Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Coral Springs, FL

A Local Analyst's Guide to Nursing Assistant (CNA) Careers in Coral Springs, FL

Welcome to Coral Springs. If you’re a CNA considering a move here, you’re looking at a stable, suburban city with a consistent demand for healthcare workers. This isn’t Miami’s hustle or West Palm’s coastal vibe; it’s a planned community built for families, with a strong network of hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. As a local, I can tell you the rhythm here is steady. The job market is solid, but it’s also competitive. You need to know where the opportunities are, what the pay really looks like after rent, and how to navigate the local healthcare landscape. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground insights to give you a realistic picture.

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The Salary Picture: Where Coral Springs Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In the Coral Springs metro area, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $37,025 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.8. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760, but it’s crucial to understand the local context. The job market here is tight, with approximately 269 open positions in the metro at any given time. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth has been modest at 4%, reflecting a mature, stable market rather than a booming one.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in the Coral Springs area. Note that these are local estimates based on BLS data and regional job postings.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often start in long-term care or home health. Certification is the key barrier.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	May specialize (dementia care, rehab) or move to hospital roles. Premium pay for night shifts.
Senior (8-15 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Often leads to CNA II, mentorship roles, or transition into unit coordinators.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$48,000+	Typically in supervisory roles, education, or high-acuity settings like surgical floors.

How Coral Springs Compares to Other Florida Cities

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale: Higher cost of living, salaries range $38,000 - $42,000 for mid-career CNAs.
• Tampa: Similar cost of living, median salary around $36,500.
• Jacksonville: Lower cost of living, median salary is closer to $34,000.
• Orlando: Median salary is $36,200, but growth is faster (6%) due to tourism and expansion.

Coral Springs offers a middle ground: slightly better pay than Jacksonville, lower than Miami, with a more affordable lifestyle than Fort Lauderdale.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a CNA earning the median salary of $37,025. We’ll use a single filer with no dependents for simplicity.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay

• Gross Monthly: $3,085
• Federal Tax (approx. 12%): -$370
• FICA (7.65%): -$236
• FL State Tax: $0 (no state income tax)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,479

Monthly Budget Breakdown

• Rent (1BR average): $1,621
• Utilities (electric, water, internet): ~$200
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance (essential in FL): $450
• Gas: $150
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $200
• Miscellaneous (phone, clothes, etc.): $200
• Total Expenses: $3,171

The Math: There’s a $692 monthly deficit on a single income. This is the reality. To make it work, you’ll need:

1. A roommate to split rent, which can bring housing costs down to ~$800/month.
2. A dual-income household (partner or spouse with income).
3. Overtime or a second part-time shift (common in healthcare).
4. Starting in a lower-rent area (see “Best Neighborhoods” below).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a $37,025 salary, homeownership in Coral Springs is very challenging. The median home price is over $450,000. A 20% down payment would be $90,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$15,750), the mortgage, taxes, and insurance would exceed $2,800/month—roughly 115% of your net income. It’s not feasible without significant savings, a major salary increase, or a dual-income household. Renting is the practical choice for most early-career CNAs here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Coral Springs's Major Employers

The local healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few key players. Most CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, or home health agencies. Here’s a breakdown of major employers and hiring trends.

Employer	Type	Specialty/Notes	Hiring Trend
Broward Health Coral Springs	Hospital (Part of Broward Health System)	General acute care, ER, women’s health. The largest local employer.	Steady. They often post for Med/Surg and Telemetry CNAs. Night shift premiums (up to $3-$4/hr extra).
The Manor at Coral Springs	Long-Term Care/Skilled Nursing	One of the larger local facilities. Offers rehab and memory care.	Consistent. High turnover means frequent openings, but can be a grind. Good for experience.
Westside Regional Medical Center	Hospital (in nearby Plantation, 15-min drive)	Part of HCA Healthcare. Slightly larger than Broward Health Coral Springs.	Active. HCA systems often have internal training programs for CNA to LPN.
Sunrise Senior Living	Assisted Living/Memory Care	Located in Coral Springs. Focus on dementia and assisted living care.	Targeted. They prefer CNAs with geriatric experience. Strong emphasis on compassionate care.
Vitas Healthcare	Hospice/Home Health	Serves the entire Broward County area. Field work, patient homes.	Growing. Demand is increasing with an aging population. Requires reliable transportation.
Broward County Public Schools	School District	CNA roles in special education, health clinics for diabetic/asthma management.	Niche. Few openings, highly competitive. Summers off, regular hours.
Home Instead	Home Care Agency	Non-medical and skilled home care. Flexible scheduling.	High. Constant demand for weekend/evening shifts. Good supplementary income.

Insider Tip: Broward Health Coral Springs is the go-to for hospital experience. They often post jobs directly on their website and via Indeed. The key is to apply for “CNA” roles, but also look for “Patient Care Technician” (PCT) postings—they often have the same duties and pay. For home health, Vitas and Home Instead are reputable, but ensure they offer mileage reimbursement and training.

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Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s licensing is straightforward but requires specific steps. If you’re moving from another state, you must apply for reciprocity.

Steps for a New CNA in Florida:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: 120 hours (75 classroom, 45 clinical). Cost: $400 - $1,200 (community colleges like Broward College are cheaper; private schools are faster).
2. Pass the State Exam: Written and skills test. Exam fee: $155.
3. Register with the Florida Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass, you’re added to the registry. No separate license; you work under your registry number.
4. Background Check: Required by employers. Cost: $50 - $75.

For Out-of-State CNAs:

• Apply for reciprocity through the Florida Board of Nursing.
• If your certification is still active, you can often work while the application is processed.
• If expired, you’ll need to retake the exam.

Timeline:

• Training: 4-12 weeks (depending on program).
• Exam & Registry: 2-4 weeks after training.
• Job Search: Start applying during training. Many employers hire conditionally pending exam results.

Insider Tip: Broward College in Davie (15-20 min from Coral Springs) offers one of the most affordable and respected programs. Their job placement rate is high. Avoid “diploma mills” that promise quick certification but have poor exam pass rates.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Coral Springs is divided into several planned communities. Your choice depends on budget, commute, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute to Major Employers	Vibe & Notes
Coral Springs (Central)	$1,600 - $1,800	5-15 min to Broward Health, Manor, Sunrise	The heart of the city. Walkable to parks and shops. Higher rent, but minimal commute.
Pinebrook	$1,400 - $1,600	10-20 min to all employers	Older, more affordable homes and apartments. Family-oriented, quiet. Good for roommates.
The Woodlands	$1,500 - $1,700	10-15 min to hospitals	Upscale, newer constructions. Higher rent but safer, with amenities. Less parking.
Coral Bay	$1,300 - $1,550	15-25 min to hospitals	Budget-friendly, near the Margate border. More diverse, less polished. Best for saving on rent.
Turtle Run	$1,700 - $1,900	15-20 min to hospitals	Golf course community. Very quiet, low crime. Rent is premium, but you get space.

Insider Tip: If you’re working at Broward Health Coral Springs, living in Coral Bay or Pinebrook gives you a quick commute via Sample Road or Royal Palm Blvd—both main arteries. Avoid rush hour traffic on I-95 if you work in Plantation (Westside Regional). For home health/Vitas, central Coral Springs is ideal for easy access to all of Broward County.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest, but there are clear advancement paths for proactive CNAs.

Specialty Premiums:

• Geriatric/Dementia Care: +$1-$2/hr (high demand in Sunrise Senior Living).
• Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy Assistant aide): +$1.50/hr (common in hospital settings).
• Hospice/Home Health: +$2-$3/hr (requires additional certification in palliative care).
• Night/Weekend Shifts: +$3-$4/hr in hospitals (Broward Health, Westside Regional).

Advancement Paths:

1. CNA II or Lead CNA: With 2+ years experience, you can supervise new hires. Pay increases to $40,000-$45,000.
2. Bridge to LPN/RN: Many local CNAs enroll in Broward College’s LPN program (12-18 months). LPN median salary in FL is $54,000.
3. Specialized Certifications: Become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) or pursue a dialysis technician certificate. These add $3-$5/hr to your pay.
4. Non-Clinical Roles: Transition to healthcare administration, scheduling, or patient advocacy with additional education.

10-Year Outlook: While growth is slow, the aging population ensures steady demand. The key is to specialize early. CNAs with geriatric or rehab experience will always be needed. The move to LPN is the most reliable salary booster, and local employers like Broward Health often offer tuition assistance for continuing education.

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The Verdict: Is Coral Springs Right for You?

Here’s a honest breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major employers like Broward Health.	High rent relative to salary; requires budgeting or roommates.
No state income tax helps your take-home pay.	Cost of living index (111.8) is above national average, especially for housing and insurance.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with good schools and parks.	Car-dependent city; public transit is limited. A reliable car is a must.
Proximity to Fort Lauderdale & Miami for career/networking.	Competitive job market for the best positions (hospital jobs are coveted).
Strong healthcare network for future advancement (LPN/RN).	Limited nightlife/social scene for young singles; it’s a quiet suburb.

Final Recommendation:
Coral Springs is a strong choice for a CNA seeking stability and a family-oriented environment. It’s not a place to get rich quickly, but it offers a clear path for growth if you specialize. If you’re single, you’ll need a roommate. If you have a partner or family, it’s much more manageable. For those looking to advance to LPN/RN, the local college systems and employer tuition benefits make it an excellent launchpad. If you’re seeking a vibrant, walkable city with a low cost of living, look to Jacksonville or Tampa instead. For a balanced, suburban healthcare career, Coral Springs fits the bill.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Coral Springs?
It’s moderately competitive. You’ll have an edge if you complete your training at a local school like Broward College and apply for hospital roles (Broward Health, Westside Regional). Long-term care facilities like The Manor have higher turnover and are more accessible for new grads.

2. What’s the typical interview process for a CNA job here?
Expect a standard interview (panel or one-on-one) with scenario-based questions (e.g., “How would you handle a confused patient?”). Hospitals will also require a skills test (e.g., making a bed, taking vitals). Background checks are mandatory. The process can take 2-4 weeks.

3. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially in hospitals and home health. Overtime pay is time-and-a-half ($26.70/hr). Many CNAs work 12-hour shifts, which can lead to 36-40 hours in 3 days, leaving 4 days off—though overtime often means picking up extra shifts on weekends.

4. What’s the weather like, and does it affect the job?
Hot and humid summers (May-October) with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild. The job itself is indoors, but if you work home health, you’ll need a reliable car with AC and good tires. Hurricanes are a concern; healthcare workers are often essential during storms, so be prepared for mandatory overtime.

5. How do I find affordable housing as a CNA?
Focus on Pinebrook and Coral Bay for lower rents. Consider a roommate to split costs. Some employers, like Vitas or Home Instead, offer flexible schedules that allow for a second part-time job. Also, look for apartments that include utilities—this can save $100+/month.

Data Sources:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2023).
• Florida Board of Nursing (Certification & Licensing).
• U.S. Census Bureau (Population, Rent Data).
• Local Job Postings (Indeed, Glassdoor, Employer Websites).
• Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).