Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Syracuse, NY

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths in upstate New York, I’ve found Syracuse to be a particularly interesting case for Nursing Assistants. It’s not the high-stakes, ultra-expensive market of NYC or Buffalo, but a stable, mid-sized city with a robust healthcare backbone. If you’re considering a move here, you need to understand the economics, the neighborhoods, and the unique rhythm of the local job market. This guide strips away the fluff and gives you the data-driven breakdown you need.

The Salary Picture: Where Syracuse Stands

Let’s start with the hard numbers. The salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Syracuse is a classic example of the region’s profile: stable but modest, with a cost of living that makes it manageable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the median salary is $35,245 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.94. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, which tells you this is a market where you trade a small income premium for a significantly lower cost of living.

The job market is tight but steady, with approximately 291 jobs available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is in line with national trends for the field—this isn’t a boomtown for CNAs, but it’s not a shrinking market either. Demand is consistent, driven by an aging population and the presence of major hospital systems.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Syracuse area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $32,500	Often starts at facilities like nursing homes or smaller hospitals. Focus is on gaining hands-on experience.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,000 - $38,000	You've built reliability. Eligible for shift differentials at hospitals. May specialize (e.g., geriatrics).
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,500 - $42,000	Often leads teams or mentors new hires. May have roles in charge nursing or specialized units.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,500+	Typically in supervisory roles, education, or specialized clinical tracks like hospice or dialysis.

How does Syracuse compare to other NY cities?

• New York City/Brooklyn/Queens: Salaries are higher ($40k - $45k+), but the cost of living is 2-3 times higher. The net financial gain is often negative for CNAs.
• Buffalo: Very similar to Syracuse in both salary (~$35,500 median) and cost of living, with a strong hospital network (Kaleida Health, ECMC).
• Rochester: Nearly identical market, with salaries hovering around $35,000 - $36,000. The choice often comes down to personal preference between these three upstate cities.
• Albany: Slightly higher median salary (~$36,500), but also a higher cost of living, especially in the immediate downtown area.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary lever in Syracuse is not experience—it’s the employer. A CNA at Upstate University Hospital will almost always earn more than one at a private nursing home due to union contracts and larger institutional budgets. When job hunting, prioritize the hospital systems.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Syracuse’s affordability is its main draw. With a Cost of Living Index of 95.2 (100 is the US average), your dollar stretches further here. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $35,245/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $35,245 / 12 = $2,937
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~20-25% = ~$650
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,287

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1BR rent is $916/month. This is the key to Syracuse's livability.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$916	This is the citywide average. You can find lower or higher.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet)	$180	Varies by season (higher in winter).
Groceries	$300	For one person.
Transportation	$150	Assumes a paid-off car (gas, insurance, maintenance). Public transit is limited.
Healthcare (Copays/Insurance)	$150	If employer-provided.
Personal & Misc.	$200	Clothing, entertainment, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$1,896
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$391

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires a disciplined savings plan. The median home price in the Syracuse metro is around $180,000 - $200,000. With a $391 monthly surplus, saving for a 5% down payment ($9,000-$10,000) would take 2-2.5 years if you save aggressively. This is far more feasible than in most other NY cities. Many CNAs buy in the first-ring suburbs like Liverpool or Baldwinsville, where homes are affordable and commutes are short.

Where the Jobs Are: Syracuse's Major Employers

The Syracuse healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few large systems. This is where you should focus your applications.

1. Upstate University Hospital: The region’s largest employer and Level 1 Trauma Center. It’s a teaching hospital, so the pace is fast and the learning curve is steep. Hiring trend: Consistently high, especially for night and weekend shifts. They have a strong union (CSEA), which means clear pay scales and benefits. Starting pay is often above the city median.
2. St. Joseph’s Health Hospital: Part of the Trinity Health system. Located in the Strathmont neighborhood, it’s a major community hospital known for its cardiac and surgical services. Hiring trend: Steady. They often have openings for CNAs in their skilled nursing facility (St. Joseph’s Health Centre).
3. SUNY Upstate Medical University: Beyond the main hospital, they run numerous outpatient clinics and community health centers across the city, particularly on the South Side. These are often less hectic than the main ER and offer regular business hours.
4. Bassett Healthcare Network: While based in Cooperstown (45 mins east), they have a significant presence in the Syracuse area, especially in community clinics. A good option for those who prefer a smaller, community-focused environment.
5. Major Nursing Home Chains: Elderwood (multiple locations, including in Liverpool and Cicero) and Loretto (CNA positions at their various assisted living and nursing home facilities). These are the backbone of long-term care and are almost always hiring. The pay is usually at the lower end of the scale, but they offer consistent hours.
6. Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Located in the Strathmont neighborhood. Federal jobs are competitive but offer excellent benefits and job security. Hiring trend: Slower, with openings posted on USAJobs.gov. Requires patience in the application process.

Insider Tip: The "Syracuse Health" job board, which aggregates openings from all major local systems, is a critical resource. Also, follow the specific HR pages for Upstate and St. Joseph’s, as they post openings directly before using other job sites.

Getting Licensed in NY

New York State has a straightforward but mandatory process. You cannot work as a CNA without being on the state registry.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: This is a 100-hour course (75 hours classroom, 25 hours clinical). Programs are offered at many community colleges (like Onondaga Community College) and private schools. Cost: Typically $800 - $1,500. Some employers, especially nursing homes, will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of a written/oral test and a skills evaluation. Cost: ~$140 for the full exam.
3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass, you apply to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry. There is a small application fee. This process can take 4-6 weeks after passing your exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Week 1-8: Enroll and complete a training program.
• Week 9: Schedule and take your exam.
• Week 10-14: Apply for your certification and wait for your registry number.
• Total Time: Approximately 3-4 months from start to finish.

Insider Tip: If you're already a CNA licensed in another state, New York has reciprocity agreements with many states (including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida). You must apply for reciprocity through the NYSDOH Nurse Aide Registry, which is easier and faster than starting from scratch.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Syracuse is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Strathmont	Where you work. Adjacent to St. Joseph’s and the VA hospital. Quiet, residential, with older homes and apartment buildings. Walkable to work if you're at one of the hospitals.	$850 - $1,100	CNAs who value a 5-10 minute commute above all else.
Eastwood	Classic Syracuse. A historic, walkable neighborhood with a strong community feel. Good mix of single-family homes and apartments. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes by car.	$750 - $950	Those wanting a true neighborhood feel with local shops and a short drive to work.
Westcott	Eclectic & Young. Near Syracuse University. More diverse, with a bohemian vibe. Rents are reasonable, and it's close to the I-81 corridor for easy access to Upstate Hospital.	$800 - $1,000	CNAs who want a lively, youthful atmosphere and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.
Liverpool	Suburban & Safe. A separate village north of the city. Very safe, excellent schools, but requires a 15-20 minute commute to downtown hospitals. Rents are slightly higher.	$950 - $1,200	Those with families or who prioritize suburban life and are willing to commute.
South Side	Affordable & Revitalizing. A large area with a rich cultural history. Rents are the most affordable in the city. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes.	$650 - $850	Budget-conscious CNAs who want to maximize savings. Check specific block-by-block safety.

Insider Tip: Check the Syracuse Neighborhood Housing Services website for resources on affordable apartments. Also, consider the "University Hill" area if you want to be in the epicenter of healthcare—just know that rents near the hospital are premium.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base salary for a CNA in Syracuse is modest, there are clear pathways to increase your earnings and responsibilities.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into a unit like Telemetry (cardiac monitoring) or Oncology can come with a small pay differential (often $0.50 - $1.50/hour) due to the specialized skills required. Dialysis is another high-demand area with better pay, though it often requires additional certification.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience, you can take an additional course to become certified to administer medication. This is a significant step up in responsibility and pay.
  2. Lead CNA / Charge CNA: In larger facilities, you can take on supervisory duties for a slightly higher wage.
  3. Bridge Programs: Many local employers (especially Upstate) have tuition assistance programs to help CNAs become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). This is the most common and lucrative path for career advancement.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability. The real growth will come from specialized roles and the transition to LPN/RN. With the aging population in central NY, long-term care will remain a steady source of employment. The key to higher earnings is moving into a hospital system and pursuing further education.

The Verdict: Is Syracuse Right for You?

Syracuse is not a glamorous launchpad, but it is a solid, reliable place to build a life and a career in healthcare. It offers the rare combination of a living wage (when budgeted correctly) and an affordable cost of living in a major NY city.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Winters are Long & Harsh: Snowfall from November to April is a serious factor.
Stable Job Market: Major hospitals ensure consistent demand.	Modest Salary Ceiling: Pay for CNAs is not high; significant raises require career changes.
Manageable Commutes: No need for long, stressful drives.	Limited Public Transit: A reliable car is almost a necessity.
Sense of Community: Neighborhoods have strong identities.	Economic Stagnation: The city has not seen the growth of other NY metros.
Pathways to Advancement: Tuition assistance is common.	Entertainment is Low-Key: Not a major cultural hub like NYC or Boston.

Final Recommendation:
Syracuse is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values work-life balance, and is planning for long-term career growth. It's a fantastic place to get your start in healthcare, gain solid experience, and potentially go back to school with the support of a major employer. If you are looking for high energy, nightlife, and rapid career advancement without further education, you may find it limiting. But for a stable, grounded career in a supportive environment, Syracuse is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How do winters affect a CNA’s commute in Syracuse?
Winters are the biggest lifestyle challenge. You must have a reliable car with good snow tires. Commutes can double in time during a snowstorm. Plan for a 15-30 minute buffer in your schedule from November to April. Hospitals are always open, so you are expected to report to work even in severe weather.

2. Is it worth getting my CNA license in Syracuse before moving?
Yes, if you’re coming from a state with reciprocity (like PA, OH, FL). If not, it’s often easier to move first, secure a job at a facility that offers training, and get licensed that way. Many nursing homes will pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment.

3. What is the typical shift schedule for CNAs in Syracuse?
Hospitals run on 8-hour or 12-hour shifts. There is a significant need for night (7pm-7am) and weekend shifts, which often come with a $2-$4/hour differential. Nursing homes typically use 8-hour shifts, often with every-other-weekend requirements.

4. Can I survive without a car in Syracuse?
It’s very difficult. The city is spread out, and public transportation (Centro buses) is not reliable for getting to all major employers, especially at odd hours. If you live and work in the Strathmont or University Hill area, you might manage, but a car is highly recommended for flexibility and quality of life.

5. Are there opportunities for full-time vs. part-time work?
Absolutely. Hospitals often offer full-time positions with benefits, while nursing homes and long-term care facilities have a high demand for both full-time and part-time staff. Many CNAs also work per-diem (as needed) at multiple facilities to build a flexible schedule.