Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Renton, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering Renton, WA.

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Renton, Washington, is a city of contrasts. It sits at the confluence of the Cedar and Green Rivers, anchored by the Boeing Renton factory where 737s roll off the assembly line, and the sprawling Renton Technical College campus. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), Renton offers a unique blend of high-tech industry, a major medical center, and suburban neighborhoods. It’s not the bustling urban core of Seattle, but a self-contained hub with its own economy and healthcare infrastructure.

If you’re considering moving here as a CNA, you need the real numbers, the local employers, and the neighborhood realities. This guide cuts through the promotional fluff and gives you the data you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Renton Stands

The salary landscape for CNAs in Renton is a tale of two numbers: the local median and the national average. While the job market is stable, the pay doesn't always match the cost of living without strategic career moves.

The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Renton is $37,154 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.86. This is slightly higher than the national average of $35,760, but when you factor in Renton's cost of living, that small bump can feel negligible. The metro area has approximately 209 CNA jobs, indicating a stable but not explosive market. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest and reflects a mature healthcare sector.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Renton area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-1	$34,000 - $39,000
Mid-Level	2-5	$39,000 - $44,000
Senior	5-10	$44,000 - $49,000
Expert/Specialized	10+	$49,000 - $55,000+

When compared to other Washington cities, Renton occupies a middle ground. Seattle and Bellevue command higher wages (often $19-$22/hour) but come with significantly higher rents. Spokane and Yakima offer lower costs of living but also lower wages (closer to $16-$18/hour). Renton's key advantage is its proximity to the major Seattle medical centers (like UW Medicine and Swedish) without the downtown Seattle commute or price tag, though traffic on I-405 can be brutal.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

To understand the true financial picture, we need to look at the net income after taxes and subtract the non-negotiable cost of housing.

For a single filer earning the median salary of $37,154, the estimated take-home pay after federal, state (WA has no income tax, which is a major plus), and FICA taxes is approximately $30,100 per year, or about $2,508 per month.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Renton is $1,864 per month. This is the critical hurdle. After rent, a CNA earning the median salary is left with approximately $644 per month for all other living expenses: utilities, groceries, gas, car insurance, healthcare, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? The short answer is no, not on the median salary alone. The median home price in Renton is over $650,000. A 20% down payment is $130,000. A monthly mortgage payment would be over $3,500, which is more than the entire take-home pay. Homeownership is out of reach for a single CNA on a median wage. This makes renting the only viable option, and budgeting is essential.

Where the Jobs Are: Renton's Major Employers

Renton’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by one major hospital and several large long-term care facilities. Hiring is steady, but competition for the best jobs is real.

1. Valley Medical Center (UW Medicine): This is the largest employer in the city and the primary source of acute care CNA jobs. Located in the Kennydale neighborhood, it’s a Level III trauma center. Hiring trends favor candidates with recent clinical rotations and flexibility for night/weekend shifts. Insider Tip: They frequently post per-diem (PRN) positions which offer higher hourly rates but no benefits—good for supplemental income.

2. Renton Rehabilitation & Care Center: A large skilled nursing facility (SNF) on Northeast 4th Street. They have a constant need for CNAs for both day and swing shifts. They are known for training new hires but have a high turnover rate, common in the SNF sector.

3. The Springs at Renton: A senior living community offering both independent living and skilled nursing. They often hire CNAs for their assisted living and memory care units. The environment is less acute than a hospital, with a focus on resident interaction. Hiring is steady, especially for morning shifts.

4. Aegis Living Renton: Another high-end assisted living and memory care facility. They emphasize a person-centered care model. CNAs here often report better staff-to-resident ratios and a more relaxed pace than in a hospital or SNF, but the pay may start at the lower end of the range.

5. Kindred Living at Renton: A skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. They are part of a national chain, which can mean structured training programs but also corporate policies that some find impersonal. They are a reliable employer for new CNAs looking to get their foot in the door.

6. Providence Health & Services (Various Clinics): While their main hospital is in Seattle, Providence operates numerous primary care and specialty clinics in the Renton area. They sometimes hire CNAs for clinic roles—less physically demanding than hospital work, but also less common.

Hiring Trend: The market is shifting toward more integrated care models. CNAs with experience in electronic health records (EHR) like Epic or Cerner have an edge, as Valley Medical Center uses Epic. Also, there's a growing demand for CNAs in home health agencies, which serve the aging population in Renton’s single-family home neighborhoods.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has clear but specific requirements for CNAs. The process is straightforward but requires upfront investment.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 85 hours of training from a state-approved facility. In Renton, the most prominent option is Renton Technical College (RTC), located in the central part of the city. Their program is well-regarded and often includes clinical rotations at local employers like Valley Medical Center. Other nearby options include Green River College in Auburn.
2. Cost: Training programs typically cost between $800 and $1,500. RTC's program is in this range. Some employers, especially large SNFs, may offer tuition reimbursement if you sign a contract to work for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
3. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing training, you must pass the state competency exam, which consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $160.
4. Apply for Certification: Once you pass, you apply to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for your CNA certificate. The application fee is around $65. The entire process, from starting class to receiving your certificate, can take 3 to 6 months.

Insider Tip: If you are already a CNA licensed in another state, you can apply for reciprocity with Washington. The process is simpler and faster, but you must have an active, unencumbered license.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live in Renton impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, with rent estimates for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Kennydale	Upscale, quiet, directly adjacent to Valley Medical Center. Easy access to I-405.	$2,000 - $2,300	CNAs working at Valley Medical. Short commutes, safe, but pricey.
Downtown Renton	Walkable, urban feel with restaurants and shops. Close to the Landing. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,800 - $2,100	Those who want an active social scene and walkability.
The Highlands	Established, family-oriented suburb with older homes and apartments. Longer commute to hospitals (15-20 mins).	$1,700 - $1,950	Budget-conscious CNAs seeking a quieter, residential feel.
Cascade	Industrial and commercial area near the Boeing plant. More affordable apartments, but less walkable.	$1,650 - $1,850	Those prioritizing low rent and don't mind a car-dependent lifestyle.

Commute Note: Traffic on I-405 and SR-167 is notoriously bad during rush hour. If you work at Valley Medical in Kennydale and live in Cascade, your 5-mile commute could take 25 minutes. Always test-drive a commute during your shift timing before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The CNA role is a foundational one, but in Renton, it’s not a dead-end job. The key is specialization and using the local educational infrastructure.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with certifications in geriatrics, dementia care, or phlebotomy can command a $1-$2/hour premium. For example, a CNA at a memory care facility like Aegis Living may start closer to $19/hour than the $17.86 median. Obtaining your Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential through RTC can double your salary potential and open doors to clinic and hospital roles.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to use your CNA experience to enter nursing school. Renton Technical College and nearby Highline College (in Burien) offer excellent Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. Many local hospitals have tuition assistance programs for employees pursuing nursing degrees. Another path is into healthcare administration, though that typically requires a bachelor's degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the market is stable but competitive. The key to growth will be the aging population in King County. CNAs who stay current with technology and seek out specialized care roles will have the most job security and upward mobility. The demand for home health aides is expected to outpace institutional care, offering more flexibility but potentially less stability.

The Verdict: Is Renton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Valley Medical Center and multiple SNFs.	High Cost of Living: Rent is a major burden on the median salary.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck is larger than in comparable states.	Traffic: Commutes within the area and to Seattle can be long.
Proximity to Seattle: Access to major medical centers for future jobs without Seattle rent.	Limited Social Scene: Compared to Seattle or Bellevue, nightlife is subdued.
Educational Opportunities: Renton Tech is a great resource for career advancement.	Modest Salary Growth: Long-term pay increases require specialization or a degree.

Final Recommendation: Renton is a practical choice for a new CNA looking to enter the Washington healthcare market without the overwhelming cost of Seattle. It’s a good place to get 1-2 years of experience, especially in acute care at Valley Medical Center, while saving money (if you can budget tightly) and considering nursing school. For a mid-career CNA, it’s a stable market but may require job-hopping or specialization to see significant pay increases. It is not a city where a CNA can comfortably live alone on the median salary long-term without a partner or roommate.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a CNA job in Renton?
A: Yes, but it’s competitive for the best employers. Valley Medical Center and the top-rated SNFs have many applicants. Having your WA license in hand and being flexible with shift availability (especially nights/weekends) significantly increases your chances.

Q: How does the cost of living in Renton compare to Seattle?
A: Renton is about 15-20% cheaper than Seattle for rent and general expenses. However, the median CNA salary in Seattle is often $2-$3/hour higher, which can offset the cost difference. The trade-off is the commute and urban amenities.

Q: Can I work in Renton and live in a cheaper nearby city?
A: Absolutely. Many CNAs live in Kent, Auburn, or Tukwila, where rents can be $200-$400 cheaper. The commute into Renton is often against the main flow of traffic (southbound on I-405 in the morning), which can be a tactical advantage. Just be prepared for occasional congestion.

Q: What’s the most important thing to know before moving to Renton as a CNA?
A: Secure your Washington State CNA license before you move, or have a concrete plan to do so immediately. The job market rewards those who are "ready to start." Also, have a savings buffer of at least 2-3 months of rent, as the first month in any new city is expensive.

Q: Are there union jobs for CNAs in Renton?
A: Yes. Valley Medical Center is part of the UW Medicine system, and many of its service workers, including CNAs in some departments, are represented by unions like SEIU 1199NW. Union jobs often offer better pay, benefits, and job protection. Ask about union status during the interview process.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Renton Technical College Program Information, Washington State Department of Health, Zillow Rental Market Data, and local employer job postings.