The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Fremont, NE

So, you're considering Fremont, Nebraska, for your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). As a local, I can tell you this is a city that doesn't shout; it works. It’s a place where you can make a real difference in the healthcare field without the breakneck pace and soaring costs of a major metropolis. This guide is designed to give you the straight facts, from the paycheck to the neighborhoods, to help you decide if Fremont is the right fit for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Fremont Stands

Let's start with the most practical question: what will you earn? As a CNA in Fremont, your income will be dictated by experience, the type of facility, and shift differentials. While the national average for a CNA sits at $35,760/year, Fremont's market is more modest, reflecting the lower cost of living.

The median salary for a CNA in the Fremont metro area is $34,740/year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $16.7/hour. This is a solid starting point, especially when you factor in the local economy.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,000	$14.90 - $15.87
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $36,000	$16.35 - $17.31
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$36,000 - $38,000	$17.31 - $18.27
Expert (10+ years, specialized)	$38,000+	$18.27+

How does this stack up locally? For context, in the larger Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, the median salary is closer to $36,000. While you might earn a bit more there, the cost of living in Omaha is also higher. In a smaller Nebraska city like Lincoln, salaries are more competitive, often averaging $35,000-$37,000. Fremont sits comfortably in the middle, offering a balance of reasonable pay and a low-cost environment.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base rate. Ask about shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. Many Fremont facilities offer an additional $1.50 to $3.00 per hour for these shifts, which can significantly boost your annual earnings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after life’s essentials. Fremont is one of the most affordable places in Nebraska to live, which makes a $34,740 salary go much further than it would in a major city.

Let’s break down a typical monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $2,895 / Net: ~$2,350)

• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$545
• Rent (1-Bedroom Average): $859
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-sponsored): $200
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment/Savings: $91

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is the housing cost. With an average 1BR rent of $859/month, you're spending about 36% of your net income on rent, which is slightly above the recommended 30% but common for single-income households.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a stretch, but not impossible on this salary alone, especially with a partner's income. The median home price in Fremont hovers around $190,000. With a 10% down payment ($19,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,100-$1,200 (including taxes and insurance). This would consume nearly 50% of your net income, making it risky without a significant down payment or dual income. However, the low cost of living makes saving for a down payment more feasible here than in many other parts of the country.

Where the Jobs Are: Fremont's Major Employers

Fremont’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few key players, with steady demand for CNAs. The metro area has approximately 54 CNA jobs at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This indicates stable, though not explosive, growth—perfect for someone seeking long-term employment.

Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. CHI Health Clinic Fremont: This is the city's largest healthcare provider. They operate a full-service hospital (Fremont Health Medical Center) and multiple clinics. They are consistently the top hirer for CNAs, offering roles in hospital med-surg, rehab, and long-term care units. Hiring trends are strong due to an aging local population.
2. Brookdale Fremont: A well-known senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. They frequently hire CNAs for direct resident care. The environment is more residential than hospital-based, with a focus on daily living assistance.
3. The Memorial Hospital (Sutton): While technically in nearby Sutton (a 25-minute drive), this critical access hospital often recruits from the Fremont pool due to proximity. They offer a close-knit, small-hospital environment.
4. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Comfort Keepers have a presence in the region. These roles offer more flexible schedules and one-on-one patient care in clients' homes. This is a great option if you prefer a non-institutional setting.
5. Fremont Public Schools District: A unique but viable path. CNAs are often hired to work in the school nurse's office, supporting students with medical needs. This offers summers and holidays off—a major perk.
6. Twin River Healthcare: A local long-term care and rehabilitation facility. They are a key employer for CNAs seeking experience in geriatric and post-acute care.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers, especially CHI Health, post jobs on their own websites first. Set up job alerts directly on their career pages. Local networking through the Nebraska Health Care Association can also reveal openings before they're publicly advertised.

Getting Licensed in NE

To work as a CNA in Nebraska, you must be listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry. Here’s the straightforward path:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program. In Fremont, the primary provider is Mid-Plains Community College (which has a campus in Fremont). Their program typically costs between $600 and $800, including tuition, books, and supplies. Programs are usually 75-100 hours, combining classroom and clinical instruction.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state competency exam (written and skills test). The exam fee is approximately $100-$125. The Nebraska Health Care Association administers the exam.
3. Apply for State Registration: Once you pass, your training program submits your information to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate application fee for this.
4. Background Check: You will undergo a federal and state criminal background check (cost: ~$45), which is standard for all healthcare hires.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect to be job-ready in 3 to 5 months. Community college programs often run on a semester schedule, so plan your start date accordingly.

Key Resource: The Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry is managed by the DHHS. Always verify a program's approval status on their website before enrolling.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistants (CNA)s

Fremont is a compact city, so commutes are generally short. Your choice of neighborhood will depend on whether you prioritize walkability, quiet streets, or proximity to employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Description	Typical 1BR Rent	Commute to CHI Health (Main Hospital)
Downtown Fremont	Historic, walkable core with older homes, local shops, and restaurants. Ideal if you want a strong sense of community and a short walk to work.	$750 - $950	5-10 minutes
Northwest Fremont	Primarily residential with mid-century homes and well-kept yards. Very quiet, family-oriented. A short drive to shopping centers.	$800 - $1,000	10-15 minutes
Southwest Fremont	Mix of older and newer homes. Close to the Fremont State Lakes and outdoor recreation. Offers a balance of affordability and space.	$750 - $900	10-15 minutes
Eastside	More affordable, with a higher concentration of apartments and rental homes. Practical choice for budget-conscious professionals.	$700 - $850	10-15 minutes
Johnson Lake Area	A bit further out, near the lake. Popular for those who want a more suburban/rural feel with easy access to nature.	$850 - $1,100	15-20 minutes

Insider Tip: If you work a night shift, consider the noise level of a neighborhood. Downtown can have more street and bar noise. The Northwest and Southwest areas tend to be much quieter, which is better for sleeping during the day.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base CNA salary in Fremont is modest, there are clear paths to increase your income and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with additional certifications can command higher pay.
  • CNA I vs. CNA II: Some facilities offer a pay bump ($0.50-$1.50/hr) for CNAs who complete additional training in areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or advanced patient care.
  • Geriatric Certification: Given Fremont's aging population, specializing in geriatric care is a valuable niche. The Nebraska Health Care Association offers a "Geriatric Nursing Assistant" (GNA) certification that some employers recognize.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Medication Aide: After gaining experience, you can train to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA). This role allows you to administer medications (under RN supervision) and typically adds $2-$3/hour to your wage.
  • Lead CNA / Unit Secretary: With seniority, you can move into a lead role, coordinating care for other CNAs or working as a unit secretary, which is less physically demanding.
  • Bridge to LPN/RN: Many local CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone. Mid-Plains Community College offers LPN and RN programs. An LPN in Fremont can earn $45,000-$50,000+, a significant jump.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady. The biggest driver will be the continued need for care in long-term facilities and home health as the baby boomer generation ages. Technology in healthcare is also creating new roles, but the core hands-on care provided by CNAs will remain irreplaceable.

The Verdict: Is Fremont Right for You?

Fremont offers a stable, affordable foundation for a CNA career. It’s a fantastic place to get solid experience without the financial stress of a big city. However, it’s not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living – Your salary stretches far.	Limited Specialization – Fewer niche medical fields than larger cities.
Short Commutes – Easy access to all major employers.	Slower Pace – Fewer entertainment/dining options than Omaha.
Stable Job Market – Core healthcare demand is reliable.	Lower Ceiling – Top-end salaries are capped compared to metros.
Tight-Knit Community – Easy to build professional and personal networks.	Car-Dependent – Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Good Work-Life Balance – Less congestion and stress.	Growth is Modest – Career advancement often requires additional education.

Final Recommendation: Fremont is an excellent choice for CNAs who are early in their careers, value affordability, and seek a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who want to save money, gain solid experience, and possibly start a family in a safe, community-oriented environment. It may be less suitable for a CNA seeking a highly specialized, fast-paced hospital environment or who prioritizes urban nightlife and amenities.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a CNA job in Fremont?
Yes, but it requires proactivity. With only 54 jobs in the metro, openings can fill quickly. Your best strategy is to apply directly to CHI Health, Brookdale, and local home health agencies, and to connect with the staffing office at Mid-Plains Community College.

2. What is the cost of the CNA training program in Fremont?
The approved program at Mid-Plains Community College costs between $600 and $800. Some employers, particularly long-term care facilities, may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 12 months) after hiring.

3. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. Fremont has no significant public transportation system. You will need a reliable car to commute to work, shop for groceries, and access services. The city is spread out, and walking or biking is not practical for most daily tasks.

4. How does the cost of living in Fremont compare nationally?
Fremont's Cost of Living Index is 90.5, compared to the U.S. average of 100. This means Fremont is about 10% more affordable than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor, being significantly cheaper than the U.S. median.

5. Can I live in Omaha and commute to Fremont?
Yes, it's a common commute (about 35-40 minutes). However, you would be trading Fremont's low rent for Omaha's higher costs and a longer drive. For most CNAs, living in or near Fremont makes more financial and logistical sense, especially for shift work.