The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Arlington, TX

Arlington isn’t just the home of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers; it’s a sprawling, independent city with a complex healthcare ecosystem. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), it’s a place of opportunity and challenge. You’re positioned between the massive medical hubs of Dallas and Fort Worth, with a lower cost of living than either, but you’ll need to navigate the local job market strategically. This guide is your no-nonsense roadmap to making a smart career move here.

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: the numbers. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Arlington is $36,114/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.36/hour. This sits just above the national average of $35,760/year, a small but meaningful margin that reflects the Metroplex's demand for healthcare workers. However, the 10-year job growth is only 4%, which is slower than the national average for the role. This means the market is stable but not exploding; you’re competing for a finite number of positions in a metro area with 796 CNA jobs.

The key is understanding where you fall in the experience spectrum. Most CNAs don’t start at the median. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn as you gain experience in the Arlington area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Arlington)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $34,000	Mostly hospital externships or private-duty roles. Often starts per-diem with inconsistent hours.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	Stable full-time roles in hospitals or large facilities. May have specialty certifications (e.g., dialysis).
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$38,000 - $45,000	Lead CNA roles, training positions, or roles in high-acuity units like ICU or rehab. May have state certifications.

How Arlington Compares to Other Texas Cities:
While Arlington’s median salary is solid, it’s important to look at the broader context. Dallas and Fort Worth often have slightly higher median salaries (closer to $37,500-$38,000), but their cost of living is also higher. Smaller cities like Waco or Lubbock may have lower salaries but a significantly reduced cost of living. Arlington offers a middle ground: you get metroplex-level healthcare opportunities without the steep housing costs of Dallas proper.

Insider Tip: The $17.36/hour figure is your baseline. Don’t accept less for a full-time, benefits-offering role. Per-diem and agency work can pay $1-$3 more hourly but lack stability and benefits. For long-term financial planning, aim for a direct-hire position at a larger facility.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $36,114/year translates to about $3,009 per month before taxes. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (estimating a 15-18% effective rate for this bracket), your take-home pay is roughly $2,400 - $2,500 per month.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Arlington is $1,384/month. This is the critical anchor of your budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Arlington CNA:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,450	After taxes on $36,114/year
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,384	56% of take-home pay—this is the crux.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150	Texas summers spike AC costs.
Groceries	$300	保守 estimate for one person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400	Arlington is car-dependent.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Varies widely by employer.
Savings/Debt/Other	$16	Leaves virtually no room for error.
Total Expenses	$2,450

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On this salary alone, buying a home in Arlington is extremely challenging. The median home price is approximately $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would exceed $2,000, which is impossible on a $36,114 salary. Homeownership is only feasible with dual income, significant savings, or a move to a less expensive, surrounding suburb (like Grand Prairie or Hurst, though commute times increase).

Insider Tip: To make your budget work, prioritize finding an apartment under $1,200. Look in older complexes in South Arlington or near the Arlington/Grand Prairie border. You will likely need a roommate to comfortably afford a nicer place and build savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s healthcare jobs aren’t in one central medical district like Dallas’s. They’re dispersed. Your job search should target these key players:

1. Texas Health Resources (THR) Arlington Memorial Hospital: Located just off I-20 in central Arlington, this is a major employer. They hire CNAs for med-surg, telemetry, and rehab units. Their hiring trends favor candidates with recent clinical experience and a clean background check. They are part of a large system, offering potential for internal transfer.
2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Arlington: Situated in the thriving entertainment district near Globe Life Field, this facility is a teaching hospital. They often have CNA positions in their emergency department and surgical floors. They value initiative and are more likely to train CNAs for tech roles (e.g., EKG tech) with experience.
3. Greystone Medical Center (and other nursing homes): Arlington has several large long-term care facilities. Greystone, in the Lincoln Square area, is a prime example. These facilities have high turnover and constant need, but the work is physically and emotionally demanding. Hiring is often rapid—sometimes within a week of applying.
4. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Texas): Based in the broader Metroplex, these agencies serve Arlington residents. This work offers more autonomy but less consistent hours. Agencies are always looking for reliable CNAs, especially those with reliable transportation.
5. Arlington Independent School District (AISD): For a change of pace, AISD hires CNAs or health aides for student health centers. This is a 10-month contract with summers off, but the pay is lower than hospital settings. It’s a great option for those with school-aged children.
6. Medical City Arlington (in neighboring Grand Prairie): Technically just outside Arlington’s city limits, this surgical hospital is a major regional player. It’s worth expanding your geographic search to here for specialized surgical CNA roles.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward certified and experienced CNAs. New graduates are often hired on a per-diem basis to fill gaps. The most stable jobs are in hospital systems (THR, Baylor) and large nursing homes. The 4% growth rate means you’re not seeing new facilities pop up; you’re competing for existing positions when someone retires or leaves.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensure is straightforward but requires diligence. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) oversee the process.

Requirements:

1. Training: Complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP). This requires 100 hours of training (minimum 60 classroom, 40 clinical).
2. Exam: Pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: Pass a criminal background check.

Timeline & Costs:

• Training Program: Can take 4-12 weeks, depending on the schedule (part-time vs. full-time). Costs range from $700 to $1,200. Community colleges like Tarrant County College (TCC) offer affordable programs. Private schools are faster but more expensive.
• Exam Fee: The NNAAP exam fee is approximately $115 (written) + $102 (skills) = $217 total.
• Background Check: About $40.
• Total Estimated Cost: $950 - $1,450.

Insider Tip: Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer tuition reimbursement if you sign a 1-2 year work contract. Before paying out-of-pocket, ask potential employers about their CNA training programs. This can save you thousands and guarantee a job.

Best Neighborhoods for CNAs

Where you live in Arlington impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, balancing cost and convenience.

1. South Arlington (Zip 76018): This area offers the most affordable apartments, with some units under $1,200/month. It’s close to major employers like THR Arlington Memorial and has easy access to I-20. The commute to Baylor Arlington or other central spots is 15-20 minutes. It’s a practical, no-frills choice for budget-conscious CNAs.
2. East Arlington / Lincoln Square (Zip 76010): This is a bustling, commercial area with newer apartment complexes. Rent averages $1,400-$1,600/month. It’s walkable to entertainment and has a younger vibe. Commute to most healthcare employers is under 15 minutes. Ideal for CNAs who want a social scene after a long shift.
3. North Arlington (Zip 76006): Near the entertainment district and Grapevine, this area is pricier ($1,500-$1,800/month). It’s close to Medical City Arlington and the airport. Commutes can be longer due to traffic toward downtown. Best for CNAs with a higher budget or those working at north-side facilities.
4. West Arlington / Viridian (Zip 76005): A newer master-planned community with parks and lakes. Rent is on the higher end ($1,500+), but it offers a suburban family feel. Commute to central Arlington is easy via I-30. Good for CNAs seeking a quieter, greener environment.

Commute Reality Check: Arlington is a car city. Public transit (Via) exists but is limited. A reliable car is non-negotiable. Factor in $150-$200/month for gas and insurance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of only 4%, advancement within the CNA role itself is limited. The key is leveraging your CNA as a stepping stone.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certifications: Obtaining a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification can increase your hourly wage by $2-$4. This requires an additional 40-hour course.
• Specialties: CNA experience in dialysis, ICU, or rehabilitation can position you for higher-paying tech roles (e.g., Dialysis Technician, EKG Tech) or direct entry into nursing school.
• The Bridge to Nursing: The most common path. Use your CNA experience (and employer tuition reimbursement) to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at TCC or a BSN at UT Arlington. This is where your salary jumps dramatically (RN median in Arlington: $75,000+).
• Administration/Management: With 5+ years, you can move into roles like CNA Team Lead or Resident Care Coordinator in a nursing home, which offer a slight salary bump and a break from direct patient care.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but requires proactive career planning. The CNAs who thrive are those who treat the role as a platform for growth. Those who remain in the same CNA position for a decade will likely see only minor wage increases, barely keeping pace with inflation.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

This table summarizes your decision-making factors:

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($36,114) compared to national average.	High rent-to-income ratio; budget is very tight.
Diverse job market with major hospital systems nearby.	4% job growth indicates a competitive, slow-growth market.
Lower cost of living than Dallas or Fort Worth.	Car dependency is absolute; no car = no job.
Central location in the Metroplex for networking.	Lack of public transit limits options if your car breaks down.
Clear path to nursing school with local colleges.	Limited top-tier specialty facilities; may need to commute to Dallas for highly specialized roles.

Final Recommendation:
Arlington is a strategic choice for a CNA who is actively planning to advance into nursing. The combination of a livable (if tight) salary, major employers, and proximity to affordable nursing programs (like TCC) is powerful. However, if you are looking for a long-term career as a CNA with significant wage growth, Arlington will be challenging. The math is tough on a single income. For a stable, affordable entry into the Metroplex healthcare scene with a clear next step, Arlington works. For luxury or financial ease, you’ll need to look elsewhere or advance your credentials.

FAQs

Q: How do I find a CNA job in Arlington fast?
A: Apply directly on hospital career websites (THR, Baylor) and large nursing home websites. Also, register with a local healthcare staffing agency (e.g., Maxim Healthcare Services). They often have immediate per-diem openings that can lead to full-time roles.

Q: Is it worth getting a certification like Med Aide while I’m a CNA here?
A: Absolutely. With the salary being modest ($17.36/hour), the $2-$4/hour raise from a CMA certification is a 12-23% pay increase. It’s one of the fastest ways to boost your income without going back to school full-time.

Q: What’s the real cost of living if I have a roommate?
A: With a roommate, your rent could drop to $700-$800/month, saving you $600+. This makes your budget much more manageable and allows you to save for nursing school or a car. It’s the most financially savvy move for a single CNA in Arlington.

Q: Are there any CNA jobs on the weekends only?
A: Yes, many facilities need weekend warriors. Weekend shifts often come with a $1-$2/hour differential. This can be a great way to earn more if you’re attending nursing school during the week. Check with nursing homes and home health agencies for weekend-specific postings.

Q: How does the cost of living index (103.3) affect me?
A: Being 3.3% above the national average means your dollar stretches a bit less. A $36,114 salary here feels like about $34,950 nationally. It confirms that while the salary is slightly above average, the cost of living consumes more of it, reinforcing the need for a strict budget or dual income.