The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Overland Park, Kansas

As a career analyst who's watched the Kansas City metro area's healthcare landscape evolve for years, I can tell you that Overland Park offers a solid, if not spectacular, foundation for a CNA career. This isn't a boomtown for healthcare wages, but it's a stable market with a reasonable cost of living. If you're already in Kansas or considering a move, this guide breaks down what you can realistically expect, down to the specific neighborhoods and paychecks.

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. In Overland Park, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $35,041/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $16.85/hour. It's important to frame this correctly: this is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, a common refrain in the Midwest, but the lower cost of living here helps offset that gap.

The local job market is modestly sized, with approximately 394 jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is slower than the national average for healthcare support roles. This isn't a field that's exploding with new opportunities, but turnover and retirements create steady openings.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. Many facilities, especially in the suburban hospital networks, use a tiered pay system based on experience and shift differentials. Nights and weekends can add $2-$4/hour to your base pay.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While specific data for Overland Park is limited, we can project a reasonable range based on Kansas State Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) guidelines and local employer postings.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Overland Park)
Entry-Level	0-1 year	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior-Level	6-10 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Expert/Charge CNA	10+ years	$42,000 - $48,000+

Note: These ranges include potential shift differentials and do not account for overtime.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

How does Overland Park stack up against its peers? Generally, salaries are higher in the larger metros, but so is the cost of living.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Hub
Overland Park, KS	$35,041	93.3	Johnson County
Wichita, KS	~$32,500	86.0	Large hospital systems, aviation
Kansas City, MO	~$36,500	91.5	Downtown, East Side hospitals
Topeka, KS	~$33,000	84.5	State government, VA hospital

Overland Park sits in a sweet spot: higher wages than smaller cities like Topeka or Wichita, but a more manageable cost of living than downtown Kansas City, MO.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $35,041 breaks down to approximately $2,920 per month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 20-25% for this bracket), your take-home pay is likely in the $2,200 - $2,300/month range.

Let's build a monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median salary.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,920
• Estimated Taxes (22%): -$642
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$2,278
• Average 1BR Rent (Overland Park): -$839
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance: ~$1,439

This leaves room for a comfortable but modest lifestyle. You can afford a reliable used car, groceries, and some discretionary spending, but building significant savings or paying off high debt will be challenging on a single income.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $35,041 salary, it's a stretch. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance) not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. For a CNA, that's about $817/month. In Overland Park's current market, that would likely only secure a small condo or a starter home in need of repairs in a less central neighborhood. A two-income household is more realistic for homeownership in this area.

Insider Tip: Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer tuition reimbursement for further certifications. Investing in a Medication Aide certification or an LPN bridge program is the fastest way to boost your income and open the door to homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by a mix of large hospital systems, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. The majority of openings are in the southern and western suburbs of the Kansas City metro.

1. Menorah Medical Center (Part of HCA Midwest Health): Located at 12348 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park. A full-service hospital with a steady demand for CNAs in Med-Surg, Telemetry, and Post-Surgical units. They are a major employer and often have new graduate programs.

2. Saint Luke's South Hospital: Situated at 12300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park. Part of the expansive Saint Luke's Health System. Known for strong benefits and a focus on continuing education. Their CNA positions are often posted directly on their career portal.

3. AFC Urgent Care (Multiple Locations): With clinics in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Olathe. These offer a faster-paced, outpatient alternative to hospital work. Schedules are often more predictable (no overnights), but pay may be slightly lower than inpatient settings.

4. The University of Kansas Health System (Main Campus): While the main hospital is in Kansas City, KS, it's a primary employer for the entire metro, including Overland Park residents. Commute times can be 20-30 minutes, but they offer some of the best career advancement opportunities and specialized units.

5. Brookdale Overland Park (Senior Living): A large assisted living and memory care community. This is a common entry point for CNAs. The work is different from a hospital—more focused on daily living assistance and less on acute care—but it can be a gentler introduction to the field.

6. Various Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Look for names like The Healthcare Resort of Overland Park or Wellsville Rehabilitation & Living Center (just south in Wellsville). These facilities are always hiring due to high turnover. Pay is competitive with hospitals, but the work can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent need for CNAs, especially for evening and weekend shifts. Facilities are increasingly looking for CNAs with experience in electronic health records (EHR) like Epic or Cerner, which are standard at major hospitals.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a straightforward process regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the state registry.

Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, split between classroom theory and clinical practice. Programs are offered at community colleges (like Johnson County Community College), vocational schools, and some hospitals/long-term care facilities.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration test administered by Pearson VUE.
3. Apply for State Listing: Once you pass, you apply to be listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: $800 - $1,500. Community colleges are often the most affordable. Some employers will pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment.
• Exam Fee: Approximately $115 ($40 written, $75 skills).
• Timeline: A typical training program takes 4-8 weeks (full-time). From start to finish, you can be certified and job-ready in about 2-3 months.

Out-of-State CNAs: If you're already certified in another state, you can apply for reciprocity if your home state's standards meet or exceed Kansas's. You will need to provide proof of training and exam passage.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNAs)

Where you live affects your commute, which is a major factor in a field with long shifts. Overland Park is a large, sprawling city. Here are four areas that offer a good balance for healthcare workers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for CNAs
Central Overland Park	Quiet, residential, established. Commute to Menorah or Saint Luke's South: 5-15 mins.	$950 - $1,100	Close to major hospitals. Older, more affordable apartments are available. Easy access to I-435.
Lenexa (City Center)	Modern, growing, with a "small town" feel. Commute: 10-20 mins to Overland Park hospitals.	$900 - $1,050	Lower rents than central OP. Newer apartment complexes. Slightly easier parking.
Olathe (West)	Family-oriented, suburban. Commute: 15-25 mins to major OP employers.	$850 - $950	Significantly more affordable rent. Good for those who want more space and a quieter setting.
Prairie Village	Upscale, walkable, tight-knit community. Commute: 10-20 mins.	$1,000 - $1,200	Higher cost, but excellent amenities and safety. Popular with young professionals and healthcare workers.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-435 and I-35 during shift change (around 7 AM and 7 PM) can add 10-15 minutes to your commute. Living close to your primary workplace is worth a slightly higher rent if you can manage it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Overland Park is often a stepping stone. The 4% job growth indicates stability, not expansion. To advance, you need to specialize or further your education.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with certifications in geriatrics, hospice care, or phlebotomy can sometimes command higher pay, though the premium is often modest ($0.50 - $1.50/hour). The real value is in qualifying for more desirable positions.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Medication Aide: After 6-12 months of experience, you can take a state-approved course to administer medications. This is a common and respected next step.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Many local community colleges (JCCC, Concorde) offer LPN bridge programs that take 12-18 months. This is the most direct path to a significant pay increase (LPN median in KS is ~$52,000).
  • Certified Medication Aide (CMA): A more advanced certification for long-term care settings.
• 10-Year Outlook: The need for basic CNA services will remain steady due to an aging population. However, the most significant growth will be for CNAs who have upskilled. The 4% growth for basic roles may be offset by a higher demand for LPNs and RNs, making the bridge programs a wise investment.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in a major healthcare corridor.	Below-National-Average Pay: Median salary of $35,041 lags behind coastal cities.
Excellent Cost of Living: Rent of $839 and a Cost of Living Index of 93.3 stretch your $16.85/hour wage further.	Limited High-Earning Potential: Without additional education, salary growth is slow.
Hub for Major Employers: Access to top-tier hospital systems like Menorah, Saint Luke's, and KU Health.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited; a reliable car is a necessity.
Safe Suburban Lifestyle: Ideal for families or those seeking a quieter pace.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: While jobs exist, you're often competing with local graduates.
Pathway to Advancement: Clear ladder to LPN/RN through local colleges.	Slower Job Growth (4%): Not a boomtown for new positions.

Final Recommendation: Overland Park is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a clear path to further education. It's a fantastic place to start your career, gain solid experience, and then use tuition reimbursement to climb the ladder. If your primary goal is to maximize immediate income, you might find higher wages in larger metros like Chicago or Dallas, but you will pay significantly more for rent and daily expenses. For a balanced, sustainable career start, Overland Park is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. I have a CNA license from another state. How do I get a job in Overland Park?
First, apply for reciprocity with the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry through KDADS. While that processes, you can start applying for jobs. Many employers are willing to hire you contingent on receiving your Kansas certification, as long as you are already listed on a registry in good standing.

2. Are there many opportunities for part-time or weekend-only work?
Yes. The healthcare field runs 24/7, and facilities often need weekend warriors. Many CNAs work part-time at one facility and pick up extra shifts at another. This is a common strategy to boost income above the median salary.

3. What is the typical schedule like?
Most hospital shifts are 12-hour shifts, either 7 AM-7 PM or 7 PM-7 AM. This often results in 3-4 working days per week. Long-term care facilities may offer 8-hour shifts. Be prepared for working holidays and weekends, especially in your first year.

4. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It's moderately competitive. While there are openings, employers often prefer candidates with some clinical experience. Completing your clinical rotations at a local facility where you'd like to work can give you a significant edge. Networking with instructors who have local hospital contacts is invaluable.

5. Is the cost of living in Overland Park really as low as the index suggests?
The index (93.3) is an average. Housing is the biggest factor pulling the cost down, and the $839/month rent for a 1BR reflects that. However, other costs like utilities, transportation, and healthcare are closer to the national average. Your budget will feel tight on $35,041, but manageable if you are frugal.