Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

If you're a CNA thinking about Little Rock, the first thing to know is that the pay here is a little below the national average, but the low cost of living more than makes up for it. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Little Rock is $34,590/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.63/hour. For context, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year. While that's a slight gap, the real story is in the local job market and cost of living.

In the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area, there are currently 407 job openings for Nursing Assistants, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This is a stable, steady demand. The growth isn't explosive, but it’s consistent. The healthcare system here is the core of the economy, and CNAs are the backbone of that system. You will not struggle to find work, but you will need to be strategic about which employer and which specialty you choose to maximize your income.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in the Little Rock market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$30,000 - $32,500	$14.42 - $15.62
Mid-Level (1-4 years)	$33,000 - $36,000	$15.87 - $17.31
Senior (4-10 years)	$36,500 - $40,000	$17.55 - $19.23
Expert/Specialized (>10 yrs)	$40,000+	$19.23+

The jump from entry-level to mid-level is where you'll see the biggest percentage gain. Getting a year of solid experience under your belt in a high-acuity setting like a hospital is the fastest way to bump your pay.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Little Rock sits in the middle of the pack. It pays better than rural areas but less than the Northwest Arkansas metro (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers), which is home to Walmart and Tyson headquarters and has a more competitive labor market. However, the cost of living in NWA is significantly higher, especially in housing. For a CNA, the financial equation often works out better in Little Rock.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the real numbers. Earning the median salary of $34,590 in Little Rock, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (including federal, state, and FICA) will be approximately $2,300 - $2,400. This can vary based on your tax situation, but it's a safe ballpark.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Little Rock is $950/month. Here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like for a CNA earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$950	Varies by neighborhood; see section below
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$150	Higher in summer due to AC
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Little Rock; public transit is limited
Groceries	$300	For one person
Health Insurance (if not through employer)	$200	Employer plans are common but have premiums
Gas	$150	Commute distances can be long
Cell Phone	$70	-
Miscellaneous/Debt	$150	Toiletries, entertainment, student loans
Total	$2,270

This budget is tight but doable. You have about $30-$130 left over for savings or unexpected expenses. The key is securing a stable job with benefits and living within a reasonable commute. Buying a home on a single CNA salary is very challenging in the current market. While the median home price in Little Rock is around $200,000, the down payment, closing costs, and maintenance on that salary would be extremely burdensome. It’s a more realistic goal with a dual income or after significant career advancement.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

Little Rock’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few major systems. Knowing the players is crucial for your job search.

1. CHI St. Luke’s Health (formerly Baptist Health): This is the largest employer in the state. They have multiple facilities, including the flagship Baptist Health Medical Center in the Hillcrest area and Baptist Health Medical Center - North Little Rock. They have a constant need for CNAs in med-surg, orthopedics, and critical care. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with BLS certification and electronic health record (EHR) experience, typically Epic.

2. UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences): The state’s only academic medical center. UAMS is a major employer for CNAs, especially those interested in teaching hospitals, trauma centers, and specialized units like neonatal ICU (NICU) or burn units. They often have unique roles for CNAs in patient transport or as "patient care technicians" with expanded duties. UAMS is a great place to gain high-acuity experience.

3. Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH): One of the top pediatric hospitals in the nation. ACH is a specialized employer. They require CNAs to have patience and a love for working with kids. The environment is fast-paced but rewarding. Hiring can be competitive due to the specialty nature of the work.

4. Arkansas Surgical Hospital: A private, physician-owned hospital in North Little Rock focused on orthopedics and surgery. It’s a smaller facility, which can mean a tighter-knit team. CNAs here often work in pre-op and post-op units. The pace is different from a large ER but just as demanding.

5. The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) at Arkansas: Part of the Baylor Scott & White system, this is a premier rehabilitation hospital. CNAs here work with patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. It’s a fantastic place to develop deep clinical skills and patience.

6. Life Care Centers of America (Multiple Locations): For the long-term care path, Life Care operates several nursing homes in the Little Rock area (e.g., in Sherwood, Maumelle). The pay might be closer to entry-level, but the demand is high, and it’s a steady environment.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use online portals for applications, but the best way to get noticed is to apply directly on their careers page and then follow up with a call or visit to the HR department. Also, look for "Patient Care Technician" (PCT) roles—they often require the same skills as a CNA but may be posted separately and can sometimes come with a slightly higher pay grade or more defined duties.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas requires CNAs to be listed on the state nurse aide registry. If you're new to the state, here's the process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training (59 hours of classroom and 16 hours of clinical). This can cost between $500 - $1,200 depending on the school. Community colleges like Pulaski Technical College or Philander Smith College offer reputable programs.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration exam. The exam fee is typically around $100 - $150.
3. Apply for Registration: Once you pass, you apply to the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to be placed on the registry. The application fee is $25.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect it to take 2 to 4 months to become a fully licensed CNA in Arkansas.

If you're already a CNA from another state: Arkansas has reciprocity. You must apply for out-of-state transfer with the Arkansas DHS, providing proof of your current, active certification and that your training meets AR's standards (75 hours). There may be a fee for the transfer.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice will directly impact your commute, budget, and quality of life. Here are four solid options:

1. Hillcrest: This is the historic medical district, home to Baptist Health Medical Center. Many healthcare workers live here. It’s walkable, with great coffee shops and restaurants. You can walk or bike to work, saving on gas and car wear. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100. The trade-off is that older buildings may lack modern amenities.

2. West Little Rock: Around the Chenal Parkway corridor, this is the newer, more suburban part of the city. You’ll find modern apartment complexes and easy access to the interstate. It’s ideal if you work at UAMS or Arkansas Children’s (a 15-20 minute commute) and want more space. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200.

3. North Little Rock (Park Hill/Sherwood): Just across the river, this area is home to Baptist Health North Little Rock and several major nursing homes. It’s generally a bit more affordable than downtown Little Rock, with a strong community feel. Commute to Little Rock hospitals is easy via I-30 or I-40. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000.

4. The Heights / Capitol View: Adjacent to Hillcrest, these neighborhoods are slightly more residential and quieter but still within a 10-minute drive to the medical district. They offer a good balance of affordability and proximity. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,050.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic in Little Rock is manageable compared to other cities, but the bridges (I-30, I-40) can be bottlenecks. If you work at a hospital in North Little Rock but live in Hillcrest, your commute could be 10 minutes or 30 minutes depending on bridge traffic. Always map your potential commute during rush hour before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the base pay for CNAs can feel capped, there are clear paths to increase your earnings and responsibilities in Little Rock.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who get certified in a specific area can command higher pay. Examples include:

  • Phlebotomy: Drawing blood, especially in lab or outpatient settings.
  • EKG Technician: Operating EKG machines.
  • Restorative Nursing: Working in long-term care with a focus on mobility and rehab.
  • Hospice: This requires additional emotional fortitude but is a growing field with specialized training.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Patient Care Technician (PCT): A step up from CNA, often with more technical duties in hospitals.
  2. Medication Aide: After additional training (typically 70 hours), you can administer medications in long-term care facilities. This comes with a pay increase.
  3. LPN/LVN: Many CNAs choose to bridge to Licensed Practical Nursing. In Arkansas, LPN programs are common and can be completed in 12-18 months. The median salary for an LPN in Little Rock is significantly higher, often in the $45,000 - $55,000 range.
  4. RN: The ultimate goal for many. With an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a school like UA Little Rock or a BSN from UAMS, your salary potential jumps dramatically.

10-Year Outlook: With the 10-year job growth at 4%, the market will be stable but competitive. CNAs who are proactive about obtaining specialty certifications (like those from the National Association of Health Care Assistants) and who gain experience in high-acuity settings (ER, ICU, OR) will be in the best position for wage growth and career mobility over the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further here than in most U.S. cities.	Below-Median Pay: Base salary is lower than the national average.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare is the city's economic engine; jobs are plentiful.	Limited Public Transit: A reliable car is a necessity, adding to monthly costs.
Friendly Community: Southern hospitality is real; workplace cultures can be very supportive.	Climate: Summers are long, hot, and humid, which can be draining.
Easy Commute: Compared to major metros, getting around is straightforward.	Limited Career "Ceiling" for CNAs: Significant advancement requires going back to school for LPN/RN.
Good Work-Life Balance: Many employers offer standard 3x12-hour shifts.	Political/Healthcare Landscape: The state's political climate can directly impact healthcare funding and policies.

Final Recommendation: Little Rock is an excellent choice for a CNA who values job stability, a low cost of living, and a manageable lifestyle. It's particularly well-suited for those who are planning to use it as a launchpad for further education (LPN/RN) while building solid clinical experience. If you're looking for the highest possible starting wage or a bustling, fast-paced urban environment, you might find it a bit quiet. But for a balanced, financially sensible career start in healthcare, Little Rock is hard to beat.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Little Rock?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, and public transportation (Rock Region Metro) is limited and not reliable for shift work, especially for night or weekend assignments. Factor car payment, insurance, and gas into your budget.

Q: What's the cost of living in Little Rock compared to the national average?
A: Little Rock has a cost of living index of 89.1, which is about 11% lower than the national average (100). This means your dollar goes further, especially in housing and utilities.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. Overtime is often available, particularly during flu season or staff shortages. It can be a significant boost to your annual income, but it's important to balance it with your well-being.

Q: How do I find a good training program in the area?
A: Look for programs approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Pulaski Technical College and Philander Smith College are well-regarded. Also, check with local nursing homes—they often sponsor training programs in exchange for a work commitment.

Q: What's the best way to get my foot in the door at a major hospital?
A: Start by applying for "Per Diem" or "PRN" positions. These roles offer flexibility and let you experience the unit and the culture without a full-time commitment. It's a common pathway to a permanent position. Also, networking is key—ask your clinical instructors for leads.