Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tacoma, WA

As a career analyst who's spent years watching the healthcare landscape in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you that Tacoma isn't just Seattle's southern sibling—it's a healthcare hub in its own right with a distinct character and a cost of living that, while rising, is still more approachable than the Emerald City. If you're a CNA or considering becoming one, Tacoma offers a solid mix of opportunity and livability, but it's not without its challenges. Let's dig into the data and the street-level reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Tacoma Stands

The most direct way to understand your earning potential is to look at the numbers. For a Nursing Assistant in the Tacoma metro area, the median salary is $37,154 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.86. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $35,760, reflecting Washington's generally higher wages, though it's important to note that Pierce County (where Tacoma is the county seat) tends to pay less than King County (Seattle). The job market is stable but not explosive, with approximately 445 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the expansion of long-term care facilities, but it's not a boom industry.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your pay will climb with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and BLS data correlations:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Approx.)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,500	Starting at hospitals like MultiCare or in nursing homes. Often begins on night/weekend shifts.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Moves into more complex units (e.g., med-surg, rehab) or supervisory CNA roles. May have specialty certifications.
Senior (8-15 years)	$43,000 - $48,000	Often in charge of a shift, training new CNAs, or working in high-acuity environments like ICU or oncology.
Expert (15+ years)	$49,000+	Typically holds multiple certifications (e.g., CNA, Phlebotomy, EKG tech) and may be in a lead or educational role.

How Tacoma Compares to Other WA Cities

Washington's healthcare wages are heavily influenced by the Seattle metro. Here’s how Tacoma stacks up:

City	Median Salary (CNA)	Cost of Living (vs. US Avg)	Notes
Tacoma	$37,154	113.0	The balancing act: decent wages, more affordable than Seattle.
Seattle	~$41,200	152.4	Higher pay, but vastly higher living costs. Commute from Tacoma is common.
Spokane	~$36,800	102.6	Similar wages, but a much lower cost of living. More inland, less coastal culture.
Vancouver (WA)	~$38,500	115.1	Slightly higher wages, but close to Portland, OR. Avoids state income tax.

Insider Tip: Many Tacoma CNAs live in Pierce County but commute to Seattle hospitals for the higher pay. The Sounder train makes this feasible, but the 1.5-hour each-way commute is a major lifestyle trade-off.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be blunt: making $37,154 in the Tacoma area requires careful budgeting. Washington has no state income tax, which helps, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is the main squeeze.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single CNA Earning $37,154/year:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$3,096
• Federal Taxes, FICA, etc.: ~$450 (varies by deductions)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$2,646
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,603/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$1,043

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
In short, not on a single CNA salary. The median home price in Tacoma is over $475,000. A 20% down payment is $95,000, and a mortgage on that price would be roughly $2,400/month, far exceeding a CNA's take-home pay. Homeownership is typically a two-income household goal in this market. Renting is the standard for single-income CNAs.

Insider Tip: Look for "mother-in-law" suites, basement apartments, or shared houses in neighborhoods like Hilltop or Proctor. These can be significantly cheaper than a market-rate 1BR apartment.

Where the Jobs Are: Tacoma's Major Employers

Tacoma's healthcare system is anchored by a few major players, with several long-term care and specialty centers scattered throughout the county.

1. MultiCare Health System: The largest employer in the region. MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and MultiCare Allenmore Hospital are always hiring CNAs for med-surg, telemetry, and rehab units. They offer tuition reimbursement for career advancement.
2. St. Joseph Medical Center (CHI Franciscan): A major trauma center with a high demand for CNAs in the ER, ICU, and surgical floors. Known for strong internal training programs.
3. Franciscan Health System (Catholic Health Initiatives): Beyond St. Joe's, they run St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way (just north) and numerous Franciscan Care Centers (nursing homes) throughout Pierce County.
4. Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community: A large, non-profit senior living campus in the North End. Offers consistent hours and a focus on geriatric care. Often a good starting point for new CNAs.
5. Life Care Centers of America: Operates several skilled nursing facilities in the area, like Tacoma Lutheran (independent) and others. Known for stable, full-time shifts.
6. Madigan Army Medical Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM): If you have military family status or are a veteran, the on-base hospital is a huge employer with competitive federal benefits and GS pay scales.
7. Community Health Centers: Organizations like Sea Mar Community Health Centers and Community Health Care serve diverse populations and often have CNA openings in their clinics and residential programs. These roles can be less hectic than hospital shifts.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady. The 4% job growth is realistic. Hiring is often cyclical, with a push in late summer/early fall (staffing up for winter) and again in spring. MultiCare and St. Joe's use online portals exclusively; applying through Indeed or LinkedIn often just redirects you there.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a clear but regulated path to becoming a CNA.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). In the Tacoma area, programs are offered at community colleges like Tacoma Community College (TCC) and Pierce College, as well as private schools (e.g., Northwest Career College). Costs range from $800 to $1,500.
2. Take the State Competency Exam: After training, you take the written and skills test through D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). The exam fee is $115.
3. Get on the Washington State Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass, you're added to the registry. Your license is active for two years and must be renewed with proof of paid work.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based background check is required by most employers and the state. This can cost $45-$75 and take a few weeks.

Timeline to Get Started: From enrolling in a program to being on the registry and hired can take 3 to 6 months. TCC's program, for example, is a 4-credit course that can be completed in one quarter.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for CNAs
Hilltop	Urban, historic, diverse. Close to St. Joe's & Tacoma General.	$1,200 - $1,500	Walkable to major hospitals. Older housing stock = more affordable rentals. Gentrifying but still has character.
North End	Quiet, residential, near Tacoma Lutheran.	$1,400 - $1,800	Family-friendly, close to Point Defiance Park. Commute to downtown hospitals is 10-15 min.
Proctor District	Charming, walkable, small-town feel.	$1,450 - $1,900	Great for those who want a village feel with coffee shops and farmers markets. Commute is easy via 6th Ave.
South Tacoma	Affordable, working-class, near South Tacoma Way.	$1,000 - $1,400	Most budget-friendly. Close to the Tacoma Mall and Wapato Lake. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 min.
Stadium District	Historic, near the UW Tacoma campus.	$1,300 - $1,700	Very walkable, great views, close to downtown. Can be a bit noisier.

Insider Tip: If you land a job at MultiCare Allenmore (in the North End) or Tacoma General (Downtown), living in Hilltop or Stadium can let you walk or bike to work, saving you hundreds on parking and gas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic entry point, but to increase your income and job satisfaction, you need a plan.

• Specialty Premiums: While base pay is flat, having certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG, or Patient Care Tech (PCT) roles can make you more hireable and sometimes command a $1-$2/hour premium. Hospitals often offer in-house training.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead CNA: Supervises a shift. Requires experience and strong leadership.
  • Medication Aide (MNA): Requires additional training (~$500) and allows you to administer medications. Pay bump is modest but expands scope of practice.
  • Bridge to LPN/RN: This is the most common and lucrative path. Local community colleges (TCC, Pierce College) have ADN (RN) programs. Many hospitals, especially MultiCare, offer tuition reimbursement and flexible schedules for employees in nursing programs. An RN in Tacoma can earn $75,000-$95,000+, a dramatic increase.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth in CNA jobs is stable. However, the demand for LPNs and RNs is much higher. Investing in further education is the surest way to stay relevant and increase earnings long-term. The aging population ensures job security for all levels of care.

The Verdict: Is Tacoma Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Major employers and a growing elderly population ensure steady demand.	Tight Housing Budget: $37,154 goes far with a roommate or in older apartments, but solo living on a CNA salary is a stretch.
No State Income Tax: Your take-home pay is higher than in states with an income tax.	Traffic Congestion: I-5 and I-1645 can be brutal during rush hour. A commute from South Tacoma to downtown can double in time.
Career Growth Potential: Tuition reimbursement programs at major hospitals make advancement to LPN/RN feasible.	Traffic Congestion: I-5 and I-1645 can be brutal during rush hour. A commute from South Tacoma to downtown can double in time.
"Tacoma Aesthetic": Gritty, real, and increasingly cool. It has a strong sense of community and less pretension than Seattle.	Tacoma Aesthetic: Some neighborhoods are still recovering from economic hardship; you'll see visible homelessness and urban decay.
Access to Nature: Point Defiance Park, the waterfront, and Mount Rainier are all within easy reach for affordable recreation.	Weather: The famous Pacific Northwest gray and drizzle from November to April can be mentally taxing.

Final Recommendation: Tacoma is an excellent choice for a single CNA who is budget-conscious and values career growth. If you're willing to start with a roommate, live in an older apartment in Hilltop or South Tacoma, and have a clear plan to pursue your LPN or RN within 3-5 years, you can build a solid life and career here. If your primary goal is to maximize savings or buy a home quickly on a single CNA income, you'll find the math challenging. For a CNA in a dual-income household, Tacoma offers a fantastic balance of opportunity and quality of life.

FAQs

1. Is it worth commuting from Tacoma to Seattle for a CNA job?
It depends on the pay. If you can secure a position for $2-3/hour more, the math might work, but factor in the $200+/month Sounder pass or gas/parking, and the 2-3 hours of daily commute. For many, a lower-paying job in Tacoma with a 10-minute commute is a better quality-of-life choice.

2. What's the best way to find CNA jobs in Tacoma?
Start with the major employer portals: MultiCare and CHI Franciscan (St. Joe's). Then check Washington State's job board for government positions (like JBLM). Local staffing agencies like Aya Healthcare or Kaiser Permanente's temp pool can also be good for getting your foot in the door. Don't ignore independent nursing homes—they often have immediate openings.

3. Can I live in Tacoma without a car?
It's challenging. The bus system (Pierce Transit) is decent but not comprehensive. Living and working in the same neighborhood (e.g., Hilltop) is the best bet for car-free living. A bike can be useful for short commutes, but be prepared for hills and rain.

4. How does the cost of living in Tacoma compare to the national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (US avg = 100), Tacoma is about 13% more expensive than the national average. The biggest driver is housing. Other costs like groceries, utilities, and transportation are closer to the national average.

5. Is it easy to transfer my CNA license from another state to Washington?
It depends on your state. If your home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), the process is simpler. Otherwise, you may need to take a Washington-specific nursing assistant exam or provide proof of equivalent training. Contact the Washington State Department of Health for the most current reciprocity rules.