Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Abilene, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Abilene Stands

As a local who’s watched Abilene’s job market for years, I can tell you straight up: a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) here earns a median salary of $34,665/year, which breaks down to $16.67/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but don’t let that number scare you off. Abilene’s cost of living is the real story here.

When you factor in Abilene’s cost of living index of 89.8 (where the U.S. average is 100), that $34,665 does more heavy lifting than it would in a pricier city. The metro area has about 260 CNA jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%—steady, if not explosive.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Abilene market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$28,000 - $31,000	$13.46 - $14.90
Mid-Level (2-4 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31
Senior (5-8 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.31 - $19.23
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$40,000 - $45,000+	$19.23 - $21.63+

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps in Abilene happen when you move from a generalist role to a specialty or take a leadership position. Facilities in the north side of town (near Hendrick Medical Center) sometimes pay $1-2/hour more than those on the south or east sides.

How Abilene Compares to Other Texas Cities

Abilene isn’t a high-cost hub, but it’s also not a major metro. Here’s a quick comparison of CNA median salaries in select TX cities (based on BLS and local job board data):

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index
Abilene	$34,665	89.8
Dallas	$31,950	102.5
Houston	$32,500	93.0
San Antonio	$30,800	90.2
Lubbock	$33,200	88.5
Midland	$36,000	95.0

Notice a pattern? Abilene’s salary is competitive with the region, especially when you consider that Lubbock and Midland have similar or slightly lower costs. The key is that Abilene offers a stable job market in a low-cost environment.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what $34,665/year means for your monthly budget in Abilene. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (roughly 15-18% effective rate for this income), your take-home pay is about $2,400/month. Here’s how that breaks down for a typical CNA:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $34,665/year)

Category	Estimated Amount	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,400	After taxes
Rent (1BR average)	$876	Utilities often included in older buildings
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$150	Varies by season; summer AC costs rise
Groceries	$250	Shop at H-E-B or Market Street for best value
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$200	Abilene is car-dependent; public transit is limited
Healthcare (Copays, Insurance Premiums)	$150	Employer plans vary
Other (Phone, Personal Care, Misc.)	$200
Savings/Emergency Fund	$574	$34,665 allows for deliberate saving if you budget tightly

Can a CNA Afford to Buy a Home in Abilene?
With a median salary of $34,665, buying a home is challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Abilene is around $210,000. A 10% down payment would be $21,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,300-$1,500 on a 30-year loan. That’s over 50% of your take-home pay, which lenders won’t approve. However, if you have a partner with an income, or if you move into a senior CNA role ($40,000+), buying becomes more feasible. Many locals in healthcare start with a small duplex or a home in Needmore or Lynnwood—the older, more affordable neighborhoods.

Insider Tip: If homeownership is a goal, look into the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) programs or local credit unions like Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union for first-time homebuyer assistance.

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Where the Jobs Are: Abilene's Major Employers

Abilene’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players, and CNAs are in steady demand. Here’s where to focus your job search:

1. Hendrick Medical Center (North Abilene)
   The largest hospital in the region, part of the Hendrick Health System. They have multiple CNA positions in med-surg, ER, ICU, and rehab. Hiring is frequent due to turnover and expansion. Pay tends to be at the higher end ($17-$19/hour). Commute from south-side neighborhoods can be 15-20 minutes.

2. Abilene Regional Medical Center (South Abilene)
   Owned by Community Health Systems. They have steady openings in long-term care and surgical units. Slightly lower pay than Hendrick but often with better shift differentials for nights/weekends. Located near the mall area—easy access from most parts of town.

3. Wesley & Adult Day Care Center (Central Abilene)
   A local nonprofit specializing in adult day health and respite care. Great for CNAs who prefer a non-hospital setting. Hours are typically daytime, no nights. Salaries start around $15.50-$16.50/hour.

4. Abilene State Supported Living Center (East Abilene)
   State-run facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Offers stable employment with state benefits. Hiring cycles align with state budget releases. Positions are often listed on WorkInTexas.com.

5. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities

   • The Hamlet (South Abilene) – Upscale assisted living, higher resident-to-staff ratios.
   • Crestview Nursing & Rehabilitation (West Abilene) – Part of a larger chain; good for new CNAs.
   • The Oaks at Abilene (East Abilene) – Recently expanded, actively hiring.

6. Home Health Agencies
   Agencies like AccentCare and Visiting Nurse Association hire CNAs for in-home care. Pay can be $18-$20/hour but hours are variable. Requires reliable transportation.

Hiring Trends:

• Seasonal spikes: Post-summer (August-September) as students return to school, and post-holidays (January-February) as winter illnesses peak.
• Shifts in demand: There’s a growing need for CNAs in dialysis clinics (like DaVita or Fresenius) and outpatient rehab centers.
• Insider Tip: Many facilities use Indeed and Texas Workforce Commission listings. Also, check facility websites directly—Abilene employers often post there before job boards.

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Getting Licensed in Texas

Texas doesn’t require CNAs to be certified by the state, but most employers do. The process is straightforward and regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Steps to Get Your CNA in Texas:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program

   • Must be on the HHSC list (found on hhs.texas.gov).
   • Minimum 100 hours: 60 classroom, 40 clinical.
   • Local programs: Abilene Christian University (non-credit), Taylor County Adult Education, and private schools like Texas College of Cosmetology (they offer CNA too).
   • Cost: $800 - $1,500 (financial aid available at public colleges).

2. Pass the Competency Exam

   • Written (multiple-choice) and Skills (hands-on) portions.
   • Administered by Pearson VUE or Credentia.
   • Cost: $125 - $150 (varies by provider).
   • You have 3 attempts; if you fail, you must retrain.

3. Apply for the Nurse Aide Registry

   • Once you pass, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by HHSC).
   • Employers will check this registry before hiring.
   • Note: Your CNA is valid for 24 months; you must work at least 8 hours for pay in a nursing facility to maintain it.

Timeline and Costs:

• Training: 4-8 weeks (full-time) or 12-16 weeks (part-time).
• Total Cost: $1,000 - $1,650 (training + exam).
• Financial Aid: Texas Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission) often offers grants for healthcare training. Check with your local Workforce Solutions office in Abilene.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from another state, Texas has reciprocity. You can transfer your certification if it’s active and you’ve worked at least 8 hours in the last 24 months. Contact the Texas Nurse Aide Registry for a “Reciprocity Packet.”

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Abilene is a commuter town, but traffic is minimal. Your choice of neighborhood depends on budget, commute, and lifestyle. Here are the top picks for CNAs:

1. North Abilene (Hendrick Area)

   • Rent: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Commute to Hendrick: 5-10 minutes.
   • Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, close to shopping (Target, H-E-B).
   • Best For: Those working at Hendrick Medical Center. Living here cuts your commute to near zero.

2. South Abilene (Mall Area)

   • Rent: $750 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Commute to Abilene Regional: 5-10 minutes; to Hendrick: 15-20 minutes.
   • Vibe: Older apartments, more affordable, with easy access to restaurants and the mall.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious CNAs working at Abilene Regional or in southside nursing homes.

3. Central Abilene (Downtown/College Area)

   • Rent: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers.
   • Vibe: Walkable, with coffee shops, parks, and a younger vibe. Close to Abilene Christian University (good for networking).
   • Best For: Those who want a balance of city life and short commutes.

4. West Abilene (Crestview/Nursing Home Corridor)

   • Rent: $700 - $850 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Crestview and other westside facilities.
   • Vibe: Residential, quiet, with older homes and duplexes.
   • Best For: CNAs working westside nursing homes or dialysis clinics.

5. East Abilene (State Supported Living Center Area)

   • Rent: $750 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to the center; 20-25 minutes to Hendrick.
   • Vibe: Suburban, with larger apartment complexes and newer builds.
   • Best For: Those working at the State Supported Living Center or who prefer a newer apartment.

Insider Tip: Always check for utilities included in rental listings—especially in south and west Abilene, where older buildings often cover water and trash. This can save you $50-$100/month.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Abilene, a CNA isn’t just a stepping stone—it can be a long-term career if you specialize. Here’s how to level up:

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis CNA: $18 - $22/hour (requires additional training).
• Hospice CNA: $17 - $20/hour (emotional resilience needed).
• Oncology CNA: $18 - $21/hour (at Hendrick’s cancer center).
• ER/Trauma CNA: $19 - $23/hour (fast-paced, high turnover).

Advancement Paths:

1. Charge CNA/LPN Bridge: CNAs with 2+ years can often get employer-sponsored training to become LPNs. Abilene’s community colleges (like Texas State Technical College) have LPN programs. Salary jumps to $45,000 - $55,000.
2. Patient Care Tech (PCT): Move into hospital-based roles with expanded skills (EKG, phlebotomy). Pay is $17 - $20/hour.
3. Home Health Supervisor: With experience, you can supervise teams. Requires 3+ years and often a CMA (Certified Medication Aide) license.

10-Year Outlook:

The 4% job growth is steady but not rapid. Abilene’s aging population (median age 32.5) means demand will persist. However, automation and telehealth may reduce some routine tasks. The key is to specialize early. By 2033, CNAs with dialysis or hospice experience will be most in demand.

Insider Tip: Join the Texas Healthcare Association or local nursing groups. Networking at Hendrick’s monthly CNA meetings (often held in their education center) is a goldmine for job leads.

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The Verdict: Is Abilene Right for You?

Abilene offers a stable, low-stress environment for CNAs who prioritize affordability and job security over high salaries or big-city amenities. Here’s a quick pros/cons table:

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (index 89.8)	Limited public transit (car essential)
Steady demand in healthcare	Salary below national average
Short commutes (most jobs <15 min)	Few specialty training programs locally
Friendly, community-focused vibe	Limited nightlife/cultural scene
Easy licensing/reciprocity	Growth in healthcare is slow (4%)

Final Recommendation:
Abilene is a great fit for new CNAs looking to build experience affordably, or experienced CNAs seeking a slower pace without sacrificing job security. If you’re a family-oriented person or someone who values a short commute and low rent, this is a strong choice. However, if you’re chasing high salaries, fast career growth, or a vibrant urban scene, look toward Dallas or Austin (but note the higher costs).

Bottom Line: With a median salary of $34,665, you can live comfortably here, especially if you share housing or have a second income. The job market is reliable, and the community is supportive.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Abilene?
Yes. Abilene is spread out, and public transit (Cytex buses) covers only main routes infrequently. Most jobs are in medical complexes off major roads, making a car essential. Budget $200/month for gas and insurance.

2. Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA to Texas?
Yes, if your certification is active. Contact the Texas Nurse Aide Registry for a reciprocity packet. You’ll need proof of employment and training. Process takes 2-4 weeks.

3. Are there weekend or night shift premiums?
Yes. Most facilities offer $1.50 - $3/hour extra for nights and weekends. Hendrick Medical Center, for example, pays $2/hour night differential. This can bump your hourly rate to $18.67 - $19.67.

4. What’s the best way to find a job quickly?

• Check Indeed and Texas Workforce Commission daily.
• Walk into facilities like The Hamlet or Crestview—they often hire on