled nursing facility (SNF) and home health divisions. They value experience with geriatric populations.
3. Life Care Center of Redmond: A major skilled nursing facility. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring due to high turnover in SNFs. It’s a good entry point for new CNAs but can be physically demanding. Expect to work every other weekend.
4. Aegis Living Redmond: A high-end assisted living and memory care community. Hiring Trend: They seek CNAs with exceptional bedside manner and experience with dementia patients. Pay is often slightly above median for the area due to the private pay model.
5. Private Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Angels, Home Instead): These agencies service Redmond’s affluent aging population. Hiring Trend: Hiring is more flexible but hours can be inconsistent. However, pay rates are often $20-$24/hour for experienced CNAs, significantly beating the median. This is where you find the highest pay in the field here.
6. University of Washington Medicine (UW Medicine) operates clinics in Redmond. Hiring Trend: Highly competitive. They prioritize CNAs with electronic health record (EHR) experience (EPIC is the standard).

Getting Licensed in WA

If you’re moving from another state, Washington has a specific process. If you’re new to the field, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program.

For Out-of-State CNAs:
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires:

1. Verification of Active Certification: Your home state must verify your active, in-good-standing status to the WA DOH.
2. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is mandatory. Cost: ~$45.
3. No Exam Required: If you have worked for pay as a CNA in another state within the last 24 months, you typically do not need to retake the competency exam in Washington.
4. Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks. Start your application before you move.
   Source: Washington State Department of Health, Nursing Assistant Program.

For New Trainees:

• Cost: Training programs range from $800 to $1,500. Community colleges (like North Seattle College’s Redmond campus extension) are more affordable than private schools.
• Timeline: Programs take 4-8 weeks to complete (classroom + clinical hours).
• Exam Cost: The state competency exam fee is $120.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially Life Care Center and Overlake, will sponsor your training if you sign a 1-year work contract. Ask about this during interviews—it can save you thousands upfront.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAs)

Living in Redmond itself is ideal for minimizing commute, but budget constraints often push people to adjacent areas. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Redmond	Walkable to shops, restaurants, and bus lines. Direct commute to Overlake/Hospital District.	$2,100+	Those who want no commute and can afford a roommate.
Overlake	Residential, quiet, close to Microsoft campus and Overlake Medical Center.	$1,900	CNAs working at Overlake Hospital. A 10-minute drive or bike ride.
Redmond Ridge	Suburban, family-oriented, further from transit. Requires a car.	$1,750	Those seeking more space for the price, but expect a 20-30 min drive to work.
Bel-Red Corridor	Transitional area with new apartments, close to Bellevue border.	$1,800	A good compromise between Redmond and Bellevue prices. Easy bus access to both.
Kirkland (Juanita/Woodinville)	Slightly more affordable than Redmond, great lake access. Commute via NE 85th St.	$1,750	If you work at EvergreenHealth or don’t mind a 15-25 minute commute.

Commute Reality: Traffic on SR-520 and NE 85th Street is brutal during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work a 7 AM shift, leaving at 6:15 AM is normal. Public transit (King County Metro) is reliable but can be slow; a car is almost essential for shift flexibility.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a real risk for CNAs in Redmond. The median salary offers little room for growth without a plan. Here’s how to advance:

Specialty Certifications (Premiums):

• CNA II (or CNA III): Some hospitals offer a pay differential (often $1-$2/hour) for advanced skills like phlebotomy, EKGs, or sterile processing.
• Hospice & Palliative Care: Specialized training can lead to roles with home health agencies paying $22-$26/hour.
• Dementia Care Certification (CDP): Valued by assisted living facilities like Aegis, often leading to lead caregiver roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Charge CNA: Supervising other CNAs in a nursing home. Requires 2+ years of experience.
2. Patient Care Coordinator (Clinic): A administrative/clinical hybrid role in outpatient settings (e.g., UW Medicine clinics).
3. Bridge to Nursing: Overlake and Evergreen have robust LPN/RN tuition reimbursement programs. This is the most common and lucrative path. A CNA with 2 years of experience at Overlake can become an RN with minimal debt.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The growth is steady but slow. The demand will be driven by Redmond’s aging population (baby boomers retiring in place). However, competition will increase from new graduates. The key to job security is versatility—being able to work in acute care, SNF, and home health settings.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

This is not a city where you can thrive on a CNA salary alone. It is a city where you can build a stable career if you have a clear financial plan, likely involving roommates or a partner’s income.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 160+ jobs, 4% growth.	High Cost of Living: Rent consumes most of take-home pay.
Top-Tier Employers: Overlake & Evergreen offer great benefits and tuition reimbursement.	Salary Stagnation: Median $37,154 is hard to live on solo.
Career Growth Potential: Direct path to LPN/RN with employer support.	Traffic & Commute: Car is almost mandatory; public transit has limits.
Safe & Clean: Redmond is consistently ranked as a safe, family-friendly city.	Competitive Entry: Harder for new grads without experience.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Redmond if: You have a roommate or dual income, are planning to use the job as a stepping stone to nursing school (using employer tuition benefits), and value career stability over immediate high income.

Look elsewhere if: You are a single individual relying solely on a CNA salary, you are looking to save money aggressively for a home purchase, or you prefer a lower cost of living with a higher real wage.

FAQs

Q: How much do CNAs make at Overlake Medical Center?
A: Overlake typically pays at or slightly above the median. Expect a starting range of $18.00-$19.50/hour for new CNAs, with incremental raises based on experience and shift differentials (evenings/nights/weekends add $1.50-$3.00/hour).

Q: Is the cost of living really that high?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 113.0 means everything from groceries to car insurance is 13% above the national average. Your biggest expense will be rent, which is $1,864/month for an average 1-bedroom—often more than 50% of a CNA’s take-home pay.

Q: What’s the best way to find a CNA job in Redmond quickly?
A: Use Indeed and filter for “Overlake” or “Evergreen.” Also, contact the staffing agencies like Synergy HomeCare or Addus HomeCare directly—they often have immediate openings in private duty. Walking into Life Care Center or Aegis with a resume can also yield same-day interviews.

Q: Do I need a car in Redmond?
A: Highly recommended. While there are bus lines (Route 542 connects Redmond to Seattle), shift work for CNAs often starts before 7 AM or ends after 10 PM, when transit service is limited. Having a car gives you access to home health jobs in surrounding neighborhoods.

Q: Can I live in Seattle and commute to Redmond?
A: It’s possible but expensive and time-consuming. The SR-520 bridge has a toll ($2.50-$4.50 each way). A 15-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes in traffic. If you work a 7 AM shift, you’d need to leave Seattle by 6:15 AM. Most CNAs find living closer to Redmond or the Eastside more practical.

---

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Washington State Department of Health, King County Housing Data, Cost of Living Index (COLI) by Council for Community and Economic Research.