The Nursing Assistant's Guide to Rogers, Arkansas

Living in Rogers isn't about the bright lights and hustle. It's about the quiet hum of a community that's growing, but hasn't lost its soul. If you're a CNA looking for a place where your skills are needed, your paycheck can stretch, and your weekends might involve a hike in the Ozarks or a stroll through a historic downtown, you're in the right place. I've lived here long enough to know which employers are stable, which neighborhoods have the best commute, and where you can find a decent cup of coffee after a night shift. This guide is the inside track.

The Salary Picture: Where Rogers Stands

Let's cut straight to it: the numbers. In Rogers, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $34,794/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.73/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $35,760/year. But don't let that fool you. The cost of living in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is a different beast than coastal or major metro areas.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in the local market. This isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but it's the general trend you'll see when you start applying.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-1 years)	$30,000 - $32,000	$14.42 - $15.38	Typically starts at facilities like Mercy or North Hills Hospital. You'll be learning the ropes, but the base is solid.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79	This is the median range. You have experience, can handle a wider patient load, and may train new CNAs.
Senior/Lead CNA (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19	Often in charge of a unit, mentoring, and handling more complex cases. Pay increases with responsibility.
Expert/Specialty (10+ years)	$43,000+	$20.67+	This is for CNAs with specialized certifications (like dementia care) or those in niche roles like hospice or private duty.

Now, how does Rogers stack up against other Arkansas cities? While $34,794 is the median here, it's competitive within the state.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Sectors
Rogers	$34,794	91.0	Healthcare, Corporate, Tourism
Little Rock	$33,880	88.5	State Government, Major Hospitals
Fayetteville	$34,050	90.5	University of Arkansas, VA Hospital
Fort Smith	$32,995	85.2	Manufacturing, Regional Hospital
Jonesboro	$31,760	84.1	Agricultural, State University

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. The job market in Rogers is tight. With only 148 CNA jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 4%, competition is stable but not frantic. This means employers are more likely to offer benefits and retention incentives to keep good CNAs. The real leverage you have is your certification and a clean background check.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what $34,794/year means for your daily life. We'll break it down for a single person with no dependents, using the median salary.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Annual Gross: $34,794
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 18-22% ($6,263 - $7,655)
• Annual Net (after taxes): $27,139 - $28,531
• Monthly Net Income: ~$2,261 - $2,377

The Rent Reality:
The average 1BR rent in Rogers is $924/month. This is your biggest variable.

Sample Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Income: $2,300 (using a conservative estimate)
• Rent (1BR): $924
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Car Payment/Insurance (NWA is very car-dependent): $350
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, personal care, etc.): $200
• Total Expenses: $2,104
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Discretionary: $196

This is a tight but manageable budget. It assumes a frugal lifestyle and no major debt. The key is the low cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.0 (US avg = 100), your dollar goes further here than in most places.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the million-dollar question. The median home price in Rogers is around $300,000. With a $34,794 salary and a 5% down payment ($15,000), you'd be looking at a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,800-$2,000. That's 78-87% of your net income, which is not sustainable.

Verdict: Homeownership on a single CNA salary in Rogers is a long-term goal, not an immediate reality. It's achievable with dual incomes, significant savings for a larger down payment, or by moving up to a Senior/Expert CNA role. Renting is the smart, realistic choice for a CNA starting out in Rogers.

Where the Jobs Are: Rogers's Major Employers

The Rogers job market for CNAs is anchored by a mix of large healthcare systems, a major regional hospital, and a growing senior living sector. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Mercy Hospital Rogers: Part of the larger Mercy health system, this is the primary acute care hospital in Rogers. It's a major employer with a constant need for CNAs in Med/Surg, Telemetry, and Emergency. Hiring tends to be steady, with large orientation classes several times a year. Insider Tip: Mercy has a strong internal culture. They value tenure and often promote from within for lead CNA positions.

2. North Hills Hospital: A 91-bed psychiatric and medical-surgical hospital. They specialize in mental health and addiction recovery. CNAs here need a calm demeanor and a specific interest in behavioral health. It's a unique employer that often provides excellent training in patient de-escalation. Hiring can be cyclical, tied to grant funding and patient census.

3. Cane Island (Senior Living Community): This is a large, well-regarded senior living facility offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The hours are more predictable than a hospital (less night shift), but the work is focused on long-term care and daily living assistance. This is a great place for CNAs who prefer a non-hospital environment.

4. The Jones Center: An incredible community resource in Springdale (a 10-minute drive from Rogers). They have a senior wellness center and sometimes hire CNAs for their adult day programs and wellness activities. It's a different pace—more focused on social engagement and preventative care.

5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Arkansas Home Health Care and Help at Home serve Rogers. This is private duty work. You go to clients' homes. The pay can be higher (often $18-$22/hour), but benefits are usually less comprehensive. Great for flexibility, but you need a reliable car.

6. Benton County Nursing Home (in Rogers): A county-run facility that offers a different atmosphere than corporate-owned homes. Staffing can be tighter, but it offers a sense of community service. Pay is competitive, and the benefits package is usually solid (especially insurance).

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Employers are increasingly looking for CNAs with experience in dementia care, post-surgical recovery, or behavioral health. Certifications in these areas can give you a significant edge. Also, with the expansion of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) and corporate influx (thanks to Walmart, Tyson, JB Hunt), the demand for senior living and healthcare services is growing steadily, even if the overall job number (148) seems small.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

You can't work as a CNA without being on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. If you're already certified in another state, the process is different than if you're starting from scratch.

For Newly Certified CNAs:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: In Arkansas, this is typically a 75-hour course (16 hours of classroom, 24 hours of lab, 35 hours of clinical). Programs are offered at community colleges (like Northwest Arkansas Community College - NWACC), technical schools, and some hospitals.
2. Cost: Tuition ranges from $400 to $800. Some employers, especially long-term care facilities, will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
3. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills exam.
4. Apply for State Registration: Once you pass, you apply to be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.

For Out-of-State CNAs:

1. Reciprocity: Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with most states. You must have an active, unexpired certification in good standing. You'll need to fill out the application form, provide proof of your current certification, and possibly your training records.
2. If Your Licensure is Lapsed: You may need to complete a refresher course or retake the competency exam.
3. Cost: The application fee for reciprocity is minimal, usually under $50.

Timeline: From starting training to getting your certificate can take 2-4 months. For reciprocity, it can be as quick as 2-4 weeks if your paperwork is in order.

Where to Start: The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the registry. Always verify through the official Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry website. Don't rely on third-party sites.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live impacts your commute, your peace of mind, and your rent. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. Downtown Rogers:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, artsy. You're close to the Walmart AMP, great restaurants (try the tacos at Local Flavor), and the farmers market.
   • Commute: Easy walk or bike to Mercy Hospital. A 5-10 minute drive to North Hills.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,250 for a 1BR in a renovated historic building or new apartment complex.
   • Best For: CNAs who want an active social life without a long commute.

2. East Rogers (Near I-49):

   • Vibe: More suburban, with newer apartment complexes, shopping (Pinnacle Hills), and easy highway access.
   • Commute: 5-10 minute drive to all major employers. Easy access to Fayetteville or Bentonville for work.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR in a modern complex.
   • Best For: CNAs who value convenience, modern amenities, and a short commute.

3. South Rogers (Near Cane Island):

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, family-oriented. This is where many healthcare workers live.
   • Commute: 5-15 minute drive to Cane Island, Mercy, and North Hills. A bit farther from the highway.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR in a duplex or older apartment.
   • Best For: CNAs who want a quieter neighborhood, possibly with more space, and don't mind a slightly longer drive to entertainment.

4. Bella Vista (Just North of Rogers):

   • Vibe: A master-planned retirement community turned into a family destination. Very safe, lots of parks and lakes.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Rogers employers. Can be longer during tourist season (summer).
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: CNAs who prioritize safety, outdoor recreation, and a peaceful environment. A longer commute is the trade-off.

5. Springdale (Adjacent City):

   • Vibe: The "heart" of NWA. More diverse, with a vibrant Hispanic community and a lower cost of living.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Rogers employers. Traffic on the 49/54 corridor can be heavy during rush hour.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Often more affordable than Rogers.
   • Best For: CNAs looking for the best value on rent, variety in food and culture, and who don't mind a cross-town commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Growth for you as an individual isn't just about more jobs; it's about moving up.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Dementia Care (CDP): Can add $1.50-$3.00/hour. Huge demand in NWA's growing senior population.
• Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA): Similar premium, especially in long-term care.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Adding these skills can open doors to outpatient clinics or diagnostic centers, often with a pay bump.
• Private Duty: As mentioned, this often pays more per hour but lacks benefits.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead CNA: More responsibility, training duties, higher pay.
2. Unit Coordinator/Secretary: In a hospital setting, moving to a desk role with more regular hours.
3. Medical Assistant: Requires additional schooling (9-12 months), but leads to a broader scope of practice and higher pay ($38,000-$45,000 in Rogers).
4. LPN/RN Bridge Programs: The ultimate goal for many. NWACC and the University of Arkansas have robust programs. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. This is the single best career investment you can make in this market.

10-Year Outlook: The need for CNAs in Rogers is driven by two trends: an aging population and the continued growth of the region. While the job growth percentage is low, the absolute number of jobs will increase. The key to your long-term success will be specialization and/or pursuing an advanced nursing degree. The local healthcare network is supportive of this growth.

The Verdict: Is Rogers Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,794 salary goes further here than in most places.	Job Competition: With only 148 jobs, openings can be competitive. You need to stand out.
Stable Job Market: Major employers like Mercy and North Hills provide steady employment.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable car. Public transit is not a viable option.
Work-Life Balance: NWA offers incredible outdoor access (hiking, biking, lakes).	Salary Ceiling: As a CNA, your pay will cap out unless you specialize or advance.
Growing Region: The area is expanding, which means more healthcare needs and better facilities.	Limited Nightlife: It's a family-friendly area. If you crave a big-city nightlife scene, Rogers isn't it.
Sense of Community: It's easy to build relationships here. You'll see the same patients, coworkers, and neighbors.	Wages: The median salary is slightly below the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Rogers is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, a lower cost of living, and access to nature. It's ideal for someone who is early in their career and looking to gain solid experience at reputable hospitals, or for a CNA with a family who wants a safe, affordable community. If your primary goal is to maximize your CNA salary above all else, you might find higher pay in larger metros. But if you're looking for a place where you can build a life on a CNA's salary, get great experience, and have a high quality of life, Rogers is a strong contender.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Rogers without a car?
No. It's practically impossible. The city is spread out, and there is no reliable public transportation system for daily commutes. You