Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Hastings, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s considering a move to Hastings, Nebraska, written from the perspective of a local career analyst.

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The Salary Picture: Where Hastings Stands

If you’re a CNA looking at Hastings, the first thing to know is that the pay is modest, but so is the cost of living. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Hastings is $34,740/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.7. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but don’t let that number scare you off. Hastings, with a metro population of 25,005, is a tight-knit community where that dollar goes further than in a major metro.

The job market is stable but not explosive. We have roughly 50 jobs in the metro area for CNAs, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't a boom town, but it’s a reliable one. The demand is consistent, driven by an aging population and the steady needs of our local healthcare systems.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how wages typically break down based on experience in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$15.00 - $16.50	$31,200 - $34,320
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$16.50 - $18.00	$34,320 - $37,440
Senior (5-10 years)	$18.00 - $19.50	$37,440 - $40,560
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$19.50 - $21.00+	$40,560 - $43,680+

Note: These are estimated local ranges based on the median data provided. Specialty certifications (like GT or dialysis) can push you into the higher end of these brackets.

How Hastings Compares to Other Nebraska Cities

Hastings isn't the highest-paying market in the state, but it’s competitive for its size. Here’s a quick look at how we stack up against similar-sized communities and the state's major hubs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Notes
Hastings	$34,740	90.5	Regional hospital, long-term care facilities
Kearney	~$35,200	92.1	University regional medical center hub
Grand Island	~$35,800	91.8	Larger hospital system, more industrial
Lincoln	~$38,500	90.4	State capital, multiple hospitals, university
Omaha	~$40,200	92.0	Major metro, highest competition and pay

Data Sources: BLS, BestPlaces.net, State Job Boards

The takeaway: You’ll make a bit less in Hastings than in Omaha or Lincoln, but your rent and daily expenses will be significantly lower, often making the net financial outcome very similar.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. With a median salary of $34,740, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction) will be roughly $28,000 - $29,000 annually, or about $2,300 - $2,400 per month.

Hastings’s average 1BR rent is $859/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 90.5. This is where Hastings shines for a single CNA.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

• Take-Home Pay: ~$2,350
• Rent (1BR): -$859
• Utilities (Est.): -$180
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$350
• Healthcare/Personal: -$200
• Remaining/Discretionary: ~$461

This budget is tight but manageable. You won’t be living lavishly, but you can cover your essentials without living paycheck-to-paycheck, which is a challenge in many other cities.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

For a single CNA earning the median salary, buying a home in Hastings is challenging but not impossible. With a median home price around $180,000, a standard 20% down payment is $36,000. Saving that on a $16.7/hour wage would take significant time and discipline. However, Hastings has affordable starter homes and condos under $150,000. With first-time homebuyer programs (like the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority programs) and a longer-term savings plan, homeownership is a realistic long-term goal, especially if you advance to a senior CNA role or partner with another income earner.

Where the Jobs Are: Hastings's Major Employers

Hastings’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players. The 50 jobs in the metro are concentrated here. Hiring is steady, with turnover mostly due to relocation or retirement, not layoffs.

1. Mary Lanning Healthcare: The largest employer in the region. This is your primary hospital system. They operate the main hospital on North Lincoln Avenue and several specialty clinics. They hire CNAs for Med/Surg, ER, and outpatient roles. Insider Tip: They have a strong internal training program and often post jobs for patient care technicians (PCTs) which are equivalent to CNAs.

2. Hastings Regional Health Services (formerly Hastings State Hospital): A state-run facility offering psychiatric and long-term care. It’s a major employer with state benefits. Work here can be more specialized but offers excellent job security and a pension plan—a rarity in healthcare.

3. Good Samaritan Society - Hastings: A large, faith-based long-term care and skilled nursing facility. They have a constant need for CNAs in their nursing homes and assisted living units. The schedule often includes weekends and holidays, but it’s a stable, community-focused employer.

4. Bryan Health - Hastings: Part of the larger Bryan Health network, this facility offers outpatient services and a rural health clinic. It’s a good option for those who prefer a clinic setting over a hospital. Hiring is smaller in scale but consistent.

5. Local Assisted Living Facilities: There are several smaller, privately-owned assisted living communities in town (e.g., The密西根, or those in the southeast neighborhoods). These can be great for CNAs who prefer a quieter, home-like environment. Pay may be closer to the entry-level range, but the workload can be less intense than in a hospital.

6. Hastings Public Schools: While not a traditional healthcare employer, the school district hires CNAs and paraprofessionals to support students with medical needs. This is a fantastic option for those seeking a daytime, weekday schedule with summers off.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for reliable, hands-on CNAs. The 4% growth is modest, so competition exists for the best positions at Mary Lanning and the state hospital. Having your NE CNA license in hand before applying is a massive advantage.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s licensing process is straightforward but requires specific steps. You cannot work as a CNA without an active license on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. In Hastings, this is typically offered at Central Community College (Hastings campus) or through Mary Lanning Healthcare’s own training academy. The program is usually 75 hours (16 classroom, 59 clinical).

   • Cost: $500 - $1,200 (varies by provider; some employers like Mary Lanning may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them).
   • Timeline: 4-8 weeks (part-time evening classes are often available).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the written (or oral) and skills evaluation. The exam is administered by a third-party vendor (like Headmaster or Credentia) at approved test sites (often your training school).

   • Cost: ~$125 (varies).
   • Timeline: You can schedule the exam immediately after completing your training.

3. Apply for State Registration: Once you pass the exam, your training program submits your information to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Nurse Aide Registry. You will be added to the registry and receive your certificate.

   • Timeline: The entire process, from first class to active registry status, typically takes 2-3 months.
   • Insider Tip: Start the process in the spring or early summer. Hiring often picks up in late summer/early fall as facilities prepare for the seasonal flu and winter surge.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Commutes in Hastings are short—typically 10-20 minutes anywhere in town. Your choice will depend on lifestyle and budget.

1. North Hastings (North of Burlington Ave):

   • Vibe: Quiet, established residential with older, affordable homes and some apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Proximity: ~5-10 min drive to Mary Lanning Hospital and Hastings Regional Health Services. Ideal for employees at these major employers.
   • Best For: Those seeking the lowest rent and a short commute to work.

2. Southeast Hastings (Near South Baltimore Ave):

   • Vibe: Mix of older homes and smaller apartment complexes. Close to parks and the local community college.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Proximity: ~10-15 min drive to most healthcare facilities. Good access to grocery stores and shopping.
   • Best For: CNAs who value a central location with easy access to amenities.

3. West Hastings (Near W. 2nd St):

   • Vibe: A bit more upscale, with well-maintained homes and some newer townhouse-style apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Proximity: ~10 min to downtown and a straight shot to Mary Lanning on North Lincoln Ave.
   • Best For: Those willing to pay a little more for a nicer neighborhood feel.

4. Near Central Community College:

   • Vibe: A mix of student rentals and quiet residential streets.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR (often include utilities).
   • Proximity: Very close if you're taking classes there. ~12 min drive to hospitals.
   • Best For: Students in a CNA training program or those who want a very affordable rental.

5. Downtown Hastings:

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, with loft-style apartments and older buildings. Limited rental inventory.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Proximity: Central to everything. Easy drive to any employer.
   • Best For: Those who want a vibrant, social scene and don’t mind a smaller living space.

Insider Tip: Hastings has a low vacancy rate for quality apartments. Start your housing search online (Facebook Marketplace, local realty sites) at least 6-8 weeks before your planned move date.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of 4%, Hastings isn’t a place for rapid vertical leaps unless you’re proactive. The path to advancement is through specialization and education.

• Specialty Premiums: As a CNA, you can boost your pay by earning specialty certifications. At Mary Lanning or Good Sam, getting trained in G-tube care, phlebotomy, or EKG monitoring can add $1.00 - $2.00/hour to your wage. Dialysis experience (often at Bryan Health or through travel contracts) is highly valued.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead CNA: Takes on supervisory duties for a shift.
  2. Medication Aide (CMA): Requires an additional state certification (NE Medication Aide). This is a significant pay bump and a clear step toward the LPN/RN bridge.
  3. LPN/RN Bridge: Many CNAs in Hastings use their experience and tuition reimbursement to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Central Community College and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offer these programs. This is the most common and lucrative path for long-term growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain stable, but the workforce is aging. New CNAs who are reliable and willing to work in long-term care will always find work. The real growth for you personally is in upskilling. In 10 years, a CNA with a CMA certification or who becomes an LPN could be earning $50,000+ in the Hastings market.

The Verdict: Is Hastings Right for You?

Hastings is a practical, affordable choice for a CNA seeking stability over high-stakes excitement. It’s a place to build a solid foundation, gain experience, and potentially buy a home.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Rent is 25-30% below the national average.	Lower Pay Scale: Median salary is below the national average.
Stable Job Market: Anchor employers (Mary Lanning, State Hospital) provide steady work.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche medical fields compared to Omaha/Lincoln.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minutes to work, anywhere in town.	Slower Pace: Fewer nightlife and cultural attractions.
Community Feel: Tight-knit healthcare community; easy to network.	4% Growth is Modest: Career advancement requires upskilling.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to CMA, LPN, and RN roles.	Weather: Winters can be harsh; snow removal is part of life.

Final Recommendation: Hastings is highly recommended for CNAs who are early in their careers and prioritize affordability and job stability. It’s an excellent place to gain 2-4 years of solid experience before potentially moving to a larger city for higher pay. It’s also a good fit for those aiming for an LPN/RN degree locally without the high cost of living in a major metro. If you’re looking for fast-paced, high-energy healthcare in a bustling city, look to Omaha. But for a balanced, manageable career launch, Hastings is a smart, data-driven choice.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new CNA graduate in Hastings?
A: Yes, if you are proactive. The 50 jobs in the metro are in demand, but facilities prefer candidates who have already completed their state registry process. Apply to Mary Lanning’s job postings even if you’re still in your final weeks of training. Their training academy is a direct pipeline to employment.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for a CNA in Hastings?
A: The biggest challenge is the median salary of $34,740 if you have significant student debt or high personal expenses. The second challenge is the lack of alternative healthcare employers; if your primary workplace has a toxic culture, your options are more limited than in a larger city.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or PRN work?
A: Absolutely. Most major employers in Hastings, especially long-term care facilities like Good Samaritan Society, rely heavily on PRN (as-needed) staff. This is a great way to gain experience, work a flexible schedule, or supplement income.

Q: How does the winter weather affect my commute and work life?
A: Hastings gets significant snowfall. Employers are generally understanding, but they also expect you to be prepared. Invest in a reliable car with good tires, and have a plan for snow days. Commutes are short, so even in a storm, you’re rarely more than 20 minutes away.

Q: What resources are available for continuing education?
A: Central Community College (Hastings campus) is your primary resource for CMA, LPN, and RN programs. They have financial aid advisors and often host info sessions for healthcare workers. Additionally, many employers like Mary Lanning offer tuition reimbursement—always ask about this during your job interview.