Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering Scranton, PA.

A CNA's Guide to Scranton, PA: Salary, Jobs, and Local Life

Scranton isn't just the Electric City and the setting for The Office; it's a region defined by its healthcare infrastructure. For a Nursing Assistant, this is a market with stability, clear advancement paths, and a cost of living that makes a single earner's salary workable—if you know where to look. This guide cuts through the noise with a local's perspective, focusing on the real numbers, the specific employers, and the neighborhoods where you can actually afford to live as a CNA.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

Let's get straight to the data. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has a median salary for Nursing Assistants that sits just below the national average, but it's crucial to understand the full spectrum. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the numbers break down as follows.

Experience Level	Approximate Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $36,000	$15.87 - $17.31
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	$17.79 - $19.23
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$41,000+	$19.71+

The median salary for a CNA in Scranton is $35,009/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.83. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year. The 10-year job growth for the region is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive. There are approximately 151 jobs for CNAs in the metro area at any given time, indicating a stable but competitive market.

Insider Tip: Don't fixate on the median. The major hospital systems (Geisinger, Moses Taylor, Regional Hospital of Scranton) often start new CNAs at the lower end of the "Mid-Level" range to attract talent. If you have experience or a specialized skill (like geriatric or rehab experience), you can negotiate toward the higher end of your bracket immediately.

How Scranton Compares to Other PA Cities

Scranton is more affordable than Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, and its CNA salaries reflect that cost-of-living adjustment.

• Philadelphia: Median CNA salary is around $38,500. However, a 1BR apartment averages $1,450/month, eating up nearly 45% of a gross monthly income.
• Pittsburgh: Median CNA salary is approximately $36,200. Rent for a 1BR averages $1,100/month.
• Scranton: With a median salary of $35,009 and an average 1BR rent of $854/month, your housing costs are significantly lower. This gives Scranton a distinct advantage in disposable income for a single earner.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's translate that $35,009 annual salary into a monthly reality. This budget assumes you're single, filing as an individual, and taking the standard deduction. We'll estimate taxes at ~20% (federal, state, FICA) for simplicity.

• Gross Monthly Income: $35,009 / 12 = $2,917
• Estimated Taxes (20%): -$583
• Net (Take-Home) Monthly Income: ~$2,334

Now, let's build a realistic monthly budget for Scranton:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR, Average)	$854	36.6%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	6.4%
Groceries	$300	12.8%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$350	15.0%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	6.4%
Misc. (Phone, Personal)	$200	8.6%
Savings/Debt/Entertainment	$330	14.1%
TOTAL	$2,334	100%

Can they afford to buy a home? It's tight but possible with discipline. The median home price in Scranton County is around $210,000. With a 10% down payment ($21,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $1,300-$1,400/month. This would be nearly 60% of your take-home pay on that median salary, which is not recommended. However, dual-income households or those who advance to a lead/supervisor role (earning $41k+) would find homeownership much more feasible.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key systems. Knowing who they are and where they're located is your first step in the job hunt.

1. Geisinger Northeast (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre): While the main hospital is in Wilkes-Barre (a 20-minute drive), Geisinger has a massive network of primary care clinics, specialty centers, and a nursing home in Scranton itself. Hiring Trend: They are aggressively expanding their primary care footprint in Scranton, meaning more CNA roles in outpatient settings, which often have better hours and less physical strain than hospital work.

2. Regional Hospital of Scranton (formerly Community Medical Center): Located in the Green Ridge neighborhood, this is a major Level II Trauma Center and a Magnet-designated hospital. It's a prime employer for hospital-based CNAs. Hiring Trend: They frequently have openings in Med-Surg, Telemetry, and their Orthopedic Unit. They value prior hospital experience.

3. Moses Taylor Hospital (Part of the St. Luke's Network): Situated near downtown Scranton, this hospital is a key player in the region. Hiring Trend: St. Luke's has been investing heavily in its network, and Moses Taylor often has CNA openings, particularly in their emergency department and as patient care technicians.

4. The University of Scranton: The campus itself employs CNAs in its student health center. More importantly, the university is affiliated with several clinical sites and is a pipeline for new graduates. Insider Tip: Check the university's job board for per-diem or part-time positions that can complement a full-time role elsewhere.

5. Local Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers: Scranton has a significant number of long-term care facilities, which are often the largest employers of CNAs. Key names include The Gables at Green Ridge Trail, Scranton Health Care Center, and Mountain View Care Center. Hiring Trend: The aging population in Northeast PA ensures steady demand here. These roles are often easier to get for entry-level CNAs but can be physically demanding.

6. Private Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and BrightStar Care serve the homebound population. Hiring Trend: This is a growing sector, offering more flexible scheduling. Pay can be slightly lower than hospital jobs, but the one-on-one patient care is valued by many.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania's process for CNA certification is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 80 hours of training (60 hours of classroom/lab and 20 hours of clinicals). In Scranton, you can find programs at Lackawanna College, Johnson College, and various vocational schools. Tuition typically ranges from $800 to $1,500. Some nursing homes offer free training if you commit to working for them for a set period (usually 6-12 months).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your training, you must pass both a written (multiple-choice) and a skills test administered by Credentia, the designated testing provider for Pennsylvania. The exam fee is approximately $115.
3. Register with the PA Department of Health: Once you pass the exam, you are placed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. This is your official license to practice. There's no additional fee for registration at this stage.

Timeline: From enrolling in a class to being on the registry, it typically takes 3-4 months. You can start working as a "CNA in training" in many facilities while you complete your clinical hours, which can help you land a job immediately after certification.

Insider Tip: If you're considering moving to Scranton for work, start applying to CNA programs before you move. Some facilities will help with relocation costs if you sign a work contract.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Your commute and living situation will significantly impact your quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods suited for a CNA's schedule and budget.

1. Green Ridge (South Scranton): This is the classic Scranton neighborhood. It's close to Regional Hospital of Scranton and Geisinger clinics. It's family-friendly, with good amenities, and has a mix of older homes and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $950/month. Commute: 5-15 minutes to major hospitals.

2. Downtown Scranton: Living here puts you within walking distance of Moses Taylor Hospital and The University of Scranton. It's ideal if you want to avoid a car. The area has a growing number of modern lofts and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200+. Commute: 0-5 minutes (or a short walk).

3. West Side: A more residential, affordable area. It's a great option for those working at Geisinger's outpatient centers or nursing homes on the outskirts. The commute to downtown hospitals is about 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850/month.

4. Clarks Summit (Just north of Scranton): A bit more suburban and slightly more expensive, but very safe and quiet. It's home to several large nursing homes and is a short drive to the hospital corridor. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,050/month. Commute: 10-20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Scranton is a solid foundation, but the region offers clear paths for advancement if you're motivated.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal pay bump, you can leverage experience in high-demand areas. Telemetry, Oncology, and Rehab experience at Moses Taylor or Regional Hospital makes you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying roles or per-diem shifts, which can pay $20-$25/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead CNA / Patient Care Technician: After 2-3 years, you can move into a lead role, overseeing other CNAs. This comes with a pay increase (often into the $19-$22/hour range).
  2. Medication Aide: With additional training and certification (through the PA Department of Health), you can administer certain medications in long-term care facilities, which commands higher pay.
  3. Bridge to LPN/RN: Scranton has excellent, affordable LPN and RN programs (Lackawanna College, University of Scranton, Marywood University). This is the most common career leap. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 4% job growth and the aging Northeast PA population, demand for CNAs will remain stable. However, the growth will be in home health and outpatient settings, not just traditional hospitals. CNAs who specialize in geriatrics or chronic disease management will have the most opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very affordable housing relative to salary.	Salaries are slightly below the national average.
Stable job market with major healthcare employers.	Long, harsh winters can be challenging.
Short commutes to work (10-20 mins max).	Public transportation is limited; a car is essential.
Clear career ladder with local colleges for advancement.	The city is not a major cultural hub; it's more of a "work and live" community.
Sense of community and lower cost of living reduces financial stress.	Advancement can sometimes require moving to a larger city (like Philadelphia) for top-tier specialty roles.

Final Recommendation:
Scranton is an excellent choice for a CNA who values financial stability and a manageable cost of living. If you are a single earner, you can live comfortably on a CNA salary here, something that is nearly impossible in larger cities. The job market is reliable, and the pathways to become an LPN or RN are accessible and affordable. However, if you are seeking a dynamic, fast-paced environment with rapid career jumps and top-tier specialty pay, you may find Scranton's pace too slow. For most CNAs looking for a balance between work, life, and a paycheck that goes further, Scranton is a smart, practical bet.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car to work as a CNA in Scranton?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable, most hospitals (Regional, Geisinger clinics) are in residential neighborhoods with limited public transit. Hospitals also have varied shifts (3am starts, 11pm ends), and the bus system doesn't run 24/7.

2. How competitive is the job market?
Moderately competitive. With 151 jobs in the metro, you can find work, but you'll be up against local graduates and experienced CNAs from nearby towns. Having your certification in hand and being willing to work any shift (including nights/weekends) will make you a top candidate quickly.

3. Can I get a job without certification?
No. Pennsylvania requires all CNAs to be certified and registered. However, some facilities will hire you as a "CNA Trainee" and pay for your training if you sign a contract to work for them for a set period after certification. This is a great option if you're moving to Scranton with limited funds.

4. What's the best way to find a job in Scranton?
Check the career pages of the major employers listed above directly (Geisinger, St. Luke's, Regional Hospital). Also, use Indeed and LinkedIn with filters for "Scranton, PA." Many local nursing homes post openings on their own websites. Networking with instructors from local CNA programs can also lead to job leads.

5. Is Scranton a good place to raise a family on a CNA salary?
It's more feasible than in many parts of the country. With a Cost of Living Index of 93.0 (9% below the US average), your dollar stretches further. Good public schools in suburbs like Clarks Summit and Old Forge, combined with safe, family-oriented neighborhoods, make it a viable option for CNAs with children, especially in a dual-income household.