The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Frisco, TX

As someone who’s watched Frisco transform from a quiet suburb into a bustling, 225,009-person hub, I can tell you it’s a city of ambition. For Nursing Assistants (CNAs), it presents a unique landscape: a high-growth, affluent community with a deep need for skilled, compassionate care. But is it the right move for you? This guide strips away the promotional fluff and gives you the data-driven, local insights you need to decide.

The Salary Picture: Where Frisco Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. A Nursing Assistant in Frisco earns a median salary of $36,114/year, which breaks down to a $17.36/hour rate. It's crucial to understand this is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, but in a city where the cost of living index is 103.3 (3.3% above the US average), every dollar counts. The metro area has approximately 450 CNA jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it’s stable, reflecting an aging population in a city that continues to attract retirees and young families alike.

Your earning potential in Frisco will be heavily influenced by experience, shift differentials, and the type of facility you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	Typically starts in long-term care or home health agencies. Weekend and night shifts can add a $1.50 - $3.00/hour differential.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	Moves into specialty units (e.g., memory care in assisted living) or hospital-based positions. Bilingual skills (Spanish) can add a premium.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$40,000 - $45,000+	Often involves lead CNA roles, training responsibilities, or niche specialties like hospice care. Overtime can significantly boost this bracket.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Dallas: Slightly higher median salary (~$37,000) but vastly higher cost of living in the core.
• Houston: Similar median salary, with a much larger and more diverse job market.
• Austin: Higher cost of living (14% above US avg) and more competitive job market, with salaries often starting higher but not proportionally.
• Fort Worth: Very comparable to Frisco in both pay and cost of living, with a similarly steady job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $36,114 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $3,009. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your estimated take-home pay is roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month (this is an estimate; use a Texas payroll calculator for your specific situation).

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Frisco is $1,291/month. This alone consumes about 54% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,291	54%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	10%
Car Payment, Insurance, Gas	$350	15%
Groceries	$300	13%
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	6%
Remaining / Savings	~-$141	-6%

Insider Tip: This budget is tight and shows the challenge. To make it work, you must find below-average rent (e.g., older garden-style apartments in The Colony or east Frisco) or secure a roommate. Many CNAs in Frisco live in neighboring cities like McKinney or Prosper, where rent is 10-15% lower, and commute 20-30 minutes.

Can they afford to buy a home? At this income level, buying a single-family home in Frisco (median home price ~$550,000) is likely out of reach without a significant down payment or dual income. However, townhomes and condos in the $250,000 - $350,000 range exist in areas like the Frisco Square or older subdivisions near Main Street. A 30-year mortgage on a $300,000 home, even with a low rate of 6.5%, would be over $1,900/month (excluding taxes/insurance), which is unfeasible on a single CNA salary. Homeownership is generally a medium-to-long-term goal requiring career advancement or a partner's income.

Where the Jobs Are: Frisco's Major Employers

Frisco’s healthcare landscape is anchored by two major hospital systems and a thriving network of senior living facilities. Hiring is steady, but competition can be for the coveted hospital jobs. Here are your primary targets:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco: The city’s largest hospital. They hire CNAs for med-surg, orthopedics, and telemetry units. They offer strong benefits and tuition reimbursement. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring to support their expanding campus. They prioritize CNAs with hospital experience or recent, high-quality clinicals.
2. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Frisco: A newer, state-of-the-art facility. Known for a focus on patient experience. CNAs here often work on surgical floors or in the emergency department observation unit. Hiring Trend: Growing steadily as the population north of US 380 expands.
3. The Arbor Company (Arbor Terrace & The Wellington): Major assisted living and memory care operators in Frisco. These facilities have a high volume of CNA positions and are often more willing to train new graduates. Hiring Trend: Consistent need due to high resident turnover and expansion of memory care units.
4. Sonida Senior Living (formerly Senior Lifestyle): Operates several communities in the area, including The Landon. They focus on active senior living and often have openings for CNAs in assisted living and skilled nursing units. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a slight increase in part-time and PRN (as-needed) roles.
5. Amedisys Home Health: A leading home health agency with a strong presence in Collin County. CNAs provide in-home care, which offers more flexibility but less consistent hours. Hiring Trend: High demand for reliable, self-motivated CNAs, especially for clients in west Frisco and Prosper.
6. Frisco ISD Health Services: While not a traditional employer, the school district hires CNAs as Health Assistants to manage diabetic students, administer meds, and handle minor injuries. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings typically listed in the spring for the upcoming school year.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not use the title "CNA" officially; it's a "Nursing Assistant – Registered" (NA-R). The path is straightforward:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved training program (minimum 100 hours). This includes 60 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical training. Cost: $800 - $1,500 (varies by school; community colleges like Collin College are often the most affordable).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation (NNAAP). This includes a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration. Cost: $100 - $150.
3. Register with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): Once you pass, you are placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. There is no fee for this.
4. Timeline: From enrollment to being registry-ready, expect 2-3 months. You can work for 120 days as a trainee under direct supervision of an RN while you complete your training.

Insider Tip: Many of the major employers listed above (like Baylor and Sonida) will sometimes hire you as a "trainee" and reimburse your tuition costs upon completion and a commitment to work for them for a set period (usually 6-12 months). Always ask about this during interviews!

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Your choice of neighborhood will define your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 areas to consider, balancing rent and accessibility to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Frisco (The Avenues)	Quieter, older, more affordable. 10-15 min to Baylor and Texas Health.	$1,150 - $1,250	Budget-conscious CNAs who want to live in Frisco proper.
Frisco Square / Downtown	Walkable, vibrant, pricier. 5-10 min to most hospitals.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want a social life and zero commute, willing to stretch the budget.
The Colony	Right on the border, more bang for your buck. 15-20 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,200	The best value for your rent dollar. Ideal if you work at Baylor or Texas Health.
Prosper / Celina	Small-town feel, newer builds, very family-oriented. 25-30 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,500	Those seeking space and a quieter life, willing to drive.
Allen	Established suburb, great amenities, central to everything. 15-25 min commute.	$1,250 - $1,400	A balanced choice for lifestyle and commute to east and north Frisco facilities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth of 4% is modest, advancement within the healthcare ecosystem is significant. Frisco is a prime location to upskill.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who obtain additional certifications can command higher pay. For example, a CNA with a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification or Phlebotomy training may earn $1-$2 more per hour. Working in a hospital (Baylor, Texas Health) typically pays $1-$3/hour more than a long-term care facility, with better benefits.
• Advancement Paths: The most common and lucrative path is to use your CNA experience as a stepping stone. Many local CNAs enroll in LPN or RN programs at Collin College or the University of North Texas (Dallas campus). With the College Promise program in Frisco ISD, local students may have tuition assistance, making this path more accessible.
• 10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain stable for direct care. However, the highest growth will be in home health and specialized care (dementia, palliative). CNAs who embrace technology (electronic health records) and soft skills (communication, empathy) will have the most opportunities for leadership and higher pay.

The Verdict: Is Frisco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Growing Job Market with major employers.	High Cost of Living relative to salary; housing is the biggest challenge.
Professional Environment with modern, well-equipped facilities.	Car-Dependent City; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Safe, Family-Friendly Community with excellent amenities.	Competitive Job Market for hospital positions; connections help.
Clear Pathways for advancement and further education.	Median Salary ($36,114) can feel tight without careful budgeting.
Insider Access to a tight-knit medical community.	Limited Public Transit, making commutes predictable but mandatory.

Final Recommendation: Frisco is an excellent choice for a CNA who is career-focused and values a professional, high-quality work environment. It's ideal if you are willing to live in a neighboring city (like The Colony) for better housing value, or if you plan to upskill quickly (LPN/RN) to boost your income. It is less ideal for those seeking a low cost of living on a single entry-level salary without a plan for advancement. If you can manage the housing cost, the professional opportunities are among the best in North Texas.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new CNA in Frisco?
A: It's moderately competitive. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies are often hiring new graduates. Hospital jobs are more competitive and favor those with some experience or exceptional clinical rotations. Applying to multiple facilities and being flexible on shifts (nights/weekends) increases your chances.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Absolutely. Frisco is a sprawling, car-centric city. Public transportation (DART) is limited and doesn't serve all major healthcare employers reliably. A reliable car is non-negotiable for both getting to work and for the multi-stop nature of home health roles.

Q: What's the best way to find a CNA job in Frisco?
A: Go beyond Indeed. Check the career pages of the major employers listed above directly. Network with instructors from your CNA program and contacts from clinicals. Many jobs are filled through internal referrals. Also, join local Facebook groups like "Frisco Healthcare Professionals" for insider postings.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to Dallas?
A: Frisco is slightly more expensive than Dallas overall, primarily due to higher housing costs. However, Frisco offers safer neighborhoods, better schools, and less traffic congestion than many parts of Dallas, which some find worth the premium.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or PRN CNA work?
A: Yes, very much so. Facilities like The Arbor Company and Sonida frequently hire PRN (as-needed) CNAs. This is an excellent way to gain experience, work around other commitments, or supplement income from a full-time job. Hospital PRN roles are harder to get but offer the highest hourly rates.