Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wilmington, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Wilmington Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're planning a move. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wilmington, NC, the median salary is $35,448/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.04/hour. This figure sits just below the national average for CNAs, which is $35,760/year. While the difference is slight, it's important to understand the local context. Wilmington's economy is driven by tourism, education (UNC Wilmington), and healthcare, but it's not a major metropolitan hub like Charlotte or Raleigh, which can depress wages slightly for allied health professions.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect as you gain experience, here’s a breakdown of typical salary progression in the Wilmington area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Expert/Certified	15+ years + specialized certs	$42,000 - $48,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. The median $35,448 sits firmly in the mid-level range, meaning many experienced CNAs in Wilmington can expect to earn around this amount.

When you compare Wilmington to other major cities in North Carolina, the landscape becomes even clearer. Wilmington is a coastal city with a lower cost of living than the research triangle or Charlotte, which is reflected in its salary structure.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Driver
Wilmington	$35,448	97.1	Tourism, Port, Healthcare
Raleigh	$39,120	102.3	Tech, Research, Government
Charlotte	$38,560	103.5	Finance, Corporate HQs
Greensboro	$34,800	94.2	Manufacturing, Education

Wilmington offers a salary that is competitive within its coastal region. The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the metro area is projected at 4%, which aligns with the national average for the profession. This indicates stable, if not explosive, demand. With 245 jobs currently in the metro area for CNAs, the market is active but not saturated. My insider tip: This growth rate means employers value retention. If you find a good facility, staying put can lead to better pay and benefits over time, as turnover is costly for them.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,448 sounds manageable, but let's see how it plays out in real life. We'll use an estimated tax rate of 22% (federal, state, FICA) for a single filer, which is a conservative estimate. This brings your annual take-home pay to approximately $27,650, or about $2,304 per month.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wilmington is $1,349/month. This is a significant portion of that take-home pay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA Earning the Median:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$2,954
• Taxes (est. 22%): ~$650
• Net Monthly Income: $2,304
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,349
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, etc.: $955

This budget is tight. Rent alone consumes nearly 59% of your take-home pay. While possible, it requires careful budgeting and likely means forgoing major discretionary spending. Utilities in Wilmington (power, water, internet) can add another $150-$200/month, leaving you with about $750 for groceries, gas, car insurance, and personal expenses. This is doable with roommates or a significantly lower-than-average rent, but it's not a comfortable budget for a single person.

Can they afford to buy a home? With $2,304 in monthly take-home pay, securing a mortgage in Wilmington's current market is challenging. The median home price in Wilmington is around $375,000. Even with a 3.5% FHA loan, the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would likely exceed $2,200, leaving almost nothing for other living expenses. Homeownership on a single CNA income is not feasible for most at the median salary level. An insider tip: Consider shared housing or looking at rentals in the outskirts of the city to lower your housing burden, freeing up funds for savings or debt repayment.

Where the Jobs Are: Wilmington's Major Employers

Wilmington's healthcare scene is dominated by a few major players. Knowing who they are and where they're located is key to targeting your job search effectively. The hiring trend here is steady; facilities are always looking for reliable CNAs, especially for weekend and night shifts.

1. New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC): Part of the Novant Health system, this is the largest employer in the region. It's a Level II Trauma Center and the main hub for acute care. CNAs work on med-surg, orthopedics, ICU, and ER floors. It's located in the Ogden area. Insider tip: NHRMC often has tuition reimbursement programs, which is a huge perk if you're considering advancing to LPN or RN.

2. Randolph Health - Cape Fear Hospital: This is the other major hospital system (part of UNC Health). It's a fantastic place for CNAs to gain experience in a variety of specialties, including oncology and cardiology. It's situated near the medical district on 17th Street. Hiring Trend: They frequently post openings for full-time and part-time positions, with a strong need for evening/night shift coverage.

3. Trinity Grove: This is a long-term care and skilled nursing facility located off South College Road. It's a major employer for CNAs looking for consistent hours in a long-term care setting. The work here is demanding but offers deep relationships with residents. Insider tip: Facilities like this often have the most openings and may offer sign-on bonuses to attract talent.

4. The Davis Community: Another large skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in the Monkey Junction area. They specialize in post-acute care and rehabilitation. It's a great environment for CNAs interested in restorative nursing and working with patients transitioning from hospital to home.

5. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (formerly Lower Cape Fear Hospice): For CNAs seeking a different pace and deeper patient connections, hospice care is a growing field. This organization serves the entire region and offers care in homes, inpatient units, and long-term care facilities. It requires a compassionate, resilient mindset but can be incredibly rewarding.

6. Private Duty Home Care Agencies: Several local and national agencies (like Home Instead, Comfort Keepers) operate in Wilmington. These roles involve one-on-one care in clients' homes. Pay can be slightly higher than facility work due to the private-duty model, but benefits may be less robust. This is a great option if you prefer a less structured environment.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has a clear pathway to becoming a CNA, managed by the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR). Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I (NA I) program. These programs are offered at community colleges (like Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington) and private training schools. The course is typically 75-100 hours, combining classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written/oral section and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $115 (check the NCCNA website for current fees).
3. Apply for State Listing: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. There is a $45 fee to add your name to the registry. You must have a high school diploma or GED to be listed.
4. Find Employment: You can now apply for jobs. Note that many employers will hire you as a "CNA in training" and help you complete the requirements, but you cannot work unsupervised as a CNA until you are on the registry.

Total Estimated Cost: Between $500 - $1,500 for training, plus $160 for exam and registry fees. Some employers, especially NHRMC and Randolph Health, offer pre-employment training programs where they cover the cost in exchange for a work commitment (often 6-12 months).

Timeline: From starting a training program to being fully licensed and job-ready typically takes 2-4 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Wilmington is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and commute time to the major hospitals.

1. Ogden/Porters Neck: Located in the northern part of the city, this is a suburban area with newer developments, apartment complexes, and good schools. It's very close to NHRMC. Rent for a 1-bedroom here is around $1,300 - $1,500. Commute to NHRMC is under 10 minutes. A top choice for hospital employees seeking a quiet, family-friendly area.

2. Monkey Junction: This area is a major commercial hub at the intersection of US 74 and College Road. It's central, has a mix of older and newer apartments, and is close to The Davis Community and several private clinics. Rent is slightly more affordable, averaging $1,200 - $1,400. The commute to any hospital is reasonable (10-20 minutes). Great for those who want easy access to shopping and dining.

3. Downtown/Market Street: For those who love a walkable, vibrant atmosphere, downtown is an option. It's home to many historic apartments and condos. However, it's further from the major hospitals (a 15-25 minute drive). Rent can be higher, averaging $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR. Best for those who value lifestyle over a short commute and don't mind the drive.

4. Leland: Technically not in Wilmington but in neighboring Brunswick County, Leland has exploded in popularity due to significantly lower housing costs. It's a 20-30 minute commute to downtown Wilmington and the hospitals. Rent for a 1-bedroom can be as low as $1,000 - $1,200. The trade-off is a longer commute and less immediate access to city amenities. A practical choice for maximizing your budget.

5. South College Road/17th Street Area: This is the heart of the medical district, near Randolph Health and Cape Fear Hospital. It's a mix of commercial properties and older apartment complexes. It's the most convenient location for working at Randolph Health. Rent is in the $1,300 - $1,400 range. It's less "neighborhoody" and more functional, but you can't beat the commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic foundation. In Wilmington, the career path is clear and achievable.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always formal, certain specializations can lead to better pay or shifts. CNAs with experience in geriatrics (long-term care) or rehabilitation are highly valued. Getting certified in Restorative Nursing can make you more marketable. Hospice CNA experience is a unique and sought-after skill set. Our data shows the median is $35,448, but CNAs in these specialties with 5+ years of experience can push toward the higher end ($40,000+).

• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Cape Fear Community College and other local schools offer LPN programs. This typically increases your salary by $15,000-$20,000 annually. The next step is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN), where salaries in Wilmington start around $60,000-$65,000. Many local hospitals have "bridge" programs to help you advance.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the demand for CNAs will remain stable. The key to advancement is specialization and education. The healthcare system will continue to need a strong base of CNAs, but those who seek additional training will have the most opportunities and wage growth. My advice: work for a year, then enroll in an LPN program. The experience you gain will be invaluable.

The Verdict: Is Wilmington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 245 jobs and 4% growth provide security.	Tight Budget: $2,304 monthly take-home vs. $1,349 rent is challenging.
Reasonable Cost of Living: Index of 97.1 is below the US average.	Lower Wages: Median $35,448 is slightly below national average.
Career Advancement: Clear paths to LPN/RN with employer support.	Traffic & Tourism: Summer traffic can be brutal; seasonal economy impacts some services.
Coastal Lifestyle: Beaches, river, outdoor activities are part of the culture.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for most commutes and daily life.
Multiple Major Employers: Competition can lead to better benefits and sign-on bonuses.	Housing Pressure: High demand for rentals can drive up prices.

Final Recommendation:

Wilmington is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious, values a coastal lifestyle, and is focused on long-term career growth. It's ideal for a single person willing to have roommates or for someone starting a family with a dual income. The job market is solid, and the opportunities to advance are real and accessible.

If your primary goal is to maximize your immediate take-home pay above all else, other cities like Raleigh or Charlotte might offer slightly higher raw wages. However, they come with a higher cost of living and less quality of life in terms of proximity to the ocean and a more relaxed pace.

My insider tip: Come for the job, but stay for the community. The healthcare network in Wilmington is tight-knit. Building a good reputation at one facility can open doors everywhere else. It's a city where your work ethic is noticed and rewarded.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a CNA in Wilmington right now?
Yes. With 245 jobs listed in the metro area and consistent openings at major employers like NHRMC and Randolph Health, the market is active. Be prepared for interviews that ask about your availability for weekend and evening shifts, as these are often in highest demand.

2. Can I survive on the CNA salary in Wilmington?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. The key is managing housing costs. Sharing an apartment or renting in a more affordable area like Leland or the outskirts of Monkey Junction can make the budget workable. The median salary of $35,448 is livable, but not luxurious.

3. What's the biggest mistake new CNAs make when moving to Wilmington?
Underestimating the cost of living and the necessity of a reliable car. While the cost of living index is 97.1, housing is the main driver. Also, Wilmington's layout is spread out; public transit is limited, so factoring in a car payment and insurance is non-negotiable.

4. Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Wilmington?
Almost certainly, yes. While some clinics are near downtown, the major hospitals (NHRMC, Randolph Health) and long-term care facilities are located in suburban areas with poor walkability and limited public transit routes. A car is essential for reliable commuting and for grocery shopping and errands.

5. What's the best way to get my CNA license if I'm already employed in another field?
Look into evening or weekend programs at Cape Fear Community College or local private schools. Many employers in Wilmington offer "earn-while-you-learn" programs where you can train on the job. This is the most financially viable path, as it avoids losing income while you train. Check directly with the HR departments at NHRMC and Randolph Health for these opportunities.