Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

If you're looking at Amarillo, you're likely weighing the cost of living against potential earnings. Let's be direct about the numbers. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Amarillo metro, the median salary is $34,773/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.72. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year for CNAs—a difference you need to factor into your decision. The job market here is stable but not explosive; there are currently 406 jobs listed in the metro, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This is slower than the national average but reflects Amarillo's consistent healthcare demand tied to its role as a regional hub for the Texas Panhandle.

To understand your earning potential, it's crucial to see how experience plays out locally.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Typical Amarillo Salary Range*	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$13.50 - $15.50/hr	Most common starting range at nursing homes and smaller clinics.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$15.50 - $17.50/hr	Bump often comes with shift differentials (nights/weekends).
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$17.50 - $19.50/hr	Specialized certs or charge CNA roles.
Expert (10+ years)	$19.50 - $22.00+/hr	Often in teaching, management, or niche facilities.

*Ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards. The median of $34,773/year sits in the mid-level range.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Amarillo's salary is competitive when you adjust for its low cost of living. It's not Houston or Dallas, but you're not paying their rent either. Here’s how it stacks up (using national and state data for context):

City	Median CNA Salary (Annual)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	1BR Rent Avg (Monthly)
Amarillo	$34,773	90.8	$879
Lubbock	~$32,900	88.5	$850
Austin	~$36,500	125.0	$1,650
Dallas-Ft. Worth	~$36,200	108.0	$1,450
San Antonio	~$35,100	93.0	$1,100

Insider Tip: Amarillo's strength isn't the top-line salary; it's the purchasing power. That $34,773 goes further here than in most Texas metros. You'll find CNAs from larger cities moving here specifically for the financial breathing room.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $34,773, your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) will be roughly $2,200 - $2,300. This is an estimate; your actual take-home depends on your W-4 withholdings, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $34,773 Annual Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$879	Amarillo average. You can find cheaper in older areas or spend more for upgrades.
Utilities	$120	Includes electricity, water, gas, and trash (varies by season).
Groceries	$300	Single person, cooking most meals.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest used car.
Gas	$150	Amarillo is spread out; commute matters.
Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Healthcare	$150	Copays, medications (varies by employer plan).
Miscellaneous	$150	Toiletries, clothing, occasional eating out.
Total Expenses	$2,249
Remaining	~$50	This is tight.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
It's challenging but not impossible on a single CNA income. The median home price in Amarillo is around $210,000. With a 3.5% FHA down payment ($7,350), your monthly mortgage (including taxes, insurance, PMI) would be around $1,400-$1,500. That would consume over 60% of your take-home pay, which is not advisable. Realistically, buying a home requires a dual income, a significant down payment, or advancing to a higher-paying specialty. Many local CNAs partner with a spouse or wait for a promotion before entering the housing market.

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Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Amarillo's healthcare ecosystem is built around a few key players. Hiring is steady, but turnover is lower at larger systems. Here’s who’s hiring and what to expect:

1. BSA Health System: The largest employer in the region. Owns BSA Hospital (a 400+ bed Level III Trauma Center) and several clinics. They have a dedicated CNA training pipeline and often post positions for ER, Med-Surg, and Telemetry units. Hiring Trend: Growth in outpatient services and senior care (BSA Senior Center).
2. Northwest Texas Healthcare System: Part of the Universal Health Services network. This is the other major hospital, a 498-bed facility also serving as a Level III Trauma Center. They are known for competitive benefits and have a strong emphasis on continuing education. Hiring Trend: Steady, with needs in their new surgical suites and behavioral health units.
3. Amarillo VA Health Care System: A major federal employer with a campus on Georgia Street. They have strong job security and excellent federal benefits. Positions can be competitive, and they prefer candidates with recent acute care experience. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with occasional openings for their community living centers (CLCs).
4. Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: Look at Garden Vista, The Medical Lodge, and Belle Park. These facilities are always in need of CNAs for day and night shifts. Pay can be slightly lower than hospitals, but the patient ratios are often more predictable. Hiring Trend: High demand, especially for overnight and weekend shifts.
5. Amarillo Public Health Department & Clinics: Smaller employers but great for a more community-focused role. They handle immunizations, WIC programs, and public health nursing. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings tied to grant funding cycles.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like AccentCare and LHC Group serve patients post-hospital discharge. This offers more autonomy but requires a reliable vehicle and the ability to work independently. Hiring Trend: Growing, due to the aging population and preference for in-home care.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Amarillo work a "per diem" or PRN (as-needed) shift at a hospital while holding a primary job at a nursing home. This is a common strategy to boost income and gain diverse experience.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensure for CNAs is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Complete a state-approved training program (minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical supervision). Many local community colleges and vocational schools offer this.
2. Pass the competency evaluation (a written exam and a skills test).
3. Submit a state application and background check.
4. Be added to the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program Tuition: $500 - $1,200. Amarillo College offers a reputable program; check for financial aid or employer reimbursement.
• State Exam Fee: Approximately $110 (written + skills).
• Background Check: ~$40.
• Total Estimated Cost: $650 - $1,350.
• Timeline: From enrollment to registry placement, expect 6-10 weeks. Some accelerated programs can shorten this.

Insider Tip: Before you pay for a program, contact local employers (like BSA or Northwest). Some offer paid training or tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a year. This is a golden ticket to enter the field debt-free.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAs)

Amarillo is a driving city. Your commute is a key factor in job satisfaction. Here are neighborhoods that balance rent, commute, and lifestyle for healthcare workers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It Works for CNAs
The Medical District	Urban, walkable to BSA Hospital. Mix of old homes and new apartments.	$800 - $1,100	Zero commute for BSA employees. Close to restaurants and gyms. Older buildings have character but check for upkeep.
South Amarillo	Quiet, family-oriented. Great schools, newer subdivisions.	$900 - $1,200	Easy access to I-27 for commutes to Northwest or VA. Safe, suburban feel. Farther from nightlife.
North Amarillo	Affordable, with ongoing revitalization. Closer to the Canyon Eats district.	$700 - $950	Most budget-friendly for apartments. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 minutes. Research specific apartment complexes.
The Colonies	Upscale, modern apartments and townhomes.	$1,100 - $1,400	If you want amenities (pool, gym) and a shorter commute to the west side hospitals. Higher rent on a CNA budget.
Pampa (Suburb)	Small town 30 mins north. Very low rent, but you must commute.	$600 - $800	For extreme budget focus. Only viable if you have a reliable car and don't mind the drive.

Insider Tip: Drive through The Medical District on a weekday. You'll see many CNAs walking to work. The trade-off is older housing stock, but the time and gas savings are real.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

While $34,773 is the median, the career path doesn't end there. Amarillo offers specific avenues for advancement that can significantly boost your income.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certifications: While not always mandatory, getting certified in Phlebotomy or EKG Technician can add $1-2/hour to your pay. BSA and Northwest often have internal programs.
• Charge CNA/LNA: With experience, you can lead a team of CNAs. This typically adds a $2-3/hour premium.
• Nurse Aide II (in some settings): A step above a standard CNA, often with additional skills like wound care assistance. Pay bump is similar to charge roles.
• Bridge to LPN/RN: Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University have strong nursing programs. Many local CNAs work while going to school part-time. A typical LPN in Amarillo earns $50,000-$55,000; an RN earns $65,000-$75,000+.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The 4% job growth means steady demand but not a hiring frenzy. The key will be specialization. As the population ages, CNAs with experience in geriatrics, dementia care, and rehabilitation will be most in demand. The hospitals are also focusing on outpatient surgery and home health, so skills in those areas will be future-proof. The path to higher pay is through specialization and moving from nursing homes to hospitals or into leadership roles.

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The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living – Your salary stretches much further than in major metros.	Lower Median Salary – $34,773 is below the national average.
Stable Job Market – 406 jobs and consistent demand from major hospitals.	Slower Growth – 4% growth means advancement can take time.
No State Income Tax – Keeps more of your paycheck.	Car-Dependent City – You need a reliable vehicle. Limited public transit.
Strong Community Feel – Easy to build a network in healthcare circles.	Limited Nightlife/Culture – Quieter than larger cities.
Quality Training Access – Amarillo College provides a pipeline for upskilling.	Extreme Weather – Hot summers, windy, and potential for severe storms.

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is an excellent choice for a CNA prioritizing financial stability and quality of life over high-glamour city life. It's a place where you can afford a decent apartment on a single income, build experience at top-tier hospitals, and potentially save money. It's ideal for those who value a slower pace, community, and a tangible career ladder. If your goal is to maximize your annual salary in the short term, look elsewhere. If your goal is to build a sustainable life as a healthcare professional, Amarillo is a strong, practical bet.

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FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a CNA job in Amarillo?
No. With 406 jobs in the metro and consistent demand from hospitals and nursing homes, entry-level positions are available. Being flexible with shifts (especially nights/weekends) will make you highly employable.

2. What’s the main difference between working at BSA vs. Northwest?
BSA is a faith-based (Adventist) system with a very strong internal culture and training. Northwest is part of a large national corporation, which can mean more standardized policies but also potential for larger-scale restructuring. Both are respected employers.

3. Can I get by without a car in Amarillo?
It’s extremely difficult. Public buses exist but have limited routes and hours. Most CNAs live outside walking distance of their workplace, making a car essential for commuting and errands.

4. How do I stand out when applying for a CNA job here?
Highlight any experience with electronic health records (EHR), geriatric care, or dementia training. Mentioning a willingness to work 12-hour shifts or weekends is a huge plus. A clean driving record is also important for home health jobs.

5. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially at the hospitals. Overtime is often available during peak seasons (flu, etc.) and for filling last-minute shift vacancies. It's a common way for CNAs to boost their income beyond the median wage.

Sources: Salary data from BLS and local job postings; cost of living from BestPlaces.net; rent data from Zumper/ApartmentList; employer info from company websites and local news; Texas HHSC for licensing.