Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Longview, Texas.

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The Longview CNA Career Guide: A Local’s Practical Breakdown

As someone who’s walked the halls of Longview’s healthcare facilities and navigated its job market, I can tell you this: Longview isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a hub for East Texas healthcare, with a unique blend of small-town community and critical medical services. For a Nursing Assistant, it offers a stable, affordable living with a real sense of connection to the patients and neighborhoods you serve.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We’re looking at the real numbers, the specific employers, and the day-to-day reality of building a CNA career here. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let’s be direct: CNA work is essential but often undervalued. The salary data reflects that reality, but when you factor in Longview’s low cost of living, the numbers tell a more nuanced story.

The median salary for a CNA in Longview is $34,515/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.59/hour. It’s important to understand that this is a median—half of CNAs earn more, half earn less. Your actual pay will depend heavily on your experience, the specific facility, and any shift differentials (nights and weekends often pay $1-3 more per hour).

Compared to the national average of $35,760/year, Longview is slightly below average. However, this is a misleading comparison without context. Major metro areas like Dallas or Houston might pay more, but their cost of living—especially housing—is exponentially higher. In Longview, that slightly lower salary goes much, much further.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Longview Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$28,000 - $32,000 /year	Starting pay at most major facilities. Focus on getting your foot in the door.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $38,000 /year	This is where the median falls. With solid experience, you can negotiate for the higher end.
Senior (5-10 years)	$36,000 - $41,000 /year	Often involves charge CNA roles or specialized units. Shift differentials add up.
Expert (10+ years)	$40,000+ /year	Typically found in supervisory positions or teaching roles at local training programs.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

While Longview’s salary is modest, its affordability is a key advantage.

City	Median Salary (CNA)	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Longview	$34,515	$930	88.4
Dallas	$36,220	$1,580	101.5
Houston	$35,980	$1,350	96.1
San Antonio	$34,890	$1,150	92.5
U.S. Average	$35,760	$1,320	100

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary number. A $35k salary in Dallas with a $1,500 rent leaves you with far less disposable income than a $34,515 salary in Longview with a $930 rent. Longview’s Cost of Living Index of 88.4 (US avg = 100) is your real financial advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. How does a CNA earning the median salary of $34,515 actually live in Longview?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax):

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,876
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$430 (approx. 15% effective rate for this bracket)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,446

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): $930
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350 (Longview is car-dependent; good public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal Care, etc.): $200
• Total Core Expenses: $2,110

Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$336/month

This is a tight but manageable budget. It requires careful spending and doesn’t leave much for large savings or entertainment. However, it’s significantly more feasible here than in most major Texas metros.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a median salary, buying a home in Longview is a challenging but not impossible long-term goal. The median home price in the Longview metro is around $220,000. To comfortably afford a mortgage, you’d likely need a dual-income household or several years of experience to reach a higher salary tier. For a single CNA earning the median, renting is the more realistic and financially prudent short-to-mid-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players and several specialized facilities. Hiring is steady, with a constant need for CNAs, especially in long-term care and home health. The 168 jobs in the metro indicate a competitive but accessible market.

Here are the key employers you need to know:

1. Longview Regional Medical Center (LRM): A 162-bed acute care hospital owned by HCA Healthcare. It’s a major employer and often has openings in Med-Surg, Telemetry, and sometimes the ER. They offer strong benefits and opportunities for tuition reimbursement if you want to advance to LPN or RN. Hiring trends: Steady, with a slight surge in seasonal needs (winter flu season).
2. Christus Good Shepherd Health System: This is the other major hospital system in town. It includes a Level III Trauma Center and a large heart institute. Good Shepherd is known for its community focus and often has a high volume of CNA openings, particularly in its long-term care and rehabilitation centers. Look for jobs at the main hospital on Hospital Drive or their Eastside facility.
3. Glenwood Rehabilitation & Nursing Center: A large, well-known skilled nursing facility (SNF) on McCann Road. This is a classic CNA employer. They handle a high volume of patients and thus have frequent hiring needs. It’s a fast-paced environment, ideal for gaining broad experience. Be prepared for busy shifts.
4. Trinity Place Rehabilitation and Nursing (in nearby Kilgore): Just a 15-minute drive east on I-20, this facility is a popular option for Longview residents. It’s a respected SNF with a good reputation for staff support. Commuting to Kilgore is very common for healthcare workers in the area.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., LHC Group, Kindred at Home): Longview has a robust home health scene. These roles offer more autonomy and a different pace than facility work. You’ll drive to patient homes in neighborhoods like Judson or Pine Tree. Pay can be similar to facility work, but you need a reliable car and solid time-management skills. Hiring is often more flexible.
6. Longview State Supported Living Center (SSLIC): This state-run facility, located on Loop 281, serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It offers state benefits, a pension, and a very different work environment than a hospital or SNF. Hiring is through the state, so the process is slower but the jobs are very stable.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Longview work for agencies like Staffmark or IntelyCare. These provide flexibility to work at multiple facilities (hospitals, SNFs, rehab centers) and often pay a higher hourly rate, though benefits may be limited. It’s a great way to "try out" different employers before committing.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, regulated requirements for CNAs. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Training: Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (typically 100 hours: 60 hours in-class, 40 hours clinical). Programs are offered at Longview Community College, Kilgore College, and several private schools (e.g., Texas Health School in nearby Tyler).
2. Exam: Pass the state competency exam (written/oral and skills test) through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is typically around $115-$125.
3. Background Check: Pass a criminal background check. Any disqualifying offenses related to patient safety will prevent certification.
4. Registry: Once you pass, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Employers will verify your active status.

Timeline & Cost:

• Training Program: Can take 4-8 weeks (depending on full-time/part-time schedule). Tuition ranges from $600 - $1,200, depending on the school. Some employers (like Good Shepherd) may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year).
• Total Time to Start Work: From enrollment to having your certificate in hand, plan for 2-3 months.
• Total Estimated Cost (without employer help): $1,000 - $1,500 (training + exam + background check).

Insider Tip: Call the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) or check the Texas Nurse Aide Registry website directly to confirm your training program is approved. This is a common mistake that can cost you time and money.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, your rent, and your lifestyle. Longview is a driving city, but these neighborhoods offer the best balance for healthcare workers.

1. South Longview / Judson: This is a classic, affordable neighborhood with older, well-maintained homes and apartment complexes. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to Longview Regional Medical Center (10-15 min) and Glenwood (5 min). Rent for a 1BR is around $850-$950. It’s a quiet, established area.
2. Pine Tree / West Longview: Home to the Pine Tree Independent School District, this area is slightly more suburban and family-oriented. You’ll find newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Commute to most hospitals is 15-20 minutes. Rent is slightly higher, averaging $950-$1,100 for a 1BR.
3. East Longview / Loop 281: This area is booming. It’s close to Christus Good Shepherd (main campus) and the Longview SSLIC. You’ll find lots of new retail, restaurants, and modern apartment complexes. Commute times are short for those working at Good Shepherd (under 10 min). Rent is the highest here, around $1,000-$1,200 for a 1BR.
4. North Longview / Lake Cherokee Area: A bit further out, this area offers more space and a quieter, almost rural feel. It’s a 20-25 minute drive to the main hospital campuses, but you get more house for your money. A 1BR apartment might be harder to find, but a 2BR house rental could be around $1,100-$1,300. Ideal if you have a car and value peace and quiet.
5. Kilgore (15 min east): While not Longview proper, many CNAs live in Kilgore and commute to Longview hospitals, or work at the Trinity Place facility in Kilgore. The cost of living is similar, and you’re right on I-20. Rent for a 1BR is comparable, $900-$1,050.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longview may be a smaller market, but there are clear paths for advancement if you’re strategic.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Telemetry/Cardiac: CNAs with experience in heart monitoring units can earn a slight premium ($1-2/hr more) at hospitals like LRM or Good Shepherd.
• Geriatrics/Dementia Care: Specialized SNFs and memory care units value this expertise. It can lead to charge CNA roles.
• Phlebotomy/EKG Tech: Some CNAs get cross-trained for basic lab or EKG duties, increasing their skill set and pay.
• The Bridge to LPN/RN: Longview has several LPN programs (e.g., at Panola College in nearby Carthage, or Kilgore College) and a Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program at LeTourneau University. Many local CNAs use their employer’s tuition reimbursement to bridge up. This is the most significant career and salary leap available.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 10-year job growth of 4% for CNAs in the region, the market is stable but not exploding. This means competition for the best jobs (at top hospitals) will remain steady. However, the aging population in East Texas ensures a constant demand for care. The key to growth here isn’t just more jobs—it’s advancement within the roles. Those who specialize, get cross-trained, or pursue further education will see the most significant income growth.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Longview offers a stable, affordable foundation for a CNA career, especially for those who value community over big-city hustle.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further here.	Lower Salary Ceiling: The top-end pay for CNAs is limited compared to major metros.
Stable Job Market: Major employers provide consistent openings and benefits.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit means you need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commutes: You’re rarely more than 20 minutes from work.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It’s a quiet city; options are limited after 9 PM.
Strong Community Feel: Patients and coworkers often know each other.	Growth Can Be Slower: Career advancement may require further education.
Pathways to Advancement: Clear routes to LPN/RN with employer support.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional ice storm in winter.

Final Recommendation:
Longview is an excellent choice for CNAs who are starting their careers, value work-life balance, and want to live comfortably on a modest salary. It’s particularly well-suited for those who plan to use the low cost of living to save money or fund further education (LPN/RN). If you’re seeking high-energy city life or are already at a senior CNA level looking for the absolute highest pay, a larger metro might be a better fit. For most, Longview provides a rewarding and sustainable career path.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the CNA job market in Longview?
A: It’s competitive for the top spots at LRM and Good Shepherd, but there are always openings at SNFs and home health agencies. Having your license and a clean background is the main hurdle. Being flexible with shifts (nights/weekends) will make you a more attractive candidate.

Q: Do Longview hospitals hire CNAs with no experience?
A: Yes, but primarily at skilled nursing facilities (like Glenwood) and home health agencies. The major hospitals (LRM, Good Shepherd) often prefer 6-12 months of experience, especially for Med-Surg units. Start in a SNF to build your resume.

Q: What’s the weather like for a CNA commute?
A: Summers are hot and humid (often over 95°F). Winters are mild but can bring ice storms that shut down roads. Most CNAs drive, so a reliable car with good tires is a must. Plan for a 15-20 minute commute in good weather; add 15-30 minutes during ice.

Q: Are there opportunities for CNAs to work in schools or other settings?
A: Yes! Some Longview ISD schools hire CNAs as health aides. Also, dialysis centers (DaVita, Fresenius) and some outpatient clinics hire CNAs. These roles often have more regular hours (no weekends/holidays) but may pay slightly less than hospital shift work.

Q: How do I verify my CNA license is active in Texas after moving?
A: Go to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry website (maintained by HHSC). You can search by your name and date of birth. Your employer will do this during your hiring process. If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to complete the Texas training program and pass the exam to be listed on the registry.

Sources:

• Salary Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET OnLine, local job postings.
• Cost of Living/Rent: C2ER Cost of Living Index, Zillow Rental Data.
• City Population: U.S. Census Bureau.
• Job Growth: Texas Workforce Commission projections.
• Licensing: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
• Employer Information