Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Omaha, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Omaha, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Omaha Stands

If you’re moving to Omaha for a CNA career, the first thing to understand is the local compensation landscape. While not the highest-paying region in the country, the lower cost of living often makes the numbers work in your favor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Omaha is $34,955/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.81/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a common trend for the Midwest. However, with 966 jobs currently in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%, the market is stable and reliable.

The salary range in Omaha is heavily influenced by experience, shift differentials, and the type of facility. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate	Common Employers
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$30,000 - $33,500	$14.42 - $16.10	Nursing homes, rehabilitation centers
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,500 - $37,000	$16.10 - $17.79	Hospitals (CHI, Methodist), home health
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$37,000 - $41,000+	$17.79 - $19.71+	Specialty units, lead CNA roles, home health agencies

When you compare Omaha to other Nebraska cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Lincoln (home to the state capital and University of Nebraska) offers similar pay, it has a smaller job market. Smaller cities like Grand Island or Kearney see lower median salaries, often closer to the $32,000 range. Omaha’s advantage is its sheer volume of opportunities—more healthcare systems mean more choice and slightly higher earning potential for those willing to seek it.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Omaha hospitals and nursing homes offer shift differentials (an extra $1.50 to $3.00/hour) for evenings, nights, and weekends. If you can work a consistent night shift at a place like Nebraska Medicine, you could effectively earn a salary closer to the $38,000 range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $34,955/year breaks down to roughly $2,913/month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer in Nebraska can expect to take home approximately $2,450/month. Now, let’s factor in Omaha’s cost of living.

The city’s average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $971/month. When you pair that with a Cost of Living Index of 92.5 (meaning Omaha is 7.5% cheaper than the national average), your take-home pay goes significantly further than in coastal cities.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,450	After taxes on $34,955 annual
Rent (1BR)	$971	Citywide average
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, internet
Groceries	$250	Based on USDA low-cost plan
Transportation	$150	Gas, insurance, or a bus pass (Omaha’s ORBT system is reliable)
Health Insurance	$150	Premium (often subsidized with employer plans)
Misc/Personal	$200	Phone, clothing, entertainment
Total Expenses	$1,871
Remaining	$579	For savings, debt, or emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible. With $579 leftover monthly, saving for a down payment would take time. However, Omaha’s median home price sits around $270,000. With an FHA loan (3.5% down), you’d need about $9,450 upfront. A disciplined CNA could save this in 1-2 years by living in a cheaper apartment (e.g., in South Omaha) or sharing housing. Many local employers, like Nebraska Medicine, also offer tuition reimbursement and home-buying assistance programs for long-term employees.

Where the Jobs Are: Omaha's Major Employers

Omaha’s healthcare sector is dominated by a few major systems, each with distinct cultures and hiring practices. With 966 CNA positions in the metro area, knowing where to look is key.

1. Nebraska Medicine / UNMC: This is the state’s premier academic medical center and a Level I trauma center. They’re the largest employer in the metro and consistently hire CNAs for their main hospital, specialty clinics, and the Bellevue Medical Center. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with BLS/CPR certification and experience in fast-paced environments. Commute is easy from most neighborhoods.

2. CHI Health: A system with multiple hospitals (Creighton University Medical Center, Bergan Mercy, Immanuel) and numerous nursing homes/clinics. CHI is often the top choice for CNAs seeking religious-affiliated care. They have a strong network of long-term care facilities, which are always in need of staff. Hiring is steady, with many openings in their rehabilitation centers.

3. Methodist Health System: Operating Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital, this system is known for its strong nursing culture. They have a reputation for good benefits and internal mobility. They often hire CNAs directly into their hospital units, with opportunities to specialize in areas like labor & delivery or the ICU.

4. Alegent Creighton Clinic (now part of CHI): While part of CHI, their outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities (like the Alegent Creighton Health Rehabilitation Center) have distinct hiring needs. These roles are often less hectic than a hospital ER and can be a great fit for someone starting out or looking for a predictable schedule.

5. Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Located near downtown, the VA is a major employer with a focus on veteran care. It offers federal benefits, competitive pay, and a mission-driven environment. Hiring can be slower due to the federal process, but the stability is unmatched. They often post on USAJobs.gov.

6. Local Nursing Homes & Rehabilitation Centers: Companies like Benedictine Living Communities, The Heritage at Sterling Ridge, and Brookdale Senior Living have a constant need for CNAs. These facilities are scattered throughout the metro, from Millard to Elkhorn. They are an excellent entry point into the field and often offer flexible schedules.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use local staffing agencies like Premier Staffing or Adecco Healthcare for temporary-to-permanent roles. Applying through an agency can sometimes get your foot in the door faster, especially if you’re new to the area.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s certification process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The state mandates successful completion of a state-approved nurse aide training program and passing the written and skills competency exams.

Requirements & Costs:

• Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA program (typically 75 hours, including classroom and clinicals). Tuition ranges from $800 to $1,500. Many community colleges (like Metropolitan Community College in Omaha) offer affordable, high-quality programs. Some nursing homes will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (often 12 months).
• Exams: After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is approximately $115.
• Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing around $50.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Enroll: Browse the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) list of approved training programs. In Omaha, Metropolitan Community College and Nebraska Medicine’s own training programs are top choices.
2. Complete Training: Programs usually last 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule.
3. Schedule Exams: Once you graduate, you have two years to apply for your state exam. Pearson VUE has testing sites in Omaha.
4. Get Listed: Upon passing, your name is added to the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. You are then officially a CNA.

Insider Tip: If you’re in a hurry, look for “accelerated” programs or employer-sponsored training. For example, CHI Health often runs its own CNA academies where they cover your training costs in exchange for a work commitment.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Omaha can drastically affect your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods that balance affordability, commute time, and amenities for a CNA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It Works for CNAs
South Omaha	Working-class, culturally diverse, close to CHI Health’s Bergan Mercy Hospital.	$800 - $950	Very affordable, strong immigrant community, easy access to I-80 and I-480.
Midtown / Dundee	Historic, walkable, near Methodist Hospital and UNMC.	$950 - $1,150	Central location, great restaurants, safe. Short commute to major hospitals.
Benson	Hip, youthful, near Methodist Hospital.	$850 - $1,000	More affordable than Dundee, with a growing arts/music scene. Good bus lines.
Millard	Suburban, family-friendly, growing.	$900 - $1,100	Great for those who drive. Close to Alegent Creighton clinics and several nursing homes.

Insider Tip: If you’re working night shifts, consider Downtown/Old Market. While rent is higher ($1,100+), the commute to Nebraska Medicine or CHI’s downtown campus is often a 5-10 minute drive or a quick ride on the ORBT bus line. For day-shift workers, South Omaha offers the best bang for your buck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Omaha is a solid foundation, but the long game involves specialization and advancement. The local market rewards additional training and certifications.

• Specialty Certifications: While Nebraska doesn’t have formal “specialty CNA” licenses, employers value additional credentials. A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification, obtained through an additional 40-hour course, can boost your pay by $1.50-$2.50/hour. Experience in geriatrics, rehabilitation, or hospice is also highly sought after.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to use your experience as a CNA to bridge into other healthcare roles. Many local CNAs use employer tuition reimbursement to become:
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): A 1-2 year program at Metro Community College, leading to a salary jump to $45,000-$50,000.
  • Registered Nurses (RNs): Via an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. This is a major investment but increases earnings to $65,000+ in Omaha.
  • Medical Assistants or Phlebotomists: For those interested in the clinic side rather than bedside care.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, demand will remain steady, driven by Omaha’s aging population and the expansion of healthcare facilities in suburbs like Elkhorn and Papillion. The rise of home health agencies is also creating more roles. CNAs who specialize or move into supervisory roles will have the best long-term prospects.

The Verdict: Is Omaha Right for You?

Omaha offers a pragmatic career path for CNAs: stable jobs, a reasonable cost of living, and clear pathways for advancement. It’s not a place for high-energy nightlife or dramatic wealth, but it’s a fantastic city for building a solid, middle-class life.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (Rent at $971/month)	Winter weather can be harsh (snow, ice)
Stable job market (966 jobs, 4% growth)	Salary ($34,955) is below national average
Multiple major employers (Nebraska Medicine, CHI, Methodist)	Public transit is limited (car is often needed)
Clear pathways to advancement (LPN/RN)	Night/weekend shifts are common in healthcare
Friendly, manageable city	Cultural/food scene is good but not world-class

Final Recommendation: Omaha is an excellent choice for a CNA who values job stability, affordability, and a clear career ladder. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are willing to start in a nursing home or rehab center to gain experience, then transition to a hospital role. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-cost city, look elsewhere. But if you want to build a life where your healthcare salary can actually cover your rent and leave room for savings, Omaha is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job in Omaha without experience?
Yes, especially in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Many of these employers will hire you as a “CNA-in-Training” and put you through their certification program. Hospitals may prefer some experience, but new grads can find roles in areas like patient transport or as techs in high-turnover units.

2. What is the main certification body in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the Nurse Aide Registry. All training programs and exams must be approved by them. Always verify a program’s status on their website before enrolling.

3. How competitive is the job market in Omaha?
With 966 openings, the market is active. Competition varies by employer. Large systems like Nebraska Medicine are competitive but have high turnover. Smaller nursing homes are often eager to hire. Having a clean background check and BLS certification will put you ahead of most applicants.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or weekend-only work?
Absolutely. Healthcare runs 24/7, and many facilities are desperate for weekend and night shifts. This is a great way for students or those with family commitments to work. Weekend shifts typically come with a pay differential, potentially increasing your hourly rate from $16.81 to over $18.00.

5. What’s the biggest mistake new CNAs make in Omaha?
Taking the first job offer without considering the commute. Omaha traffic isn’t terrible, but in winter, a 20-minute drive can turn into an hour. If you don’t have a reliable car, prioritize living on a bus line to major employers like Nebraska Medicine (on S. 42nd St.) or CHI Health (on N. 30th St.).