Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Norfolk, NE

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

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

Norfolk offers a modest but stable income for CNAs, with a cost of living that can make it manageable. As a local, I’ve seen many CNAs build a solid life here without the financial pressure of larger cities. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for CNAs in the Norfolk metro area is $34,740 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.70 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760 per year. It’s important to enter the market with realistic expectations. The job market here is stable but not booming; there were 51 jobs for nursing assistants in the metro area at the time of the latest data collection, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This growth is steady, driven by the aging population in Northeast Nebraska, but it won’t lead to the rapid wage inflation seen in metropolitan hubs.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect based on your experience, here’s a general breakdown. These figures are estimated for the Norfolk market based on local employer patterns and are not official data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $32,500	$14.40 - $15.60	Basic patient care, bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance, vital signs.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.80	More complex patient handling, training new aides, specialized unit experience (e.g., rehab, dementia).
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$38,000 - $42,000+	$18.25 - $20.20+	Charge aide duties, preceptor roles, potential for shift differentials, possible move into a lead CNA or similar role.

How does Norfolk stack up against other Nebraska cities? It’s important to look at the context. While the median salary of $34,740 is lower than in Lincoln or Omaha, the cost of living is significantly cheaper.

City	Median CNA Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living (Index)*	Rent for 1BR (Avg.)
Norfolk	$34,740	90.5	$859
Lincoln	~$37,500	95.0	~$1,050
Omaha	~$38,200	99.0	~$1,150
US Average	$35,760	100	~$1,400

Cost of Living Index is a comparative metric (US Avg = 100). Source: Sperling's BestPlaces.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like Faith Regional Health Services, offer shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. This can boost your hourly rate by $1.50 to $3.00, which can significantly impact your annual take-home pay. It’s a common strategy for local CNAs to work a mix of shifts to maximize income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your monthly budget is critical. Using the median salary of $34,740, let’s map out a realistic monthly budget for a single person living in Norfolk.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: ~$2,895/month)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Pay (After Taxes)	~$2,250	This is an estimate after federal, state (5.84%), and FICA taxes.
Rent (Average 1BR)	$859	$859/month is the city average. You can find cheaper ($700-$750) in some areas and more expensive ($1,000+) in newer complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$150 - $200	Winters can be high for heating; summers for AC.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Depends on household size. Norfolk has affordable grocery options like Hy-Vee and Walmart.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	A car is essential in Norfolk. Public transit is limited.
Fuel	$80 - $120	Commutes are generally short, but gas prices fluctuate.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	This varies wildly if your employer covers a portion.
Miscellaneous (Personal, Entertainment, Savings)	$261 - $131	This is what's left after core expenses.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, it’s more feasible here than in many parts of the country. The median home price in Norfolk is around $160,000 - $180,000. With a $34,740 salary, you’d need a solid credit score and a down payment, but it’s a realistic goal for a middle-career CNA with a dual-income household or disciplined saving. Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs. As a local, I’ve seen many healthcare workers become homeowners in their early 30s here, something that’s much harder in coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Norfolk is dominated by a few key players. Understanding them is crucial for your job search.

1. Faith Regional Health Services: This is the region's primary hospital and a major employer. They operate the main ER, inpatient units, surgery, and a large outpatient clinic system. They frequently hire CNAs for Med/Surg, Swing Bed (rehab), and the Emergency Department. They have a structured career ladder and are known for promoting from within.
2. Norfolk Regional Center: A state-run psychiatric facility. This is a unique employer in the area. The work is demanding and requires specific training in behavioral health. It often offers state benefits and competitive pay, sometimes above the median for the area.
3. Briarwood Health & Rehabilitation (formerly Norfolk Care Center): A large skilled nursing facility (SNF) providing long-term care and rehabilitation. This is a classic CNA employer. Expect a fast-paced environment with a mix of long-term residents and short-term rehab patients.
4. Oakdale Health & Rehabilitation: Another major local SNF. Similar to Briarwood, it offers steady work and experience in geriatric care. The hiring demand here is often consistent due to the aging population.
5. Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals: While headquartered in Lincoln, Madonna operates a significant outpatient clinic in Norfolk. They specialize in physical rehabilitation and often employ CNAs for patient transport and basic care support in their clinic settings.
6. Assisted Living & Memory Care Facilities: Norfolk has several, including The Heritage and St. Joseph's Rehabilitation & Nursing Care. These facilities offer a different pace and focus compared to hospitals and SNFs, often with more emphasis on social engagement and daily living assistance.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Right at Home serve the Norfolk area. This path offers more flexible scheduling and one-on-one patient care, but pay can be variable and you're often responsible for your own transportation.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady. Faith Regional and the major SNFs (Briarwood, Oakdale) are the most reliable sources of new jobs. Turnover is lower than in big cities, so you need to be persistent. Checking their websites directly and applying in person at the human resources departments (when possible) can still be effective here.

Getting Licensed in NE

To work as a CNA in Nebraska, you must be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. Here’s the process and what it costs.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes both classroom and clinical hours. Several local colleges offer this, such as Northeast Community College (Northeast). Their program is well-regarded and a common path for locals.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your training, you must pass both a written and a skills evaluation. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
3. Apply for State Registration: Once you pass the exam, you’ll apply to be added to the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.

Costs and Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: Approximately $800 - $1,200 (including textbooks and fees). Northeast Community College’s program is competitively priced. Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement if you agree to work for them for a set period.
• Exam Fee: Approximately $115.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3 to 6 months. Most full-time programs take 6-12 weeks. If you're already in the area, you could complete your training and be job-ready within a quarter.

Insider Tip: If you are moving from another state, you can often apply for reciprocity if your certification is active. Check the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) nurse aide registry website for the most current reciprocity forms. It’s faster and cheaper than starting over.

Best Neighborhoods for CNAs

Living in Norfolk means choosing between older, affordable neighborhoods and newer, more convenient subdivisions. As a CNA, your budget and commute are key.

1. North End (Near Faith Regional): This is the most convenient area for hospital workers. You can find older, well-kept homes and apartments with character. The commute to Faith Regional is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is typically $750 - $900. It’s a quiet, established neighborhood.
2. South Central (Around W. Norfolk Ave./S. 13th St.): This is a central, mixed residential area. You’ll find a variety of housing options, from older apartments to family homes. It’s close to grocery stores, restaurants, and the main commercial strip. Commute to most jobs is 5-15 minutes. Rent is close to the city average, around $800 - $950.
3. Westside: A more residential area with a mix of mid-century homes. It’s generally quieter and a bit more affordable than the city center. Commute times are still reasonable, about 10-20 minutes to major employers. You can find 1BR apartments or small houses for $700 - $850.
4. Northwest Subdivisions (e.g., near the Norfolk Country Club): This is where you’ll find newer developments and larger single-family homes. It’s ideal for CNAs with families or those planning to buy. Commute times increase slightly (15-25 minutes), but the neighborhoods are very safe and quiet. Rent for a 1BR here might be higher, $950 - $1,100+, but the value is in buying a home.
5. Eastside: This area runs along the city's eastern edge. It’s affordable and offers quick access to I-80 and Highway 275 for those commuting from outside Norfolk or to other regional employers. Housing is a mix of older and newer. Rent can be found for $700 - $850.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the median salary of $34,740 is the starting point, there are clear paths to increase your earnings and responsibility in Norfolk.

Specialty Premiums:

• Geriatric Care (SNF): The most common specialty. Experience here is highly valued.
• Behavioral Health (Norfolk Regional Center): This specialty can command a slightly higher wage due to the required skill set.
• Float Pool: Some hospitals have "float" CNAs who work on different units. This often comes with a pay differential and is great for building a broad skill set.
• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining 1,000 hours of experience, you can take a course to become a CMA, allowing you to administer medication under a nurse's supervision. This typically adds $2-$4/hour to your pay.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead CNA / Charge Aide: In hospitals and larger SNFs, senior CNAs often take on leadership roles, delegating tasks and training new staff.
2. Move to a Higher-Acuity Unit: Gaining experience in Med/Surg, then moving to ICU or ER (if available) at Faith Regional, can lead to better pay and scheduling.
3. Bridge to Nursing: This is the most common long-term goal. Northeast Community College has an excellent LPN and RN program. Many local CNAs work while taking classes part-time. With the local hospital's tuition assistance, this is a very viable path. An RN in this area can earn $60,000 - $75,000+, significantly increasing lifetime earnings.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth projected, the market will remain stable. The key to advancement in Norfolk isn't job-hopping (which is less common and can be frowned upon in the tight-knit medical community), but skill-building and internal promotion. The most successful CNAs I know in town are those who specialize, get their CMA, and then consider nursing school.

The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Pros and Cons for a CNA in Norfolk:

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $34,740 salary goes much further.	Lower Ceiling: Wages and job growth are modest compared to national averages.
Achievable Homeownership: A realistic goal for a single-income CNA.	Limited Specialty Variety: Fewer hospitals and specialized units than in Omaha/Lincoln.
Stable Job Market: Core employers are established and steady.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle.
Tight-Knit Community: Easier to build professional relationships and a support network.	Small-Town Feel: Limited nightlife, dining, and cultural activities.
Clear Career Ladders: Employers like Faith Regional have defined advancement.	Weather: Winters are cold, windy, and snowy, which can make commuting a challenge.

Final Recommendation:
Norfolk is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-paced career growth. If your goal is to enter the field, gain solid experience, buy a home, and possibly pursue nursing school at a manageable pace, Norfolk is ideal. It's less suitable for someone seeking a dynamic, high-growth, or high-wage environment. As a local, I’d say: if you’re a planner who appreciates community and a manageable cost of living, you can build a very comfortable life here in healthcare.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new CNAs in Norfolk?
It’s competitive but fair. Employers like Briarwood and Oakdale often hire new graduates. Having your Nebraska CNA license completed before you apply is a significant advantage. Networking with instructors at Northeast Community College can also lead to job leads.

2. Is a car a necessity in Norfolk?
Yes. The city is spread out, and public transportation (the Norfolk Transit System) has limited routes and hours. A reliable car is essential for commuting to work, especially for 12-hour shifts or odd hours common in healthcare.

3. How do I find affordable housing as a CNA?
Start your search 60-90 days before your move. Use local Facebook groups like "Norfolk, NE Rentals" and "Northeast Nebraska Buy/Sell/Trade." Many landlords in the Westside and Eastside areas post availability there, often with lower prices than on national sites.

4. Can I transfer my CNA license from another state?
Yes, Nebraska has reciprocity for active CNA licenses. You’ll need to contact the Nebraska DHHS Nurse Aide Registry and submit the required forms, including verification from your home state. It’s a straightforward process if your certification is in good standing.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for the Nebraska CNA exam?
Focus on the practical skills. The written portion is straightforward, but the skills test is hands-on. Practice the 25 required skills (from the state list) meticulously. Local programs like Northeast’s provide the best preparation, as they align directly with the state test.

Sources:

• Salary and job data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the Norfolk Metro Area.
• Cost of Living and Rent: Sperling's BestPlaces, Zillow Rental Market data.
• Employer information: Direct from company websites and local knowledge.
• Licensing: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Nurse Aide Registry.