Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Clarksville, TN.

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The Clarksville CNA Career Guide: A Local's Perspective on Pay, Employers, and Life in Tennessee's Fifth-Largest City

As a career analyst who knows Clarksville intimately, I can tell you that this city offers a unique blend of small-town charm and rapid growth, fueled by its proximity to Fort Campbell. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), that means steady demand, but it's crucial to understand the local landscape—the good, the bad, and the practical realities of making a living here. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Clarksville Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The salary for a CNA in Clarksville is modest but reflects the local cost of living. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local employment reports, the median salary for a CNA in the Clarksville metro area is $34,912 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.78. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a common trend for many positions in the South, but it's balanced by a lower cost of living.

The job market for CNAs here is stable, with approximately 361 jobs available in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates consistent, reliable demand, primarily driven by the city's aging population and the healthcare needs of military families from Fort Campbell.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will grow with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Clarksville area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0 - 2 years	$30,000 - $32,500
Mid-Career	3 - 7 years	$34,000 - $37,000
Senior/Lead	8 - 15 years	$37,000 - $40,000
Expert/Specialized	15+ years or specialty certs	$40,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. Specialized roles (e.g., in dialysis or a specialty unit) can command higher pay.

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities

To put Clarksville's numbers in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against other major Tennessee cities for CNA salaries:

City	Median CNA Salary (Annual)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Clarksville	$34,912	92.1
Nashville	~$36,500	111.3
Memphis	~$33,800	85.5
Knoxville	~$34,200	91.5
Chattanooga	~$33,500	89.2

Insider Tip: While Nashville's salary is higher, its cost of living is significantly steeper, especially housing. Clarksville offers a more balanced equation where your paycheck, though lower, goes further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you factor in reality. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $34,912/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,909
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$550
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,359

Now, let's allocate that take-home pay. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Clarksville is $970/month. This doesn't include utilities, which can add another $150-$200.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR Average)	$970	41%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$180	8%
Groceries	$300	13%
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$250	11%
Health Insurance (if not employer-covered)	$150	6%
Miscellaneous (Personal, Clothing, etc.)	$200	8%
Total Essential Expenses	$2,050	87%
Remaining Discretionary Income	$309	13%

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a stretch on a single income. The median home price in Clarksville is around $260,000. A 20% down payment is $52,000. With a $309/month discretionary income, saving for that down payment would take over 13 years without interest. However, many CNAs work overtime or have a partner with an income, making homeownership a realistic long-term goal. Renting is the more feasible option for most individuals starting out.

Where the Jobs Are: Clarksville's Major Employers

Clarksville's healthcare sector is robust, anchored by several key players. The hiring trend is consistently active due to the steady patient flow from the Fort Campbell community and the general population growth.

1. TriStar Health (TriStar Montgomery County Hospital): This is the primary full-service hospital in Clarksville, part of the HCA Healthcare network. They are the largest employer for CNAs in the city, with openings in Med/Surg, Telemetry, and the Emergency Department. Insider Tip: HCA has a tuition reimbursement program, which is a major perk if you plan to advance your education.

2. Wellmont Health System (now Ballad Health): While their acute care presence is smaller in Clarksville proper, they operate several outpatient clinics and specialty centers. Check for roles in dialysis, wound care, or rehab clinics.

3. Genesis HealthCare: This national chain operates several long-term care and skilled nursing facilities in the Clarksville area, such as Heritage Medical Center. These facilities are often a primary source of CNA jobs and provide consistent schedules, though sometimes with challenging patient loads.

4. Kindred Healthcare (now BrightSpring Health Services): Operating a Kindred Hospital in Clarksville, this facility focuses on long-term acute care. CNAs here gain experience with complex, high-acuity patients, which can be a great resume builder for future roles.

5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The Fort Campbell VA Outpatient Clinic provides services to veterans. While they may hire fewer CNAs directly compared to a hospital, they are a stable employer with excellent benefits if a position opens up.

6. Fort Campbell (MHS): The Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and its clinics on post are major employers. Crucial Note: To work on base, you must be a U.S. citizen, pass a background check, and often obtain a security clearance. The pay can be competitive, and the benefits are strong.

Getting Licensed in TN

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get your Tennessee CNA license, known as being on the Nurse Aide Registry.

• If you're already a CNA in another state: Tennessee has reciprocity agreements with most states. You can apply for endorsement through the Tennessee Department of Health. You will need to provide proof of your current, active certification and potentially a background check. The cost is around $85 for the application and fingerprinting.
• If you're new to CNA work: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (typically 75-120 hours). Many local community colleges (like Austin Peay State University) and private schools in Clarksville offer these programs. After completing the course, you must pass the state competency exam (written and skills parts).
• Timeline: Reciprocity can take 4-8 weeks. A new training program takes 4-6 months from start to finish. Start the process before you move if possible.

Official Source: Always refer to the Tennessee Department of Health website for the most current application forms and fees.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are a few areas to consider:

1. Sango: This area is just east of the Fort Campbell gate and is highly popular with military families. It offers a mix of newer apartment complexes and single-family homes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,050/month
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to TriStar hospital, 20-25 minutes to downtown. Easy access to Fort Campbell Blvd.

2. St. Bethlehem: Located in the northwest part of the city, this is a commercial hub with plenty of shopping and dining. It's a bit farther from the main hospital but offers good value.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,000/month
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to TriStar hospital, 20 minutes to downtown.

3. Downtown Clarksville: If you want walkability and historic charm, downtown is the place. You'll find older apartments and lofts. The vibe is more urban, with local coffee shops and restaurants.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $975 - $1,200/month
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to TriStar hospital, walkable to many local clinics.

4. Pleasant View (15-20 mins north): If you prefer a quieter, more rural setting with larger lots and lower rent, look just outside the city limits. The trade-off is a longer commute.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $900/month (limited apartment options; more single-family rentals)
   • Commute: 25-30 minutes to the city center and hospitals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic starting point. In Clarksville, you have several paths for advancement:

• Specialty Certifications: While not always resulting in a formal title change, becoming proficient in areas like dialysis, geriatrics, or behavioral health can make you a more valuable candidate and potentially lead to higher pay in specialized units.
• Further Education: This is the most direct path to higher earnings. Many CNAs in Clarksville pursue LPN or RN degrees. Austin Peay State University (APSU) and Miller-Motte Technical College have well-regarded nursing programs. The tuition reimbursement at employers like TriStar/HCA is a key tool here.
• Lead CNA or Shift Coordinator: With experience, you can move into a lead role, overseeing other CNAs on your shift. This comes with a pay bump (moving you toward the Senior/Expert range of $40,000+) and management experience.
• Home Health Aide: Some CNAs transition into home health, which can offer more flexible schedules but may have fewer benefits. Pay is often similar, around $16-$18/hour.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is stable, not explosive. However, as the population ages and Fort Campbell remains a constant, demand for CNAs will persist. The key to long-term growth is specialization and further education. Those who advance to LPN or RN will see significantly higher salaries (LPN median in TN is ~$49,000, RN median is ~$75,000).

The Verdict: Is Clarksville Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest assessment of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from hospitals, nursing homes, and Fort Campbell.	Modest Pay: Median salary of $34,912 is below the national average.
Low Cost of Living: The 92.1 cost of living index means your paycheck goes further, especially on rent.	Limited High-Earning Potential: Without further education, salary growth plateaus in the low $40s.
Strong Community Feel: Clarksville has a blend of city amenities and Southern hospitality.	Limited Public Transit: You absolutely need a reliable car.
Proximity to Nashville: Easy day trips or weekend getaways to a major music and cultural hub.	Can Feel Crowded: The rapid growth, especially near the base, can lead to traffic congestion.
Diverse Employer Base: Options between hospital, long-term care, VA, and home health settings.	Competitive Housing Market: While rent is affordable, buying a home is challenging for a single earner.

Final Recommendation: Clarksville is an excellent choice for a CNA who is budget-conscious and values job stability over high-octane career growth. It's ideal for those just starting out, military spouses seeking a portable career, or anyone looking for a manageable pace of life with access to a larger city (Nashville) nearby. If your primary goal is to maximize your CNA salary immediately, you might look elsewhere. But if you're planning to use your CNA role as a stepping stone to an LPN or RN degree in a supportive, affordable environment, Clarksville is a smart strategic move.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the CNA job market in Clarksville?
It's competitive but in a healthy way. There are always openings, but employers look for reliable, certified candidates with a clean record. Having a Tennessee license or having applied for reciprocity before you apply will give you a significant edge.

2. What's the typical schedule for a CNA in Clarksville?
12-hour shifts (7 a.m.-7 p.m. or 7 p.m.-7 a.m.) are common in hospitals and nursing homes, often working 3 days a week. This can be a huge benefit for work-life balance. Clinic and home health roles may offer more traditional 8-hour day shifts.

3. Is working at Fort Campbell an option for a civilian CNA?
Yes, but with hurdles. You must be a U.S. citizen, pass a thorough background check, and often obtain a security clearance. It's a great long-term goal if you meet the requirements, as the job security and benefits are excellent.

4. How does the cost of living in Clarksville compare to nearby Nashville?
Nashville's cost of living is over 20% higher, with housing costs being the biggest differentiator. A comparable apartment in Nashville might cost $1,300-$1,500/month. While Nashville CNA salaries are slightly higher, they don't fully offset the increased living expenses.

5. Can I live in Kentucky and commute to Clarksville for work?
Absolutely. Many people live in nearby Hopkinsville, KY, and cross the state line for work. The commute is short (20-30 minutes), and Kentucky has lower income tax rates. However, you must ensure your CNA license is valid for Tennessee practice.