Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Enterprise CDP, NV

The Salary Picture: Where Enterprise CDP Stands

Living and working as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Enterprise, NV, isn’t about making it big; it’s about stability in a region with a surprisingly low cost of living. The median salary for a CNA here is $35,481/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.06/hour. This places you almost exactly on par with the national average of $35,760/year, a fact that’s more significant than it seems. In many rural areas, healthcare wages lag far behind the U.S. average, but Enterprise’s proximity to the Las Vegas metropolitan area keeps wages competitive.

To understand what this means in real terms, let’s break down the salary by experience level. While there’s no official state-mandated pay scale, local hiring trends and union agreements (where applicable) create a recognizable progression.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Estimate)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	Basic patient care, vital signs, assisting with ADLs under close supervision.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$36,000 - $40,000	Increased independence, training new CNAs, specialized unit experience (e.g., rehab).
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$40,000 - $45,000	Charge CNA roles, complex patient care, mentoring, committee work.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$45,000+	CNA II/Certified Medication Aide roles, clinical educator, or moving into management.

When you compare Enterprise to other Nevada cities, the picture becomes clearer. The Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metro area, where Enterprise is a statistical area, has a higher cost of living, but salaries for CNAs are often similar. In Reno, for example, the median CNA salary might be slightly higher, but the housing costs are proportionally more burdensome. Rural towns like Elko or Winnemucca might offer lower salaries and fewer employer options. Enterprise offers a unique middle ground: access to the Las Vegas job market without the corresponding downtown Las Vegas price tag for housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $35,481, your take-home pay in Nevada—which has no state income tax—will be approximately $27,000 to $28,000 after federal taxes and FICA. This is a significant advantage, but housing costs will be your largest expense. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Enterprise is $1,314/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary in Enterprise:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Tax)	~$2,300	Based on $35,481 annual gross.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,314	The single largest expense.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150	NV can be hot; A/C costs are real.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$300	Essential in this car-dependent area.
Gas/Transportation	-$100	Commuting to hospitals.
Groceries	-$300
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	-$150
Misc./Savings	-$86	Leaves little room for error.

Can you afford to buy a home? On a single median CNA income, it’s a significant challenge. With a $1,314 rent payment, saving for a down payment is difficult. The median home price in the broader Las Vegas metro is well over $400,000. To qualify for a mortgage, you’d need a household income closer to $80,000+. This makes homeownership a long-term goal that typically requires a dual-income household or significant career advancement into higher-paying nursing roles (LVN/RN).

Where the Jobs Are: Enterprise CDP's Major Employers

Enterprise isn’t a standalone city with its own hospital; it’s a community within the Las Vegas Valley. Your job search will focus on the major medical centers that serve the entire region, many of which are minutes from Enterprise neighborhoods. The metro area has 487 jobs for CNAs, reflecting steady demand.

1. MountainView Hospital: Located just east of Enterprise in the Las Vegas Strip area, this is a major employer. They have a dedicated Rehabilitation Unit and Med-Surg floors. Hiring is frequent, and they often offer sign-on bonuses for night shifts.
2. Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center: A Level II Trauma Center and the largest hospital in the valley, it’s a 15-20 minute commute from most of Enterprise. They have vast opportunities in ER, ICU, and pediatrics (Sunrise Children’s Hospital). It’s a teaching hospital, so great for learning.
3. University Medical Center (UMC): The public safety-net hospital. It’s known for high-acuity patients and serves a diverse population. UMC often has strong benefits packages and opportunities for tuition reimbursement, making it a strategic choice for those planning to advance their education.
4. The Valley Health System (Multiple Locations): Includes Spring Valley Hospital (on the west side, very close to Enterprise) and Centennial Hills Hospital. These facilities are often seen as slightly less chaotic than the downtown giants, with a strong community feel. Spring Valley is particularly convenient for Enterprise residents.
5. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children: While not a traditional hospital, this nonprofit in nearby Henderson provides residential care for abused and neglected children. CNAs with a passion for pediatrics and behavioral health can find unique, rewarding roles here.
6. SNFs (Skilled Nursing Facilities) and Assisted Living: Enterprise is surrounded by facilities like The Legacy House and Silverado Sierra Vista. These offer regular hours (often 9-5) and a closer patient relationship, though pay can be slightly lower than acute care hospitals.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Enterprise "float" between per-diem hospital work and a steady schedule at a SNF. The hospitals offer higher pay and experience, while the facilities offer consistency. Don't limit your search to one type of facility.

Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada’s requirements are straightforward but strict. You must be certified by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must graduate from a state-approved CNA program. These are offered at community colleges (like Nevada State College), vocational schools, and some private institutions. The course is typically 75 hours (including clinicals) and costs between $600 - $1,200.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After graduation, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration test administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Submit Application to the Registry: Once you pass, you apply to the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry. There is a small application fee. Your certification is active for 24 months.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory. This must be done through a vendor approved by the Board. The cost is roughly $50-$75.

Total estimated startup cost: $800 - $1,425 (excluding living expenses during training).
Timeline: From enrollment to working, expect 2-4 months. Many programs have waitlists, so plan ahead. Once certified, you must work at least 16 hours for pay every 24 months to remain active.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live in Enterprise depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Spring Valley (West of I-15): This is the heart of Enterprise. It’s dense with apartments, shops, and is closest to Spring Valley Hospital. Commute to most hospitals is 10-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR averages $1,300 - $1,400. Ideal for those who want a short, predictable commute.
2. The Lakes / Southern Highlands: A more residential, family-oriented area on the west side of the valley. It’s a longer commute (25-35 mins) to the central hospital cluster but offers more space, parks, and slightly newer apartment complexes. Rent is similar, $1,350 - $1,500, for a bit more square footage. Good for night shift workers avoiding daytime traffic.
3. West Charleston (near Summerlin): This area borders Enterprise and offers access to the amenities of Summerlin (dining, shopping) without the premium price tag. Commute to Sunrise or MountainView is 15-25 minutes. It’s a bit more upscale; 1BR rent can be $1,400+.
4. Enterprise Core (Near the 215 Beltway): Areas around the I-215 and Las Vegas Blvd intersection are incredibly convenient. You’re a 10-minute drive from the airport and centrally located to all major roads. It’s busy and less quiet, but the commute flexibility is unmatched. Rent is right at the average: $1,300 - $1,350.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-15 and US-95 is severe during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work a standard 7 AM - 3 PM shift, living in Spring Valley or the Enterprise core is a major quality-of-life benefit. Night shift workers have more flexibility.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% 10-year job growth for CNAs in the metro area is modest, reflecting a mature market. The real growth is in specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Certifications: While not always tied to an immediate raise, certifications in geriatrics, dementia care, or phlebotomy make you a more competitive candidate. Some hospitals offer a small differential for CNAs with advanced skills.
• The LVN/RN Bridge: This is the most common and lucrative path. Many local community colleges (College of Southern Nevada, Nevada State College) offer LPN-to-RN and CNA-to-LVN programs. With Nevada’s no-state-tax policy, the return on investment for nursing education is high. An RN in the Vegas area can earn $65,000 - $90,000+, fundamentally changing your financial outlook.
• Leadership Roles: Experienced CNAs can become CNA II (a formal title in some health systems), Charge CNAs, or Clinical Instructors for new hires. These roles come with a pay bump and more responsibility.
• Non-Traditional Paths: CNAs with experience can transition to Medical Assistant roles in clinics, Home Health Aide agencies (which can be more flexible), or Patient Care Technicians in dialysis centers, which often have specialized training and pay.

The 10-year outlook is stable. The aging population ensures a steady demand for hands-on care. However, to outpace inflation and build a true career, the CNAs who succeed are those who view the role as a stepping stone, not a destination.

The Verdict: Is Enterprise CDP Right for You?

Pros:

• No state income tax stretches your $35,481 salary further.
• Proximity to a large, diverse job market with 487+ jobs.
• Relatively affordable housing compared to other major metros (Rent: $1,314).
• Year-round warm weather (a plus for some, a con for others).
• Easy access to entertainment and dining if you have the energy after a 12-hour shift.

Cons:

• High summer temperatures (often 100°F+) can be draining.
• Traffic congestion is a daily reality for commuters.
• The healthcare system can feel impersonal and high-volume.
• Social services and patient-to-staff ratios can be challenging.
• Limited public transportation makes a reliable car a necessity.

Factor	Enterprise CDP
Salary vs. Cost of Living	Favorable (Median: $35,481, CoL Index: 97.4)
Job Availability	Strong (487 jobs, 4% growth)
Career Advancement	Good (Clear path to LVN/RN via local colleges)
Housing Affordability	Challenging on a single CNA income
Lifestyle	Urban-suburban, car-dependent, active

Final Recommendation: Enterprise is an excellent choice for a CNA who is financially disciplined and has a clear career plan. The region offers a stable job market and the potential to build a life, but it’s not a place to get comfortable on a CNA salary alone. If you are willing to pursue further education (LVN/RN) within 3-5 years, it’s a strategic location to launch your career. If you want to stay a CNA long-term and own a home, you will likely need a partner with a second income.

FAQs

Q: How much does a CNA make in Enterprise, NV?
A: The median salary is $35,481/year or $17.06/hour, which is very close to the national average of $35,760.

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a CNA in Enterprise?
A: No, the job market is active. With 487 jobs in the metro area and 4% projected growth, there is steady demand, especially for those willing to work night/weekend shifts or in skilled nursing facilities.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for CNAs in Enterprise?
A: The two biggest challenges are the high summer heat and traffic. Additionally, while rent ($1,314) is lower than in coastal cities, it can still consume a large portion of a CNA’s take-home pay, making budgeting essential.

Q: Can I get my CNA license in Nevada if I’m already certified in another state?
A: Yes, Nevada has reciprocity. You must submit an application to the Nevada Board of Nursing with proof of your current certification from your home state's registry. There may be a small fee, and you must meet Nevada's background check standards.

Q: Where should I live if I work night shift?
A: Consider the West Charleston or Lakes/Southern Highlands areas. They are generally quieter during the day, which is crucial for daytime sleep. The Enterprise core near the 215 is also good, but ensure your apartment has blackout curtains and good insulation from street noise.