Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Fayetteville, AR

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the job market in Fayetteville closely, and for a Nursing Assistant (CNA), the financial picture is a mix of affordability and modest wages. The median salary for a CNA in the Fayetteville metro area is $34,794/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.73/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, reflecting the region's lower cost of living and the prevalence of non-profit and public healthcare systems that cap wages.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of typical earnings based on experience level within the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range (Annual)	Key Factors in Fayetteville
Entry-Level	$29,000 - $32,000	Often starts at nursing homes like Quapaw Care Center or as a tech at Washington Regional. Willingness to work weekends/night shifts is key.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$33,000 - $37,000	Consistent experience at major hospitals (Mercy, Arkansas Children's Northwest) or specialty clinics. May hold a lead CNA role.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$36,000 - $41,000	Often in charge nurse roles, rehab units, or home health. Long tenure at a single employer yields the best increases here.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$40,000 - $45,000+	Typically in management (CNA coordinator), education (CNA instructor), or a highly specialized role (e.g., dialysis tech).

Comparison to Other Arkansas Cities: Fayetteville's pay is competitive with similar-sized markets but trails Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas's Bentonville area. A CNA in Little Rock might see a median closer to $36,500, due to a higher concentration of large hospital systems and a slightly higher cost of living. Bentonville, with its corporate healthcare clinics serving Walmart headquarters, often leads the state in CNA wages, sometimes offering starting pay at $18-19/hour. However, Fayetteville's lifestyle—proximity to the University of Arkansas, a vibrant downtown, and lower housing costs—often offsets the wage gap for many.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. With a median salary of $34,794, your monthly take-home pay after estimated taxes (federal, state, and FICA) will be roughly $2,250 - $2,350. The real magic of Fayetteville is the cost of living, which sits at a 91.0 index (US avg = 100).

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA living in Fayetteville:

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,899
• Estimated Taxes (22%): ~$638
• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,261
• Rent (Average 1BR): -$924
• Utilities (Avg.): -$150
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$150
• Car Payment & Insurance: -$350
• Groceries: -$300
• Gas/Transportation: -$120
• Misc. (Phone, Personal): -$100
• Remaining (Savings/Debt): ~$167

Can they afford to buy a home? It's possible, but not immediately on a single CNA income. The median home price in Fayetteville is around $275,000. On a $34,794 salary, a lender would likely approve you for a mortgage of roughly $120,000 - $140,000. This means buying a home alone would require a substantial down payment (20%+) or looking at more affordable housing options in surrounding areas like Springdale or Rogers. A more common path for CNAs in Fayetteville is buying a duplex or a starter home in older neighborhoods like Leverett Gardens or Washington Heights after a few years of saving and potential wage growth.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

Fayetteville’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by the University of Arkansas, with a few major players dominating the CNA job market. The Jobs in Metro: 203 figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a steady demand, with turnover typical in nursing homes and active hiring in hospitals and home health.

1. Washington Regional Medical Center: As the primary non-profit hospital in town, this is a top employer. They hire CNAs for their med-surg, rehab, and ICU units. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with BLS/CPR certification. It’s a stable employer with good benefits, though wages are at the median level.

2. Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville location): Part of the larger Mercy system, this hospital offers a clear career path. They have a dedicated "Patient Care Tech" (CNA) role with opportunities for specialty training. Their hiring is cyclical, often ramping up in late summer for winter flu season.

3. Arkansas Children’s Northwest: This newer, state-of-the-art hospital is a major employer and often pays slightly more than the median due to its specialty. Hiring is competitive and requires pediatric experience or a strong desire to work with children. They have a very active staffing pool.

4. Quapaw Care Center & Other Local Nursing Homes: For foundational experience, local nursing homes are almost always hiring. Quapaw, located near downtown, is a common starting point. The work is demanding, but you gain diverse patient care experience quickly. Turnover can be high, making it a good place for a new CNA to cut their teeth.

5. Northwest Arkansas Home Health: The home health sector is growing with the aging population. Agencies like Encompass Health or Arkansas Home Health hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers more flexible schedules but less consistent patient interaction. It's a great option for those seeking non-traditional hours.

6. University of Arkansas Health Services: The UA campus clinic and student health services hire CNAs for basic patient care and administrative roles. This is a hidden gem for those who prefer a daytime, M-F schedule in a less intense setting than a hospital.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised. Walk into the HR departments of Washington Regional or Mercy with a resume in hand. Fayetteville operates on a "who you know" network, especially in healthcare. Attend a job fair at the University of Arkansas' College of Nursing or the Arkansas Career & Technical Education Center in Springdale.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

To work as a CNA in Arkansas, you must be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes classroom and clinical hours. In Fayetteville, reputable programs are offered at:

   • NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville: A top choice with a solid reputation.
   • Arkansas Career & Technical Education Center in Springdale.
   • Various private facilitators like CNA Institute of Arkansas. Tuition typically ranges from $800 - $1,200, though some employers like nursing homes may cover this cost if you commit to working for them for a set period.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state-written exam and a skills evaluation. The exam fee is approximately $100 - $150.

3. Submit Your Application: Once you pass, you'll be added to the registry. You can start working immediately while waiting for your official card.

Timeline: From start to finish, expect 2-4 months. Many programs have waiting lists, so apply early. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) website is the official source for all forms and lists of approved programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Fayetteville is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. A CNA's salary goes further in certain areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / Dickson St.	Walkable, vibrant, young. 5-10 mins to Mercy Hospital. Parking can be tough.	$1,000 - $1,250	Those who want nightlife and a short walk to work, but it's tight on a $34k budget.
Leverett Gardens	Older, charming, quiet. 10-15 mins to most hospitals. Strong sense of community.	$800 - $950	The best value for a quiet residential feel close to everything. Very popular with young healthcare workers.
Washington Heights	Family-oriented, near U of A. 10-15 min commute. More apartment options.	$850 - $1,000	Good for those who want a suburban feel but remain close to campus amenities.
Rogers (Eastside)	Modern, planned, more car-dependent. 20-25 min commute to Fayetteville hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	If you work at Mercy or Arkansas Children's and don't mind a slightly longer drive for newer housing.
Springdale (Westside)	Diverse, growing, slightly lower cost of living. 15-20 min commute to Fayetteville.	$750 - $900	The most affordable option. Great for saving money, especially if you work at Washington Regional.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area directly around the University of Arkansas Greek Row unless you're a student. The noise and traffic are not ideal for a healthcare worker's odd hours. Look south or east of the campus for better deals and quieter streets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the region is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive. To advance, you must be proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with certifications in geriatrics, dementia care, or dialysis can command a 5-10% higher wage. Training is often offered by employers. For example, working in the rehab unit at Washington Regional or the dialysis center at Mercy comes with a slight pay bump and valuable experience.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). NWACC and other local schools offer LPN programs. This is a 12-18 month commitment that can increase your earning potential to $45,000 - $55,000+ in Fayetteville. Another path is into healthcare administration or CNA instruction, which often requires an Associate's Degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable due to the aging population. However, competition for the best hospital jobs will increase. CNAs who gain experience in home health or specialty units will have the most flexibility and leverage. The rise of telehealth may also create new roles for patient care techs in remote support.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (91.0): Your $34,794 salary goes much further than in most US cities.	Below-Median Wages: The $16.73/hour median pay is lower than the national average and nearby Bentonville.
Steady Job Market: With 203 jobs and major employers, finding a CNA position is feasible.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche medical facilities compared to Little Rock, potentially limiting career exploration.
Vibrant Community: The University of Arkansas brings energy, sports, and cultural events.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be slow, especially around the I-49/I-540 corridors during peak hours.
Outdoor Access: Easy access to the Ozarks for hiking and biking.	High Rent for Salary: The average 1BR rent of $924/month is over 30% of your gross income, a tight squeeze.

Final Recommendation: Fayetteville is an excellent choice for a new CNA or one seeking a balanced lifestyle with a lower cost of living. It’s ideal if you value outdoor activities, a college-town vibe, and stable employment over maximizing your salary from day one. It may be less ideal for a CNA with significant student debt or one whose primary goal is rapid financial advancement, unless you are willing to commute to higher-paying markets in Bentonville. For those willing to start in a nursing home or home health to gain experience, Fayetteville offers a supportive community to build a life and a career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the CNA job market in Fayetteville?
A: It's moderately competitive. The 203 jobs in the metro area provide options, but the best positions at Washington Regional and Mercy are sought after. Having a clean background check, BLS certification, and being willing to work nights/weekends will make you a strong candidate.

Q: Is it worth commuting from Fayetteville to Bentonville for higher pay?
A: It depends on your priorities. A CNA in Bentonville might make $2-3 more per hour, but you'll spend that on gas and time in traffic (30-45 minutes each way). If you find a high-paying job in Bentonville and carpool, it can be worthwhile. For many, the slightly lower wage in Fayetteville is offset by the shorter commute and local lifestyle.

Q: What is the most important quality for a CNA in Fayetteville?
A: Reliability. With the tight job market and specific shift needs (especially in hospitals), employers value punctuality and a strong work ethic above all else. In my experience, a reliable CNA with a positive attitude will always find a job, even if they need to start at a nursing home.

Q: Can I work as a CNA in Fayetteville with a certification from another state?
A: Yes, but you must apply for reciprocity. Arkansas generally recognizes certifications from other states if they meet similar standards. You'll need to submit an application to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (through the DHS) with proof of your out-of-state certification and potentially take a skills evaluation. Start this process before you move.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes, especially at hospitals and nursing homes. Overtime is often available for weekends, holidays, and covering short-staffed shifts. It’s a common way for CNAs to boost their annual earnings beyond the $34,794 median. In my observations, those who are flexible can often add several thousand dollars to their yearly income through overtime.