Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Irving, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

As a local, I'll be straight with you: Irving is a solid, if not spectacular, market for CNAs. You're not going to hit the high-end wages of Dallas or Fort Worth proper, but the cost of living is generally more manageable, and the job market is stable. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Irving is $36,114 per year, which comes out to an hourly rate of $17.36. This is a hair above the national average of $35,760, which is a positive sign, indicating that local demand keeps wages competitive. However, it's crucial to understand that this is a median—meaning half of CNAs earn more, and half earn less. Your actual take-home will depend heavily on experience, the specific facility (hospital vs. long-term care), shift differentials, and certifications.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Irving area:

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary (Irving, TX)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $33,000	New state certification, limited to basic CNA duties. Often starts in long-term care or home health.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$34,000 - $38,000	Comfortable with complex patient care, may have specialty exposure (e.g., dialysis, ortho). Shift differentials can push this higher.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Often leads to CNA II roles, training new staff, specializing in areas like ICU or telemetry. Strong benefits packages.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$42,000+	May pursue additional certifications (Medication Aide), move into education, or take on lead CNA/supervisory roles.

How does this compare to other TX cities?

• Dallas: Higher median salary (around $37,500), but significantly higher cost of living, especially for housing. The commute from Irving to Dallas hospitals can be brutal.
• Fort Worth: Slightly lower median salary (around $35,500), with a cost of living similar to Irving. The job market is robust, but you'd be competing with a larger pool of candidates.
• Arlington: Very similar to Irving in both salary (~$36,000) and cost of living. It's a direct competitor for talent.
• Austin: Much higher median salary (~$39,000), but the cost of living is dramatically higher, particularly for rent. The job market is also more competitive.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the Metroplex is 4%. This is steady but not explosive. It means jobs are there, but you'll need to be proactive. The 508 jobs currently in the metro is a manageable number, but it gets competitive. Having a clean record, good references, and being willing to work evenings/nights/weekends will give you a significant edge.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. The median salary of $36,114 translates to a monthly gross of about $3,009. After federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes in Texas (which has no state income tax), your take-home pay will be approximately $2,450 - $2,550 per month, depending on your withholding.

Now, let's budget for a single CNA in Irving:

• Housing (1BR): $1,291/month (Irving average). This is non-negotiable and the biggest expense.
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200/month
• Groceries: $300 - $350/month
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $200 - $250/month (Irving is car-dependent; public transit is limited).
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150 - $300/month
• Personal Care, Misc.: $150 - $200/month

Total Monthly Expenses (Low Estimate): ~$2,340
Total Monthly Expenses (High Estimate): ~$2,750

This leaves you with $0 to $210 per month for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending at the median salary. It's tight, but manageable if you're careful. Living with a roommate or partner drastically changes this equation for the better.

Can they afford to buy a home?
At the median salary, buying a home in Irving is a significant challenge. The median home price in Irving is around $350,000. With a 20% down payment ($70,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,200+. This would consume nearly all of your take-home pay, leaving no room for other expenses. For CNAs, homeownership in Irving is typically a long-term goal achieved with a dual-income household, significant savings, or moving to a neighboring, more affordable area like Grand Prairie or parts of Dallas. Renting is the practical reality for most early-career and mid-career CNAs here.

Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving's healthcare landscape is a mix of major hospital systems, niche facilities, and home health agencies. Here’s a look at the key players:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Las Colinas: This is the premier hospital in Irving. It's a Level III Trauma Center and a major employer. They have dedicated CNA roles in med-surg, telemetry, and orthopedics. Hiring is competitive, and they often prefer candidates with hospital experience or a strong clinical rotation. Hiring Trend: Steady growth in their specialty units, especially cardiac and orthopedic.

2. Irving Healthcare System (Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Irving): Another large hospital with a deep community presence. They have a wide range of CNA opportunities, from general floors to their outpatient surgery centers. They are known for good benefits and internal promotion pathways. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for CNAs across all shifts, with a slight emphasis on night and weekend staff.

3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving (formerly Las Colinas Medical Center): This is a different facility from the one above, often called the "Irving campus." It's a smaller community hospital with a focus on surgical services and cardiology. It can be a good entry point into hospital work. Hiring Trend: Hiring is steady but less frequent than the larger hospitals; they maintain a tighter, more experienced staff.

4. The Grandview (A Senior Living Community): A large, upscale continuing care retirement community in Irving. This is a prime employer for CNAs who prefer a long-term care setting with a more predictable schedule. They offer positions in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Hiring Trend: High demand due to the aging population and the community's expansion. They often have signing bonuses for full-time roles.

5. Irving Senior Care (Various Locations): While not a single employer, the network of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term care centers in Irving (like those off Highway 183 or near the Irving Convention Center) is a major source of jobs. These facilities often have higher turnover and thus more frequent openings. Hiring Trend: Constant need. If you need a job quickly, start here. Be prepared for heavier workloads compared to hospitals.

6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, AccentCare): Irving's central location makes it a hub for home health agencies serving the entire DFW metroplex. These roles offer more independence and a 1-on-1 patient setting. Hiring Trend: Growing rapidly as more patients opt for in-home care. Requires a driver's license, reliable car, and comfort with independent work.

Insider Tip: The biggest hospital hiring events are often in the spring and late summer. Follow the HR pages for Baylor Scott & White and Texas Health on LinkedIn and set up job alerts. For home health and SNFs, check Indeed and local job boards regularly.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory process. You cannot work as a CNA without state certification.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). These are offered by community colleges (like North Lake College in Irving), vocational schools, and some hospitals. The program requires 100 hours of training (at least 60 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinicals).
   • Cost: $800 - $1,500 on average. Some employers, especially SNFs, will cover this cost in exchange for a work commitment (often 6-12 months).
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the Texas Nurse Aide Exam, which consists of a written/oral section and a skills demonstration. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
   • Exam Cost: $140 (for both parts).
3. Get Listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass, your name is added to the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry. This is your official license. You can verify your status online.
   • Registry Fee: There is no fee for initial listing.

Timeline: From start to finish, it typically takes 2-4 months. If you're taking a full-time program, you can be job-ready in as little as 8 weeks. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Once certified, you must work for pay for at least 8 hours every 24 months to keep your certification active.

Insider Tip: If you're already a CNA in another state, you can apply for reciprocity through the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. You'll need to provide proof of your current certification and may need to take the Texas exam if your certification is not equivalent. The process can take 4-8 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Location matters for commute and quality of life. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, balancing rent, safety, and proximity to major employers:

1. Las Colinas (75038): This is the upscale, corporate heart of Irving, home to Baylor Scott & White Las Colinas and many corporate HQs. It's walkable, has great amenities, and is very close to major hospitals.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month for a 1BR. More expensive, but saves on commute time and gas.
   • Best For: CNAs who prioritize a short commute and a modern lifestyle, and are willing to stretch their budget.

2. Valley Ranch / North Irving (75063): A large, established suburban area with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. It's family-friendly, has good schools, and is centrally located between Irving's major hospitals and the DFW airport.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. This is closer to the city average and offers more space.
   • Best For: Practical CNAs who want a balance of affordability, safety, and a reasonable commute (10-15 minutes to most hospitals).

3. South Irving / Downtown Irving (75060/75061): This is the more historic, diverse part of Irving. It's less polished than Las Colinas but has a vibrant, authentic feel and is more affordable. You're closer to Texas Health Harris Methodist and have easy access to Dallas via I-30.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,250/month for a 1BR. The most budget-friendly option in Irving proper.
   • Best For: CNAs on a strict budget who don't mind an older apartment and a slightly longer commute (15-20 minutes).

4. Coppell (75019): While technically a separate city, it borders Irving and is often considered part of the Irving area. It's one of the safest suburbs in DFW, with excellent schools and a quiet, upscale feel. The commute to Irving hospitals is straightforward.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR. More expensive, but you're paying for quality of life.
   • Best For: CNAs with a higher budget who value safety, top-tier public services, and a suburban lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the DFW Airport (west Irving) unless you work there. The noise and traffic from constant flights and trucking can be overwhelming, and apartment quality is often lower.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth of 4% may seem modest, the path for advancement is clear if you're strategic.

• Specialty Certifications: The biggest salary jump comes from specializing. Look for on-the-job training or paid certifications in:

  • Dialysis Technician: In high demand at Fresenius Medical Care and DaVita clinics in Irving. Can add $2-$4/hour to your base pay.
  • Medication Aide (CMA): Requires additional state training and exam. Allows you to administer medications under a nurse's supervision, opening doors in SNFs and assisted living. Pay bump of $1-$3/hour.
  • Phlebotomy or EKG Technician: Cross-training in these skills makes you invaluable on hospital floors.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. CNA II / Lead CNA: Gain experience, then apply for roles with increased responsibility and pay at hospitals.
  2. Patient Care Technician (PCT): In hospitals, this is often a CNA with additional skills (phlebotomy, EKG). It's a natural step up in title and pay.
  3. Move into Education: Become a clinical instructor for a CNA program at a local college. Requires experience and often an RN license, but is a stable, rewarding path.
  4. Bridge to Nursing: Many CNAs in Irving use their experience to enter LVN or RN programs at North Lake College or Dallas College. This is the ultimate long-term career growth.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for CNAs will remain stable, driven by an aging population. However, the most significant growth will be in home health and specialty care settings. CNAs who adapt to technology (electronic health records) and pursue specialty certifications will see the best wage growth and job security.

The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market with major hospitals and a growing home health sector.	Wages are median-level; you'll need to budget carefully, especially as a single person.
Central Location in DFW, making it easy to explore other opportunities if needed.	High rent relative to take-home pay at the median salary.
Lower Cost of Living than Dallas or Austin, with no state income tax.	Car-dependent city; public transportation is limited, adding to monthly costs.
Many Entry-Level Opportunities in SNFs and home health to get your foot in the door.	Job growth is steady (4%), not explosive. Competition exists for the best hospital jobs.
Pathways for Advancement through specialty certifications and bridging to nursing.	Can feel generic/suburban; lacks the distinct cultural vibe of Dallas or Fort Worth.

Final Recommendation:

Irving is a practical and smart choice for a CNA, especially for those in the early to mid-stages of their career. It offers a reliable pathway to gain experience, particularly in hospital settings, without the extreme financial pressure of cities like Austin or Dallas. It's an ideal "base camp" to build your resume, earn certifications, and potentially save money if you have a roommate.

Choose Irving if: You are budget-conscious, want a mix of hospital and long-term care job options, and value a central location in the DFW metroplex. It's a "workhorse" city that gets the job done.

Look elsewhere if: Your primary goal is to maximize your starting salary immediately, you want a vibrant urban lifestyle, or you are unwilling to rely on a personal vehicle. In those cases, Dallas might be worth the higher cost, or a more affordable suburb like Grand Prairie might offer better rent-to-salary ratios.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a CNA job in Irving without prior experience?
A: Yes. Start by applying to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies. They have the highest turnover and are more willing to train new graduates. Hospitals typically want 1-2 years of experience, but can be an option if you complete your clinicals at their facility.

Q: What's the best way to commute in Irving as a CNA?
A: A personal vehicle is almost essential. The bus system (DART) does run in parts of Irving, but schedules can be infrequent, especially for early morning or late-night hospital shifts. If you live and work in Las Colinas, a bike or e-scooter might work for short distances.

Q: Are there shift differentials for working nights or weekends?
A: Absolutely. This is a key way to boost your income. Most hospitals and larger SNFs in Irving offer shift differentials of $2-$4/hour for evening/night shifts and weekends. This can push your hourly rate from $17.36 to over **