Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pembroke Pines, FL

A Local's Guide to a CNA Career in Pembroke Pines, FL

Welcome to Pembroke Pines. If you’re considering a move here as a Nursing Assistant (CNA), you’re looking at a solid market within the broader South Florida healthcare ecosystem. This isn't Miami, and it isn't Fort Lauderdale—it's a sprawling, family-oriented suburb with its own distinct needs and opportunities. As a local, I can tell you that the pace is slightly slower, but the demand for compassionate, skilled caregivers is relentless, driven by a growing retiree population and a network of healthcare facilities that serve the entire western Broward County corridor.

This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground reality. We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the specific employers you need to know. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Pembroke Pines Stands

Let’s start with the most important number: your paycheck. In Pembroke Pines, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $37,025/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.8/hour. It’s crucial to understand this is a local median—your actual earnings will swing based on experience, shift differentials (nights and weekends pay more), and your place of employment.

The national average for CNAs sits at $35,760/year, so Pembroke Pines is slightly above average. However, that slight edge comes with a higher cost of living, which we’ll break down later. The metro area (which includes Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and parts of western Broward) shows 342 current job openings for CNAs, a healthy number that indicates steady demand. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is modest but stable—this isn’t a boomtown for this specific role, but it’s far from stagnant.

Here’s how experience typically translates to earnings in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers.

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range	Notes for Pembroke Pines
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000/year	Often starts in nursing homes or home health. Expect to prove your reliability.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,000 - $41,000/year	Positions in hospital settings (like Memorial West) become more accessible.
Senior/Lead CNA (5+ years)	$41,000 - $46,000/year	Often involves shift lead duties, training new hires, or specializing.
Expert/Specialized (CNA+, specialty certs)	$46,000+ /year	Certified Medication Aides (CMA), hospice care, or dialysis tech roles.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local hospitals (like HCA Florida Aventura) and large nursing homes offer shift differentials of $2-$4/hour for nights and weekends. A CNA working the 7pm-7am shift at a facility in Miramar can easily add $5,000-$7,000 to their annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number looks okay, but let’s be real about the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for the area is 111.8, meaning it’s about 12% higher than the U.S. average. The rent is the biggest factor. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pembroke Pines is $1,621/month.

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-career CNA earning the median salary of $37,025/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,085
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA ~22%): -$679
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,406

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,621
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): ~$180
• Groceries: ~$300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (Essential in Pembroke Pines): ~$400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): ~$150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal Care): ~$150
• Total Expenses: $2,801

The Gap: After these essential expenses, you’re looking at a deficit of about -$395/month. This is tight. This budget doesn’t account for student loan payments, significant debt, or savings. To make it work, most CNAs here either have a roommate, live in a more affordable neighboring city like Miramar, or work significant overtime/night shifts to boost their income.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary, buying a home in Pembroke Pines is extremely challenging. The median home price is well over $400,000. A standard mortgage payment would be unsustainable. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household or a CNA who has advanced into a higher-paying specialty role (like a Certified Medication Aide or a role in a hospital system with better benefits and pay scales).

Where the Jobs Are: Pembroke Pines's Major Employers

Pembroke Pines is a residential hub, but it’s surrounded by major healthcare employers. Most CNA jobs are found in facilities just outside the city limits or in the immediate metro area. Here’s where to look:

1. Memorial Regional Hospital (Hollywood): Located about 15-20 minutes east of Pembroke Pines, this is a major Level I Trauma Center. They have a constant need for CNAs in their med-surg, orthopedic, and rehab units. Hiring is competitive; having a BLS certification is a must.
2. HCA Florida Aventura Hospital (Aventura): A 20-25 minute drive south, this hospital is a significant employer for CNAs in acute care settings. They often post jobs for patient care technicians (a CNA role with additional hospital-specific duties).
3. The Palms West Hospital (Royal Palm Beach): Situated to the west (about a 25-minute commute), this facility serves the growing western suburbs. It’s a good option for those who want a hospital environment without the downtown Miami traffic.
4. Broward Health North (Pompano Beach): Roughly a 20-minute drive north, this is another key public hospital system. They have large long-term care and rehabilitation departments that rely heavily on CNAs.
5. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living: This is the backbone of CNA employment. Look at facilities like The Palace at Coral Gables (though in Coral Gables, it draws from Pembroke Pines), The Summit at Doral, and numerous skilled nursing facilities in Miramar and Weston. The demand here is high, and jobs are often filled quickly.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of South Florida and Help at Home are major employers. This offers more schedule flexibility but usually lower pay and fewer benefits than facility-based work.
7. Memorial Hospital West: Located in Pembroke Pines itself (703 N. Flamingo Rd), this is the primary local hospital. While smaller than Memorial Regional, it’s a top employer for area residents. The jobs here are highly coveted due to the short commute.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable push toward hiring CNAs with hospital experience, especially in electronic health records (EHR) like EPIC. Facilities are also increasingly looking for CNAs who are willing to train as Certified Medication Aides (CMA), which offers a pay bump.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has clear, state-mandated requirements. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training (80 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinicals). In our area, programs cost between $500 and $1,200. Community colleges like Broward College (with a campus in Pembroke Pines) offer reputable, affordable programs. Private schools are faster but more expensive.
2. Pass the State Competency Exam: The exam consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The state exam fee is $150 (as of the latest info from the Florida Board of Nursing). You must pass this to be listed on the state registry.
3. Apply for Licensure: Once you pass, you apply to the Florida Board of Nursing to be placed on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) registry. This is a prerequisite for employment at any licensed facility.
4. Background Check: You will undergo a Level II background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which costs about $50-$75.

Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready, expect 3 to 6 months. A full-time program at Broward College can be completed in about 8 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute and your budget. Here are four options that balance cost, commute, and lifestyle for a CNA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for a CNA
Pembroke Pines (West)	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Commute to Memorial West is 10-15 mins. To other hospitals is 20-30 mins.	$1,550 - $1,700	You’re close to home. Less traffic. Perfect if you work at Memorial West or a local nursing home.
Miramar	More diverse, slightly more urban feel. Directly adjacent to Pembroke Pines. Commute is similar.	$1,500 - $1,650	Slightly lower rents than Pembroke Pines proper. Good access to I-75 for commutes to hospitals in Hollywood or Aventura.
Weston	Upscale, very safe, excellent schools. Commute to Memorial Regional is 15-20 mins via I-595.	$1,800 - $2,000+	Higher cost of living, but excellent if you have a family or prioritize safety. Best for senior CNAs with higher incomes.
Davie	More rural, horse country, lower density. Commute to western hospitals (Palms West) is easy; to east coast is 25-35 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600	Offers the most affordable rents near Pembroke Pines. Good for those who don’t mind a slightly longer drive to the coast.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying a CNA in Pembroke Pines for the long haul means specializing. The 4% job growth is mostly in these advanced roles.

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After 1-2 years as a CNA, you can take a state-approved course (about 70 hours) to become a CMA. This allows you to administer certain medications in long-term care facilities. It comes with a pay increase, often to $19-$21/hour.
• Patient Care Technician (PCT): In hospital settings, CNAs often transition to PCT roles. This may include phlebotomy, EKGs, and more advanced clinical skills. Hospitals like Memorial and HCA Florida offer in-house training. Pay can reach $20-$23/hour.
• Home Health Aide (HHA) / Private Duty: With experience, you can work for agencies or directly for families. While pay can be variable ($16-$20/hour), you gain immense flexibility. This is a common path for CNAs starting families or going back to school for nursing.
• Path to Nursing (RN/LPN): Many CNAs in Broward County use their experience to fuel their education. Broward College’s RN program is a direct and affordable path. An RN in this area earns a median of $75,000+, fundamentally changing your financial outlook.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady due to the aging population. The key will be technology. CNAs comfortable with electronic charting and telehealth support will be most in demand. Specializing in geriatrics, dementia care, or post-surgical rehab will provide the most job security and leverage.

The Verdict: Is Pembroke Pines Right for You?

Here’s the final, unvarnished look.

Pros	Cons
Steady, reliable job market within a major metro area.	High cost of living relative to the median CNA salary.
Proximity to major hospitals and healthcare networks for advancement.	Car ownership is non-negotiable; public transit is limited.
Family-friendly suburbs with good public schools (in Weston/Pines).	Competitive housing market; buying a home is difficult on a single CNA income.
No state income tax in Florida, which helps your take-home pay.	Long commutes are common if you don’t work in your immediate neighborhood.
Diverse population means experience with a wide range of patient needs.	Summers are hot and humid, which can be draining if you walk or bike to work.

Final Recommendation: Pembroke Pines is a good choice for a CNA who is planning for the long term and is willing to specialize. It’s ideal if you have a partner or roommate to share housing costs, or if you’re planning to use the CNA role as a stepping stone to nursing school. If you’re looking for a low-cost-of-living area on a single CNA salary, you will struggle. The key is to treat this as a strategic move: get your foot in the door at a hospital, gain experience, and specialize to increase your earning potential.

FAQs

Q: How quickly can I get hired in Pembroke Pines?
A: With an active Florida CNA license, you can expect to find a job within 1-3 months. Nursing homes and home health agencies hire fastest. Hospitals have longer hiring cycles (4-8 weeks) but offer better pay and benefits.

Q: Is it worth it to get my CNA license in another state before moving?
A: Yes, but you’ll still need to apply for Florida licensure by endorsement. The process is straightforward if your home state’s requirements are similar. Having the license already shows commitment and can speed up your job search.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new CNAs make in this area?
A: Accepting the first job offer without researching the employer. Turnover is high in some nursing homes. Check reviews on sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. Also, not budgeting for the high initial costs of rent and a security deposit before your first paycheck.

Q: Can I survive on the median salary without a roommate?
A: It’s extremely tight. You would need to live in a more affordable neighborhood like Davie, budget strictly, and likely work overtime or night shifts to make the numbers work comfortably. Most CNAs in Pembroke Pines have a roommate or live with family initially.

Q: What’s the parking situation at the major hospitals?
A: Plan for a cost. Hospitals like Memorial Regional and HCA Florida Aventura charge employees for parking—often $50-$100/month deducted from your paycheck. Factor this into your commute budget.