Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Richmond, KY

Here is a complete career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Richmond, Kentucky.

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The Salary Picture: Where Richmond Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Richmond isn't a high-cost metropolis, but it's also not a booming healthcare hub like Louisville or Lexington. For a Nursing Assistant, your salary will be dictated by the local market, which is relatively stable but modest. The median salary for a CNA in Richmond is $34,687/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.68/hour. To put this in perspective, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year, meaning Richmond sits slightly below the U.S. norm.

The job market is tight. There are approximately 70 jobs available in the metro area for this role at any given time. While the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, this is slower than the national average for healthcare support roles, largely because our metro population of 35,498 is small and aging demographics are already well-served by existing facilities. Competition for the best positions at the top employers is real.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how the salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Richmond area. Note that these are local estimates based on regional hiring patterns.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $32,000	Recent graduates, limited clinical hours. Often start in long-term care or home health.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$33,000 - $38,000	This is the median range. Proficient in all CNA duties, may have specialty experience.
Senior (5+ yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Often leads to shift lead roles, training new hires, or specialized units (e.g., memory care).
Expert/Lead CNA	$42,000+	Rare in Richmond. Usually requires certifications (like CMA) or supervisor titles.

Comparison to Other Kentucky Cities

Richmond’s cost of living is a key advantage, but so is its proximity to larger markets. If salary is your primary driver, you’ll want to look east.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Richmond	$34,687	90.0	Small (70 jobs)
Lexington	$36,240	92.5	Large (400+ jobs)
Louisville	$36,800	91.0	Very Large (800+ jobs)
Bowling Green	$33,500	88.0	Medium (120 jobs)

Insider Tip: Many Richmond CNAs commute to Lexington (a 30-minute drive on I-75) for higher pay at major hospitals like UK HealthCare. The trade-off is a longer commute and higher gas costs, but the salary bump can be significant.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $34,687 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what a single CNA can realistically expect to take home in Richmond, where the average 1BR rent is $810/month and the Cost of Living Index is 90.0.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $34,687/year)

Item	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Gross Pay	$2,891	$34,687 / 12
Taxes (Est. 22%)	-$636	Federal, FICA (7.65%), State (5%). Adjust for your W-4.
Net Take-Home	~$2,255	This is your calculated cash flow.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$810	A decent apartment in a safe area.
Utilities	-$150	Electric, water, internet. Winter heating can spike this.
Groceries	-$300	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Essential in Richmond; public transit is limited.
Gas	-$100	If commuting locally or to Lexington.
Health Insurance	-$150	Premiums vary, but this is a realistic estimate.
Misc/Debt/Savings	-$395	Leftover for everything else.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s a stretch, but possible with discipline. The median home price in Madison County is around $220,000. With a $34,687 income, a lender would likely cap your mortgage at about $1,000/month (including taxes/insurance). A 20% down payment is $44,000. Saving for that on a CNA salary, while covering living expenses, would take years without a dual income. It’s more feasible to consider a home purchase as a long-term goal (5-10 years out) or with a partner’s income.

Where the Jobs Are: Richmond's Major Employers

Richmond’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. Here’s where you’ll find the majority of the 70 open jobs.

1. The Madison Health & Rehab Center: This is one of the largest employers of CNAs in the county. It’s a skilled nursing facility focused on long-term care and rehabilitation. Hiring is steady, and they often host on-the-spot interviews. Insider Tip: They value reliability above all else. Show up early for your interview.
2. Baptist Health Richmond: The city’s primary acute-care hospital. CNAs here often work in med-surg, telemetry, or the emergency department. The pay is typically at the higher end of the local scale, but competition is fierce. They prefer candidates with hospital experience or recent certifications.
3. Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center (EKVC): A state-run facility providing long-term care for veterans. State jobs offer excellent benefits (pensions, union protections) but starting pay can be slightly lower than private facilities. Hiring cycles align with state budget timelines.
4. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Kindred at Home, Amedisys): These agencies serve patients in their homes across Madison County. The work is variable—some days are routine, others are emotionally taxing. Pay is often hourly, and you can control your schedule, but benefits are typically minimal.
5. Richmond Place (Assisted Living): Part of the larger senior living community. Less intensive than a nursing home, focusing on residents who need help with daily activities but not full medical care. A good entry point for new CNAs.
6. Madison County Schools: Surprisingly, the school district employs CNAs as paraprofessionals or health aides for students with special needs. This offers a daytime schedule with summers off—a huge perk for parents.
7. Local Urgent Care Clinics: Places like MedExpress or FastCare occasionally hire CNAs for front desk and basic patient intake. It’s not clinical care, but it’s a foot in the door for the medical field.

Hiring Trends: The biggest demand is for evening and weekend shifts in long-term care. Hospitals hire sporadically, often when a new unit opens or during seasonal flu surges. Networking is key. Join the local Facebook group “Richmond, KY Jobs & Careers” to see unposted openings.

Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky’s requirements are straightforward but have specific steps. The process can take 2-4 months from start to finish.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum 75-hour course from a KBN (Kentucky Board of Nursing) approved provider. In Richmond, this is offered at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Madison Central High School (adult education programs), and American Red Cross. Cost ranges from $800 - $1,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written and skills test through Credentia, the state’s testing vendor. Exam fees are approximately $125.
3. Apply for State Registration: Submit your application to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry. The fee is $45. You must also pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting, ~$50).
4. Maintain Certification: Kentucky CNAs must work for pay in a nursing facility for at least 8 hours every 24 months to keep their registration active.

Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $1,800 (excluding personal expenses).
Timeline: 2-4 months. EKU’s program is intensive and can be completed in 4-6 weeks if taken full-time.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in the right neighborhood can save you time and money. Here are four areas to consider, based on commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated Rent (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Richmond	Walkable, historic, near EKU campus. Close to Baptist Health.	$750 - $950	Young professionals, those who want to avoid a car commute.
East Side (Near I-75)	Suburban, newer apartments, easy highway access.	$800 - $950	Commuters to Lexington, families. Quick drive to Baptist Health.
West End/Silver Creek	Quieter, more residential, lower density.	$700 - $850	Those seeking a peaceful environment, slightly cheaper options.
Near EKU Campus	Student-heavy, lots of rentals, very walkable if near campus.	$650 - $800	Students, those who want a vibrant social scene.

Insider Tip: The area around Lancaster Avenue (the main drag through Richmond) has the highest concentration of apartments and rental houses. It’s a direct commuter corridor to both Baptist Health and the main long-term care facilities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 4%, Richmond is not a place for dramatic career leaps unless you specialize or leave. However, smart CNAs can still increase their earning potential.

• Specialty Certifications: Getting a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification is the single biggest salary booster in Richmond. It allows you to administer medications in long-term care, adding $1-2/hour to your pay. You can often get this through your employer after 6 months of work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. CNA → CMA: The most common path, as noted above.
  2. CNA → LPN/RN: Many local CNAs use their experience to enroll in EKU’s nursing programs. This is the path to a true career jump in salary and responsibility.
  3. CNA → Shift Supervisor/Unit Coordinator: With 5+ years of experience, you can move into leadership within a facility, managing other CNAs.
• 10-Year Outlook: In a decade, the core CNA job will remain stable, driven by an aging population. However, automation in documentation and the push for higher education in nursing will likely keep the CNA role entry-level. To see significant growth, you will need to upskill.

The Verdict: Is Richmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further here.	Low Salary Ceiling: $34,687 is the norm; six-figure CNAs don’t exist here.
Stable, if Small, Job Market: 70 jobs with 4% growth is predictable.	Limited Specialty Roles: Few opportunities for exotic specialties like dialysis or oncology.
Proximity to Lexington: Easy commute for better pay if you’re ambitious.	Competitive for Top Jobs: The best hospital positions are hard to get.
Community Feel: You get to know patients, families, and colleagues deeply.	Slower Pace: Can be a pro or con, but it lacks the energy of a big city.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Most jobs are shift-based, leaving days free.	Transportation Dependency: You need a reliable car.

Final Recommendation:
Richmond, KY is an excellent choice for a CNA seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. If you value a low cost of living over a high salary, and you’re comfortable with a tight-knit community, this is a great place to build a life. It’s ideal for those who plan to use Richmond as a low-cost base while commuting to Lexington for higher pay, or for those who want to enroll in nursing school at EKU while working. It is not the place for someone seeking rapid career advancement or high-energy, specialized clinical environments.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a new CNA?
It’s moderately competitive for the best jobs (Baptist Health), but there’s always a need in long-term care. Having a clean background check and reliable transportation is often more important than a perfect GPA.

2. Is it worth commuting from Richmond to Lexington for a CNA job?
Yes, absolutely. A CNA at UK HealthCare or another Lexington hospital can earn $2-4 more per hour than the Richmond median. With gas at ~$3.50/gallon, the 60-mile round-trip commute is often financially worthwhile.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for CNAs new to Richmond?
The biggest challenge is the limited number of employers. If you don’t click with your first facility, your options are few. You have to be strategic and possibly commute before finding the right fit.

4. Can a single CNA afford an apartment and a car on the median salary?
Yes, but it requires a strict budget. The sample budget above shows it’s possible, but you’ll have little margin for error. Having a roommate or finding a cheaper apartment (below $750) would provide much more financial breathing room.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes, especially in long-term care and home health. Many facilities offer weekend-only programs or flexible shifts. This is a great way to earn extra income or balance work with school.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national averages, Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) for licensing info, Zillow/Local Rental Market Data for rent estimates, and local employer job boards for hiring trends. Salary data is specific to the Richmond, KY metropolitan area as provided.