Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Fayetteville, NC

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Fayetteville, NC.

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A Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Fayetteville is a city built on two distinct pillars: its deep connection to the United States Army, centered around Fort Bragg, and its role as the primary healthcare hub for the Sandhills region. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), this creates a unique job market. You're not just looking at a standard aging population; you're looking at a population of veterans, active-duty families, and a growing civilian sector. This guide is written from the perspective of someone who knows the local landscape, from the traffic on Raeford Road to the quiet neighborhoods of Haymount. Let's get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

The first question for any career move is: Can I make a living here? The numbers tell a clear story. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Fayetteville metro area is $34,837/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.75/hour.

To put this in perspective, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year. This means Fayetteville's median is about $923 below the national average, or roughly 2.6% lower. This is important context. It’s not a dramatic gap, but it’s a consistent one. The cost of living here is a key factor in making that salary work (more on that later).

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes on the Fayetteville Market |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-1 year) | $30,000 - $32,000 | New CNAs often start in long-term care or home health. The $16.75/hour median is a common starting point. |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $34,000 - $36,000 | With experience, you can move to hospitals like Cape Fear Valley or specialty clinics. This is where the median salary sits. |
| Senior-Level (5-9 years) | $36,500 - $39,000 | Specialization (e.g., dialysis, psychiatric) or lead CNA roles in a facility can push you above the median. |
| Expert/Specialized (10+ years) | $40,000+ | CNAs who become State-Registered Medication Aides (SRMA) or move into education/coordination roles see the highest earnings. |

How Fayetteville Compares to Other NC Cities:
It’s crucial to see where Fayetteville fits within North Carolina.

• Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia: Median is closer to $38,500. The cost of living, however, is significantly higher.
• Raleigh-Cary: Median is approximately $37,200. The job market is larger and more competitive.
• Greensboro-High Point: Median is roughly $34,500, very similar to Fayetteville.
• Asheville: Median is about $36,000, but the cost of living is notoriously high, often outpacing wages.

Fayetteville offers stability. There are 419 jobs in the metro area for Nursing Assistants. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady. This is a market for those who want reliable work, not necessarily rapid, competitive advancement.

Insider Tip: The $16.75/hour figure is a solid baseline. However, many facilities, especially those with weekend or night shifts, offer differentials of $2.00 to $3.50/hour for those hours. A CNA working nights at a nursing home can often bring home closer to $19.00/hour. Always ask about shift differentials during an interview.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s take the median salary of $34,837 and see what life actually looks like.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimate for a Single CNA):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,903 (34,837 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~ $550 (This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~ $2,353/month

Monthly Costs:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,120/month (City-wide average)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $180 - $220/month
• Groceries: $300 - $350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $550/month (Essential in Fayetteville; public transport is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $200 - $350/month (varies widely)
• Miscellaneous (Savings, Personal): $200 - $300/month

The Bottom Line: After essential expenses, a CNA earning the median wage has a slim margin. The Cost of Living Index is 91.4 (US avg = 100), which helps. Fayetteville is about 8.6% cheaper than the national average, largely due to housing costs. The average rent of $1,120 is manageable on a $2,353 net income, but it requires a strict budget. You will not be living lavishly on a single CNA income, but you can live comfortably if you are financially disciplined.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single CNA salary of $34,837, buying a home is a significant challenge. Lenders typically suggest your monthly housing payment (including taxes and insurance) should not exceed 28-30% of your gross income. For a CNA, that’s about $813 - $871/month. In Fayetteville, the median home price hovers around $240,000 - $260,000. A 30-year mortgage on a $250,000 home with a minimum down payment would likely result in a monthly payment well over $1,500. This is not feasible on a single CNA's income. However, two-income households (e.g., a dual-CNA household) or those with a partner in a different field can absolutely achieve homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

The healthcare job market here is dominated by a few key players. Knowing them is your first step.

1. Cape Fear Valley Health System: The 850-bed flagship hospital in Fayetteville, plus a network of clinics and a new hospital in Bladen County. This is the largest employer in the region. They hire CNAs for their Medical-Surgical floors, Emergency Department (as Techs), and long-term care facilities. Hiring is continuous, but competition for hospital positions can be fierce.
2. Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation: A major local provider of long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. They have multiple locations in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. This is a prime spot for new CNAs to get experience. They are known for having steady openings.
3. The VA Healthcare System: The Fort Bragg VA Clinic and the nearby Fayetteville VA Medical Center in Southern Pines (about a 25-minute drive) serve the massive veteran population. VA jobs are federal positions, offering excellent benefits and job security. The hiring process is slow but worth the wait.
4. Heritage Nursing Home: A well-established, family-owned skilled nursing facility in the heart of Fayetteville. They have a reputation for a more personal touch and are a common first job for local CNA graduates.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like BrightStar Care and Comfort Keepers are always hiring for in-home care. This offers more flexible schedules but less consistent hours. It's a great option for CNAs who are also parents or students.
6. Fort Bragg Soldier Readiness Processing (SRP) Center: While not a traditional medical facility, the SRP center employs CNAs and Medical Assistants for administrative and basic health screening tasks related to deploying soldiers. It’s a unique niche that offers a federal pay scale.
7. Senior Living Communities (Assisted Living/Memory Care): Facilities like Brookdale Fayetteville or Carolina Reserve of Fayetteville focus on assisted living, which requires CNAs but is often less physically demanding than skilled nursing.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent demand, but many of the best hospital jobs require at least 6-12 months of experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Insider Tip: If you're new, start at a nursing home (like Liberty or Heritage) to build your skills and resume, then leverage that experience to apply for a position at Cape Fear Valley or the VA.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina’s licensing process is straightforward but must be followed precisely.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, split between classroom instruction and clinical practice. In Fayetteville, this is primarily offered at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and several private schools like Miller-Motte Technical College and Carolina College of Health Sciences. FTCC is the most affordable option.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. It consists of a written (or oral) portion and a skills demonstration. You must pass both to be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry.
3. Apply for Listing on the NC Registry: Once you pass the exam, you are automatically added to the registry. There is no separate state license you carry; employers verify your status directly on the registry.

Costs and Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: FTCC’s program typically costs between $200 - $300 (plus books/uniforms). Private schools can cost $1,200 - $2,500.
• Exam Fee: $114 (Pearson VUE fee).
• Total Estimated Cost: $300 - $3000+ depending on the program you choose.
• Timeline: From start to registry listing, you can expect 3 to 5 months. FTCC’s program runs for one semester (approximately 15-16 weeks).

Insider Tip: FTCC often partners with local employers for clinical placements. This is a fantastic networking opportunity. A good clinical performance at a facility like Cape Fear Valley or Heritage can lead to a job offer before you even graduate.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Fayetteville will heavily influence your commute and quality of life.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Haymount	Historic, charming, walkable. Close to downtown and Cape Fear Valley hospital (5-10 min). Older homes, some rentals.	$900 - $1,100	CNAs who want a short commute and character. Older apartments and some affordable houses.
West Fayetteville	More suburban, near Fort Bragg. Quiet, family-oriented. Commute to major hospitals is 15-20 mins.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those seeking a more traditional suburban feel, possibly with family.
Fayetteville (City Center)	Urban, diverse. Close to everything, including the VA clinic and many nursing homes. Can be busy.	$850 - $1,050	Budget-conscious CNAs who prioritize a short, possibly walkable, commute over a quiet neighborhood.
Hope Mills	A separate town just south of Fayetteville. More modern apartments and subdivisions. Commute to hospitals is 20-25 mins.	$1,100 - $1,300	CNAs who want a newer apartment, don’t mind a slightly longer drive, and like a quieter, separate community.
Fort Bragg (On-Post Housing)	Accessible only for active-duty military personnel or their dependents. Very safe, community-oriented.	Not available for civilians	A unique option for the many CNAs who are also military spouses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic starting point, but it's not the end of the road. In Fayetteville, your advancement options are clear.

• Specialty Premiums: The most direct way to increase your wage is specialization. Become a State-Registered Medication Aide (SRMA). This requires additional training (typically a 24-hour course) and allows you to pass medications in a long-term care setting. CNAs with SRMA credentials often earn $1.00 - $2.00 more per hour.
• Advanced Roles: After gaining experience, you can move into roles like Restorative Aide (focusing on therapy) or CNA Charge (supervising other CNAs in a shift). These roles come with a pay bump and more responsibility.
• Further Education: The most common path is to use experience as a CNA to enroll in a nursing program. FTCC has a highly regarded Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Many local nurses started as CNAs at Cape Fear Valley or a nursing home. The pay gap is significant: the median for LPNs in Fayetteville is ~$48,000, and for RNs, it's ~$68,000.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the market is stable but not explosive. The key driver will be the aging population, both military and civilian. The demand for home health and assisted living will likely outpace skilled nursing over the next decade. CNAs who embrace flexibility and specialize in areas like dementia care or dialysis will have the most secure prospects.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

This isn't a yes/no question. It's a question of fit. Fayetteville offers a stable, affordable entry into healthcare, but it requires a practical mindset.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Multiple large employers provide steady opportunities.	Lower-than-National-Average Wages: $34,837 median is below the US average.
Low Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are manageable on a CNA salary.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a near-necessity, adding to monthly costs.
Great for Experience: High volume of patients in diverse settings (VA, military, long-term care).	Can Feel Isolated: The city is not a major cultural hub; nightlife and amenities are more limited.
Accessible Training: FTCC offers an affordable, respected path to certification.	Budgeting is Essential: There is little room for financial error on a single CNA income.
Mix of Urban & Residential: You can choose a quiet suburb or a more urban setting.	4% Growth is Steady, Not High: Advancement can be slow; plan for further education for significant raises.

Final Recommendation: Fayetteville is an excellent choice for a new or entry-level CNA who wants to gain solid, diverse experience without being crushed by the high cost of living found in Raleigh or Charlotte. It's a place to build a foundation. If your goal is to work for several years while saving money (potentially with a roommate) and then bridge into an LPN or RN program, Fayetteville's lower living costs are a strategic advantage. It may not be the final destination for a career, but it's a very logical and livable place to start one.

FAQs

1. Do I need experience to get a CNA job in Fayetteville?
No, but it helps. Many long-term care facilities and home health agencies hire new CNAs directly out of school. Hospital jobs at Cape Fear Valley or the VA are more competitive and often prefer 6-12 months of experience.

2. Are there many night shift jobs available?
Yes. Nursing homes and hospitals run 24/7, so there is a consistent demand for night and weekend CNAs. The pay differential makes these shifts financially attractive.

3. How does the military population affect CNA jobs?
It creates a stable, non-cyclical patient base. The VA system and military families (who may need home health for dependents) provide a layer of job security that isn't as dependent on the general economy.

4. What’s the best way to find a job quickly after getting certified?
Network during your clinicals. If you train through FTCC, they often have job fairs. Also, apply directly on the websites of major employers like Cape Fear Valley and Liberty Healthcare. Contact local home health agencies, as they have high turnover and hire frequently.

5. Is Fayetteville a good place for a CNA family (two CNAs)?
Yes. A dual-CNA household income of ~$70,000 makes homeownership and a much more comfortable lifestyle very achievable in Fayetteville. The cost of living is a major asset in this scenario.