Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lincoln, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Lincoln, Nebraska.

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As a career analyst who has watched Lincoln’s healthcare sector evolve over the last two decades, I’ll tell you this: Lincoln isn’t the flashiest city on the Great Plains, but for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it offers a stable, affordable foundation. The market here is driven by a growing university, a robust public school system, and a healthcare network that anchors the local economy. This guide strips away the marketing fluff and gives you the data, neighborhood nuances, and insider insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

Let’s get the most critical number out of the way first. In Lincoln, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $34,901/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.78/hour. This figure sits just slightly below the national average of $35,760/year. While it may seem on the lower side, the context is key: Lincoln’s cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, which we’ll unpack later.

The job market is active but competitive. There are approximately 589 CNA positions listed in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This isn’t a boomtown market; it’s a steady, predictable one. You won’t see explosive wage growth, but you also won’t see the market collapse. It’s a place for building experience and stability.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for CNAs in the Lincoln area. Note that "Expert" often implies specialization or lead CNA roles.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Approximate Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $35,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$35,000 - $39,000
Senior/Lead CNA	6-10 years	$38,500 - $43,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years (e.g., Dialysis, Peds)	$42,000 - $48,000+

How does Lincoln compare to other Nebraska cities?

• Omaha: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$36,500), but the cost of living is also higher, especially in housing.
• Grand Island: Salaries are comparable or slightly lower, but the job market is much smaller.
• Kearney: Similar to Lincoln in salary and cost of living, with a strong healthcare presence due to the university.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $34,901 translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $2,908. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (estimating a 20-22% effective rate for this bracket), your take-home pay is roughly $2,270/month.

Lincoln’s average 1BR rent is $856/month. This is the linchpin of affordability. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,270	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$856	City average
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Lincoln has moderate seasonal extremes
Groceries	$300	Based on USDA low-cost plan
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes a used car; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer
Fuel/Transport	$100	Lincoln is a driving city
Misc. (Phone, Personal)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,106
Remaining	$164	Discretionary/Savings

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is a pivotal question. The median home price in Lincoln hovers around $245,000. With a $34,901 salary, the mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,500/month, which is over 50% of your gross income. This is not recommended by financial standards. Homeownership on a single CNA salary is challenging without a significant down payment, a dual income, or moving up to a senior/specialized role. Renting is the financially prudent path for most entry- and mid-level CNAs in Lincoln.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by two major systems, but several other employers are key players for CNAs.

1. Bryan Health: The region’s largest private employer. Bryan Health includes Bryan Medical Center (East and West campuses) and a network of specialty clinics. They have a constant need for CNAs in Med-Surg, ER, and their renowned burn and trauma units. Insider Tip: Bryan has a strong internal career ladder. Many CNAs start in Med-Surg and move to specialized units after a year.

2. CHI Health St. Elizabeth: Part of the national CommonSpirit Health system. St. Elizabeth is a major teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Their cardiac and oncology units are top-tier. They often have openings for CNAs in both acute care and outpatient settings.

3. VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System: A major federal employer located near the University of Nebraska campus. It offers federal benefits, which are highly competitive (better insurance, retirement). Hiring can be slower due to the federal process, but the stability is unmatched. They serve a large veteran population and often need CNAs in long-term care and primary care.

4. Lincoln Regional Center (LRC): A state-run facility providing mental health and intellectual disability services. It’s a large campus south of the city. State jobs come with a pension and strong benefits. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding but is incredibly rewarding.

5. Methodist Health System: While their flagship in Omaha, their presence in Lincoln is growing, particularly in senior care and outpatient surgery centers. They often have positions in their freestanding surgery centers and senior living communities.

6. Local School Districts (Lincoln Public Schools): CNAs are needed in school health rooms to support students with medical needs. These are 10-month positions with summers off, a major lifestyle perk. Pay is often on the district’s classified staff scale.

7. Private Senior Living & Assisted Living Facilities: Companies like Tabitha and The Waterford are major local employers. The demand in geriatrics is high and is expected to grow as the population ages.

Hiring Trends: The market is consistently active. Bryan Health and CHI Health post openings regularly. The VA and LRC have more periodic hiring cycles. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn and attending job fairs at Southeast Community College (SCC) can give you an edge.

Getting Licensed in NE

To work as a CNA in Nebraska, you must be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. The primary pathway is through a state-approved training program.

• Requirements: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program (minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical practice). You then must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation.
• Costs: Tuition for CNA programs in the Lincoln area typically ranges from $800 to $1,200. This often includes the exam fee. Some employers, like Bryan Health, offer "earn while you learn" programs where they cover your training costs in exchange for a work commitment.
• Timeline: Most full-time programs can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 10-12 weeks. Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the registry within 2-4 weeks.
• Key Resource: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Health Care Facilities, Licensure and Compliance is the overseeing body. Always verify a program’s approval status on their website.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Lincoln is a sprawling city, but neighborhoods are distinct. For a CNA, commute time to major hospitals and affordability are the top priorities. Here are four options:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Hartley	Quiet, established, residential. ~10-15 min drive to Bryan East Campus. Closer to shopping on O Street.	$800 - $950	Those wanting a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to major hospitals.
Clinton	Historic, walkable, near the University. Can be noisy. ~10 min to St. Elizabeth, 15 min to Bryan.	$750 - $900	Recent grads, those who want a youthful, walkable environment near hospitals.
Southwood	Family-oriented, good value. ~15-20 min drive to most hospitals. Affordable apartments.	$750 - $850	Budget-conscious CNAs who want more space and don’t mind a commute.
North Bottoms	Trendy, industrial-chic. Very close to downtown and St. Elizabeth. Parking can be an issue.	$800 - $1,000	Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action with a minimal commute.

Insider Tip: If you’re working night shifts at Bryan East, consider the Hartley or Clinton areas. The commute is short and safe, which matters when leaving at 7 AM. For St. Elizabeth, North Bottoms or Clinton are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the median salary is a starting point, CNAs in Lincoln have clear pathways to increase their earnings and responsibilities.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who specialize often earn more. For example:

  • Dialysis CNA: Can earn $2-3/hour more than a general Med-Surg CNA.
  • Hospice CNA: Specialized training in end-of-life care can lead to higher pay and home health roles.
  • Peds/Oncology CNA: The specialized skills in these units are valued and can lead to a pay bump.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Charge CNA/Lead CNA: A shift supervisor role, often with a small differential.
  2. Medication Aide (CMA): Requires additional certification (approx. 40 hours of training). In Nebraska, a CMA can administer medications in certain settings (like long-term care), and the pay is typically $2-4/hour higher than a CNA.
  3. LPN Bridge Programs: Many local employers, especially Bryan Health and SCC, have tuition reimbursement programs for CNAs to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This is the most significant salary jump, with LPNs in Lincoln earning a median of $48,000-$52,000/year.
  4. Healthcare Administration: Some CNAs move into unit clerk or patient access roles, leveraging their clinical knowledge in an administrative capacity.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady. The real growth will be in specialized care (dialysis, home health) and in senior living facilities as Lincoln’s population ages. The push for value-based care will keep demand for CNAs stable, as they are essential for patient mobility, hygiene, and basic monitoring, which reduces hospital readmissions.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Lincoln offers a stable, affordable career launchpad for CNAs. It’s a place to build solid experience without the financial pressure of a major coastal city.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living: You can live comfortably on a CNA salary.	Lower Starting Salary: Below national average, though offset by low costs.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major healthcare systems and government.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a college town and state capital, not a metropolis.
Walkable & Safe: Most neighborhoods are safe, and the core is walkable.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you’ll need a reliable car.
Multiple Career Paths: From hospitals to schools to state facilities.	Modest Wage Growth: Raises are incremental; significant jumps require new certs.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to get involved and build a network.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy; summers can be humid.

Final Recommendation:
Lincoln is an excellent choice for a CNA who prioritizes affordability and stability. It’s ideal for someone looking to get their first 2-5 years of experience in a reputable hospital system before potentially moving to a higher-cost, higher-wage city, or for someone who values work-life balance in a community-oriented setting. It’s less ideal for someone seeking rapid salary growth or a vibrant, non-stop urban nightlife.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the CNA job market in Lincoln?
It’s moderately competitive. While there are 589 jobs, many applicants are local graduates of SCC or other programs. Having your Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry certification in hand before applying is crucial. Specializing (e.g., getting a dialysis tech certificate) makes you a much stronger candidate.

2. What is the best way to find housing on a CNA budget?
Look for apartments in the Southwood or Hartley neighborhoods. Consider a roommate to split costs, which can bring your rent down to $500-600/month, freeing up significant income for savings or a car payment. Avoid the downtown core if you’re on a tight budget.

3. Do Lincoln hospitals offer shift differentials for nights/weekends?
Yes, this is a key way to increase your income. Most major employers (Bryan, CHI, VA) offer a shift differential of $2.00 to $3.50/hour for evening, night, and weekend shifts. This can push your effective hourly rate from $16.78 to over $20/hour.

4. Is the CNA program at Southeast Community College (SCC) the best route?
SCC’s program is highly respected and affordable. However, Bryan Health’s own "earn while you learn" program is also an excellent option, as it eliminates the upfront cost and guarantees a job upon completion. Compare both based on your financial situation.

5. How does the winter commute in Lincoln affect a healthcare worker?
It’s a real consideration. Snow and ice are common from November to March. Major hospital employers are prepared, but you must have a reliable vehicle with good tires. Living close to your workplace or along a major bus route (if you’re on a day shift) is a smart strategic move. Many CNAs keep a change of clothes and shoes at work in case of weather emergencies.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nebraska Department of Labor, Zillow Rental Data, Sperling’s BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, Nebraska DHHS, and local employer job postings.