By Where the nursing salary, cost of living and lifestyle equate to good living
A CNA’s salary, which generally sits between $20,000 and $30,000 per year, is not high compared to the salaries of other health professionals. So living in a state with a low cost of living is definitely a bonus, but you also need to be able to engage in activities that make your life fun and meaningful.
That said, here are our two top picks for states CNAs should explore. You might notice we’re not going with any on the highest salary list–they simply don’t fit the bill. The exception is perhaps Alaska, which is beautiful and has the lowest tax rate in the U.S., but is simply too isolated for many people.
- North Carolina: There are plenty of jobs for CNAs here, and it has been voted one of the safest places to live in the United States, making it a great area to explore, enjoy and raise children. The cost of living is 6 percent lower than the U.S. average, and the median home cost is $136,900.
- Texas: It offers a balance of exciting large cities like Houston and Dallas, and delightful smaller ones like San Antonio and Austin. House prices are relatively low, there are great colleges and universities for your children, and there’s the beautiful Gulf Coast to escape to for some rest and relaxation. Salaries didn’t quite make the highest salary list at the beginning of this article—they average $28,000 per year for a CNA—but jobs are pretty abundant, so you can choose the city that appeals to you the most.
Where are you working as a CNA? Would you be willing to move for better pay?
