Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mansfield, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Mansfield Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Mansfield isn't the place to get rich as a CNA, but it’s a solid, stable market if you know how to navigate it. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant here is $36,114/year, which breaks down to about $17.36/hour. That’s just a hair above the national average of $35,760/year, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a reflection of the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area’s influence, where competition for healthcare jobs is fierce.

Here’s how the pay typically breaks down by experience level, based on local job postings and industry chatter:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$31,000 - $34,000	Often start in long-term care or hospital float pools. Shift differentials (nights/weekends) can add 10-15%.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$35,000 - $39,000	Move into specialty units (ortho, rehab) or home health. This is where the median $36,114 sits.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000	Charge aide roles, preceptor duties, or specializing in geriatrics. Pay bumps come with certifications.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$41,000 - $45,000+	Rare outside of management or education. Often seen in home health agency supervisors or clinical educators.

Compared to other Texas cities, Mansfield is in a middle ground. It’s not as high as Austin or Dallas proper, where cost of living and competition drive wages up. But it’s better than many smaller Texas towns. For example, a CNA in Waco might see a median of $34,500, while in Houston it could be closer to $37,500. The key here in Mansfield? Proximity to Fort Worth and Arlington gives you more job options than a pure rural market, but without the brutal commute of living deep in Dallas.

Insider Tip: The $17.36/hour is your baseline. Always ask about shift differentials, weekend premiums, and overtime opportunities during interviews. Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer an extra $2-$3/hour for nights, which can make a real difference in your monthly take-home.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. With a median salary of $36,114/year, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (federal, FICA, and state) will be roughly $2,300 - $2,450, depending on your withholdings and any pre-tax deductions like health insurance.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Mansfield is $1,291/month. That’s the city-wide average, but we’ll break it down by neighborhood later. For now, let’s assume you’re paying that median rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $36,114/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,009
• Estimated Net (Take-Home): $2,350
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,291
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Car, Insurance, etc.: $1,059

This is tight but workable if you’re disciplined. Groceries for one person might run $300-$400, utilities (electric, water, internet) another $150-$200, car payment/insurance/gas could eat up $400-$600. This leaves little room for error or luxury spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? At the median salary, buying a home in Mansfield is a significant stretch. The median home price here is around $400,000. With a 5% down payment ($20,000), you’re looking at a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) of $2,500+, which is over 100% of your net take-home. It’s not feasible on a single CNA income without a substantial partner’s income or a much larger down payment. The cost of living index at 103.3 (US avg = 100) confirms that Mansfield is slightly more expensive than the national average, largely driven by housing.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs I know in Mansfield live with roommates or in more affordable neighborhoods to save money. Don’t overlook the smaller, older apartment complexes off Highway 157 or in the older parts of town—they can be $200-$300 cheaper than the new "luxury" builds.

Where the Jobs Are: Mansfield's Major Employers

With 159 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 4%, the market is stable but not exploding. The key is targeting the right employers. Mansfield is part of the DFW metro, so you’re competing with folks from Dallas and Fort Worth, but local employers often prefer candidates with a shorter commute.

Here are the major local players and hiring trends:

1. Methodist Mansfield Medical Center: The big one. A 156-bed hospital right in the heart of town. They hire CNAs for med-surg, orthopedics, and their emergency department. Hiring is steady, but competition is high. They prefer candidates with BLS and at least 6 months of experience. Trend: They’re expanding their specialty units, so look for postings in ortho and rehab.

2. The Springs at Mansfield: A large, well-regarded skilled nursing facility (SNF). Constant need for CNAs for day and night shifts. This is a classic starting point for new grads. They offer on-the-job training. Trend: They have a high turnover rate, especially in night shift, so openings are frequent.

3. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Mansfield: Part of the massive Baylor Scott & White system. They have a smaller, community-focused facility here. Hiring is selective but offers strong benefits and career pathways within the larger system. Trend: They’re focusing on outpatient and rehab services, creating more non-hospital CNA roles.

4. Home Health Agencies (AccentCare, Visiting Nurse Association of Texas): These agencies serve the broader DFW area but have many clients in Mansfield. Pay can be slightly higher ($18-$20/hour) but you often need your own reliable car and more experience. Trend: Demand for in-home care is growing as the population ages, especially in established neighborhoods like Stonehaven.

5. Assisted Living & Memory Care Facilities (Morada Mansfield, The Landon at Mansfield): These facilities are proliferating as the "Silver Tsunami" hits. They often hire CNAs with a focus on dementia care. The pace can be less stressful than a hospital SNF. Trend: Hiring is strong, with a preference for candidates who have or are willing to get a Dementia Care certification.

6. Fort Worth ISD (School Nursing Program): A hidden gem. CNAs work under the school nurse in area schools. Pay is similar to the median, but the schedule is incredible (summers off, holidays). Competition is fierce. Trend: The district is expanding its health services, creating more positions.

7. Mansfield Independent School District (MISD): Similar to FWISD, but on a smaller scale. They employ CNAs for health clinics at high schools and special education programs. Trend: Steady hiring, but slow process.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to get hired at Methodist or Baylor is through a temp-to-perm agency like Maxim Healthcare Services or Medical Solutions. They often have contracts with these hospitals and can get your foot in the door. It’s a common path.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas doesn’t make it overly complicated, but you must follow the steps. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) are your go-to sources.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Training: Complete a state-approved CNA training program. There are several in Mansfield and the immediate area (check Tarrant County College and local private schools). The program is typically 100 hours (classroom + clinical).
   • Cost: $800 - $1,200. Some employers (like The Springs) will reimburse you after a set period of employment (usually 6-12 months).
2. Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state competency exam (written and skills). The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
   • Cost: $140 for the full exam.
3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
   • Cost: $25 - $50.
4. Application: Submit your application for certification to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
   • Cost: $25 application fee.

Total Upfront Cost (without employer reimbursement): Approximately $990 - $1,415.

Timeline:

• Training: 4-12 weeks, depending on the program schedule.
• Scheduling Exam: 2-4 weeks after completing training.
• Certification Issued: 2-3 weeks after passing the exam.
• Realistic Start-to-CNA: 3 to 5 months from day one of class.

Insider Tip: Get your BLS (CPR) certification before you start your CNA classes. Many programs require it as a prerequisite, and it looks great on applications. The American Red Cross in Arlington offers classes for about $75.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 neighborhoods, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It Works for CNAs
Historic Downtown	Walkable, charming, older buildings. 5-10 min drive to Methodist.	$1,100 - $1,300	Ultra-short commute, great for biking to work. Older apartments are more affordable.
Stonehaven	Established, family-oriented, safe. 10-15 min drive to hospitals.	$1,300 - $1,500	Quiet, reliable. Close to major employers like home health agencies. Good for night-shift workers.
The Vineyard	Newer, master-planned, more expensive. 15-20 min to hospitals.	$1,400 - $1,600	If you value modern amenities and can stretch your budget. Not the most economical choice.
Southpoint	Mixed, some older homes, some new. 15-20 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,350	A solid middle-ground. Good access to Highway 157 for commuting to Fort Worth jobs.

Insider Tip: For the best value, look for apartments in the "Northridge" area (not a formal neighborhood, but a section west of I-35W). It’s less glamorous, but rents can be $200-$300 below the city average, and you’re still only 12-15 minutes from the hospitals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% 10-year job growth tells you this isn’t a field for explosive advancement, but there are clear paths to increase your earning potential beyond the median $36,114.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Dementia Care Specialist (CDCS): Adds $1-$2/hour. Essential for memory care units.
• Restorative Aide Certification: Adds $1.50-$2.50/hour. Focuses on rehab and mobility, common in SNFs.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Adds $2-$3/hour. Opens doors to hospital tech roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. From CNA to LPN/RN: The most common and rewarding path. Tarrant County College has an excellent LPN program (2 years). An LPN in Mansfield makes $55,000 - $65,000/year. This is a serious commitment but a life-changing financial move.
2. Charge Aide / Unit Coordinator: Move into a leadership role within the same facility. You’ll manage other CNAs, which comes with a pay bump (often $18.50 - $20/hour).
3. Home Health Agency Supervisor: With 5+ years of experience, you can move into a supervisory role, coordinating schedules and training for other aides. Pay can reach the $40s.
4. Clinical Instructor: Teaching at a CNA training program. Requires significant experience and often a nurse license, but it’s a great way to give back.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady due to the aging population. However, automation and technology in healthcare will likely focus more on administrative tasks, making hands-on, compassionate care even more valuable. The key to growth will be specialization and, if you're ambitious, transitioning to nursing.

The Verdict: Is Mansfield Right for You?

Here’s the bottom line, laid out plainly.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 159 jobs and major employers like Methodist, you’ll find work.	Tight Budget: The median salary of $36,114 and average rent of $1,291 leaves little room for savings.
Central Location: Easy access to Fort Worth and Arlington for more job variety.	Competitive: You’re up against CNAs from the entire DFW metro.
Good Starting Point: Many local facilities offer training and tuition reimbursement.	Limited High Earnings: Top-tier pay is hard to reach without leaving for a hospital role in Dallas or becoming an RN.
Manageable Commute: Living in Mansfield means short drives to most jobs.	Cost of Living: The 103.3 index means your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as in other Texas cities.

Final Recommendation:
Mansfield is a strong "starter" market for a CNA. It’s an ideal place to get your initial 1-2 years of experience, benefit from employer-sponsored training, and enjoy a safer, community feel while being close to the DFW job engine. If you’re just starting out or value a stable, predictable environment, it’s a great choice.

However, if you’re an experienced CNA looking to maximize your income immediately, or if buying a home on a CNA salary is a non-negotiable goal, you’ll find the math challenging here. Consider starting in Mansfield to build your resume, then leverage that experience to move into a higher-paying hospital role in Dallas or Fort Worth, or start the journey toward your LPN/RN.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for CNAs in Mansfield saturated?
A: It’s competitive, but not saturated. The 159 jobs in the metro and 4% growth indicate steady demand. Having your BLS certification and a clean background check will make you stand out.

Q: Can I commute from Mansfield to Dallas or Fort Worth for a CNA job?
A: Absolutely, and many do. The commute to Fort Worth is 25-35 minutes (via I-20). To Dallas, it’s 40-50 minutes. Factor in gas costs ($3-$4/gallon). A job in Fort Worth might pay $1-$2 more per hour, which could offset the commute.

Q: Do Mansfield employers really reimburse CNA training costs?
A: Yes, but it’s a contract. Facilities like The Springs at Mansfield will often reimburse you for the $800-$1,200 training cost after you’ve worked there for 6-12 months. Read the fine print—it usually requires you to stay for a set period or you have to pay it back.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a new CNA in Mansfield?
A: Affording the rent on the entry-level salary. Your first job might pay $15-$16/hour, which is below the median. It’s crucial to budget strictly or have a roommate until you gain experience and can move up to the $17.36/hour median.

Q: Where should I look for CNA jobs in Mansfield?
A: Check the "Careers" sections on the websites of Methodist Mansfield, Baylor Scott & White, and The Springs. Also, use Indeed.com and filter for "CNA" in Mansfield. A great insider move is to connect with local healthcare staffing agencies in Fort Worth—they often have exclusive contracts with Mansfield facilities.

Data Sources:

• Salary Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (for Metro Area), adjusted for local job postings.
• Job Growth & Openings: Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) projections, BLS data.
• Housing & Cost of Living: Zillow Rental Data, BestPlaces.net Cost of Living Index.
• Licensing: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).