Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Roanoke, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Roanoke Stands

If you're a CNA looking at Roanoke, the first thing to understand is that you're entering a market that's fairly typical for the region. The median salary for a CNA in Roanoke is $36,468/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.53/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, but it's crucial to contextualize this against the local cost of living.

The Roanoke metro area, with a population of 97,171, has about 194 CNA jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This isn't a boom market, but it's stable. The real question isn't just about the headline number; it's about how that salary translates at different stages of your career.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual earnings will vary significantly based on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Roanoke market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Roanoke
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	Starting at facilities like long-term care homes or hospital per-diem roles. Often begins with a CNA class from a local community college.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	Moving to higher-paying units (ICU, Med-Surg) at Carilion Clinic or LewisGale Hospital. Shift differentials for nights/weekends can push this higher.
Senior (8-15 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	Often seen in supervisory roles, specialized units (like oncology at Carilion), or with experience in home health agency work.
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$45,000+	Roles like CNA II or lead CNA in a hospital, or a specialist in geriatric care at a facility like The Glebe. May also involve teaching or training.

Comparison to Other Virginia Cities

Roanoke's CNA salary is competitive within Southwest Virginia but lags behind larger, more expensive metros. Here’s a quick comparison to other VA cities (based on BLS data for Nursing Assistants):

City	Median Annual Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Observations
Roanoke, VA	$36,468	106.6	Balanced market, stable demand.
Richmond, VA	$35,760	104.2	Similar salary but more competition and higher housing costs.
Norfolk, VA	$34,500	101.1	Lower salary but proximity to multiple military hospitals.
Lynchburg, VA	$33,400	95.8	Lower cost of living but also lower salary potential.
Northern VA (Alexandria)	$42,500	152.5	Much higher salary, but cost of living is often prohibitive.

Insider Tip: The salary difference between Roanoke and Northern VA is stark, but so is the rent. A one-bedroom in Arlington can easily be $2,200/month, compared to Roanoke's $894/month. For a CNA, the Roanoke market often offers a better quality of life balance than chasing the highest nominal salary in a high-cost area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. With a median salary of $36,468, a single filer in Roanoke (using 2023 tax brackets for simplicity) would take home approximately $28,500 annually after federal taxes, state taxes (VA has a progressive income tax), and FICA. That's about $2,375/month.

Now, let's factor in the local cost of living. The average one-bedroom rent in Roanoke is $894/month. This leaves a monthly surplus of $1,481 for utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and savings.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA in Roanoke:

• Income (Net): $2,375
• Rent (1BR Average): -$894
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries: -$300
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$300
• Healthcare (Insurance Premiums, Copays): -$150
• Savings/Debt/Discretionary: $551

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Roanoke is approximately $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. With a $551/month surplus, saving for a down payment would take over 8 years without factoring in rent increases or emergencies. Furthermore, a monthly mortgage payment (PITI) on a $280,000 home would be roughly $1,600-$1,800, which is significantly higher than current rent. For a single CNA on the median income, buying a home in Roanoke is a long-term goal requiring dual-income or significant career advancement.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Roanoke live in shared housing or with family to save on rent. The $894 rent is an average; you can find rooms for rent in neighborhoods like Wasena or Old Southwest for $500-$650, which dramatically improves the monthly budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Roanoke's Major Employers

Roanoke's healthcare ecosystem is dominated by two major systems, with several key long-term care and home health players. Hiring is consistent but competitive.

1. Carilion Clinic: The region's largest employer. They operate Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a Level I trauma center, and several specialty clinics. They actively hire CNAs for Med-Surg, ICU, ED, and operating rooms. They have a robust internal career ladder (CNA I to CNA II to Patient Care Tech). Hiring trends favor those with hospital experience and BLS certification.
2. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski & Salem: Part of HCA Healthcare, these are key employers for CNA roles. The Salem location often has high turnover and frequent hiring. They offer competitive benefits and opportunities for specialization in areas like orthopedics or surgical services.
3. Riverside Rehabilitation Institute: A premier long-term acute care hospital. This is a fantastic place to gain experience in complex rehab and ventilator care. Hiring here requires strong clinical skills and patience.
4. The Glebe: A high-end senior living community in Daleville (just north of Roanoke). It's known for excellent pay and benefits for CNAs working in assisted living and memory care. It's a commute, but the working environment is often considered superior to nursing homes.
5. Goodwill Industries of Western Virginia: Yes, Goodwill. They operate Goodwill Healthcare, which includes several nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This is a major local employer with many CNA positions available across their locations.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like SunCrest Home Health and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Roanoke Valley are always hiring CNAs for in-home care. This offers more flexibility and a different pace of work, often with a focus on one-on-one patient care.

Insider Tip: The hospitals (Carilion, LewisGale) often post jobs on their internal career boards first. If you're new to the area, start with an agency like Staffing Alliance or Medical Solutions to get your foot in the door at these major facilities. They can place you in per-diem roles that often lead to permanent offers.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia is not a compact state for CNA licensure. If you're licensed in another state, you must apply for reciprocity. If you're new to the field, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program.

Requirements & Process:

1. Training Program: Complete a Virginia Board of Nursing-approved CNA program. In Roanoke, these are offered at:
   • Virginia Western Community College (the most reputable and affordable option).
   • Local private schools like Everest Institute (though check their current status).
   • Many nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.
2. Cost: Training programs can range from $800 to $1,500 if you pay out-of-pocket. Community college is typically the most cost-effective.
3. Exam: After training, you must pass the Virginia Nurse Aide Exam (written and skills test) through Pearson VUE.
4. Registry: Once you pass, your name is added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Department of Health Professions.

Timeline: From start to finish, expect 2-4 months for a full-time training program and exam process. For reciprocity from another state, the process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a compact state like North Carolina, you must apply for reciprocity before you start working. Virginia employers cannot hire you until you have a valid VA CNA license.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistants (CNA)s

Where you live in Roanoke impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, balancing affordability and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a CNA
Wasena	Artsy, walkable, close to downtown and Carilion. Mix of students and young professionals.	$950	Proximity to Carilion Clinic. Easy commute (5-10 mins). Walkable to cafes and parks. Older apartments can be affordable.
Southeast Roanoke	Residential, quiet, family-oriented. Close to LewisGale Hospital.	$850	Cheap rent and short commute to LewisGale. Less traffic. Good for those who value a calm neighborhood.
Hollins	Suburban, quiet, near the airport and I-81. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 mins.	$825	Affordable and safe. Good for those with a car. Near shopping centers and less congested than downtown.
Old Southwest	Historic, beautiful, more expensive. Walkable to downtown, near Carilion.	$1,100	If your budget allows. Best for those who prioritize walkability and want to be near the action. Often requires roommates.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate downtown area for affordable apartments. Look in the surrounding neighborhoods. The $894 average rent is achievable in Southeast Roanoke or Hollins, but you'll need to look at older complexes or single-family home rentals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Roanoke is a solid place to build a CNA career, but you must be proactive. The 4% job growth is steady, not explosive. To advance, you need to specialize and seek out credentials.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs in the ICU or Operating Room at Carilion can earn $1-$3 more per hour than the base rate. The CNA II certification (requires 800 hours of work and a skills test) opens doors to higher pay and more complex responsibilities.
• Advancement Paths:
  • CNA to LPN/RN: This is the most common path. Virginia Western Community College has excellent, affordable LPN and RN programs. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement.
  • CNA to Patient Care Tech (PCT): A natural step in hospitals, often with a pay bump and more clinical tasks (like phlebotomy or EKGs).
  • CNA to Home Health Aide Coordinator or Supervisor: In agencies, moving into management is an option.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 4% growth and an aging population, CNA jobs will remain in demand. However, wage growth will likely be tied to specialization. The CNAs who will see their income rise above the median are those who obtain additional certifications (gerontology, phlebotomy) or transition to LPN/RN roles.

Insider Tip: Join the local Virginia Healthcare Association chapter. Networking here can lead to unadvertised job openings and mentorship opportunities for advancement.

The Verdict: Is Roanoke Right for You?

For a CNA, Roanoke offers a balanced, manageable market. It's not a high-growth, high-wage city, but it's affordable and stable.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent is below national average, making the $36,468 salary more livable.	Limited Job Growth: The 4% growth means competition for the best jobs is real.
Stable Job Market: Dominated by two major health systems (Carilion, LewisGale) with consistent hiring.	Wage Ceiling: Median salary is modest; significant income growth often requires becoming an LPN/RN.
Manageable Commutes: You can live affordably within a 15-minute drive of most major hospitals.	Smaller Metro: Fewer specialty units and less diversity in healthcare employers compared to larger cities.
Gateway to the Outdoors: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail are minutes away for affordable recreation.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a major metropolis, Roanoke may feel too quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Roanoke is an excellent choice for a CNA who values work-life balance, affordability, and a stable community. It's ideal for those starting their career or for experienced CNAs looking for a lower-stress environment. It is not the best fit for someone seeking rapid, high-magnitude career advancement without pursuing further education (LPN/RN). If you can get past the modest salary headline and appreciate the low cost of living, Roanoke offers a sustainable and rewarding career path for a Nursing Assistant.

FAQs

1. Can I survive on a CNA salary in Roanoke?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. With a net monthly income of about $2,375 and average rent at $894, you have roughly $1,481 for all other expenses. Living with a roommate or in a lower-cost neighborhood like Southeast Roanoke can make this much more comfortable.

2. How long does it take to find a CNA job in Roanoke?
For a licensed CNA with some experience, it can take 2-6 weeks to secure a position. The market is steady, not hot. Having BLS certification and being flexible with shift times (nights/weekends) speeds up the process.

3. Is Roanoke a good place to get my initial CNA training?
Yes. Virginia Western Community College offers a high-quality, affordable program that is well-regarded by local employers. Completing your training there can make you a more attractive candidate to local hospitals.

4. What is the biggest challenge for CNAs in Roanoke?
The biggest challenge is often advancement beyond the CNA role without additional education. The salary can plateau around the mid-career level ($40,000). Many CNAs find they need to pursue LPN or RN licensure to see significant income growth, which requires time and financial investment.

5. Are there sign-on bonuses?
Yes, especially at hospitals like LewisGale Hospital Pulaski and sometimes at Carilion Clinic for hard-to-fill shifts (e.g., nights). Bonuses can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and are often paid out over the first year of employment. Always ask about these during interviews.