Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Roswell, NM

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Roswell, New Mexico.

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The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

If you're looking at the numbers for Nursing Assistants in Roswell, the first thing to understand is that you're entering a market that pays slightly below the national average but comes with a significantly lower cost of living. The median annual salary for a CNA in Roswell is $35,062, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.86. For comparison, the national average sits at $35,760. While you might see a smaller paycheck than in larger metros, your money goes much further here.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 95 jobs for CNAs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth forecast of 4%. This isn't a boom town, but it's a reliable market. The need for CNAs is steady, driven by an aging population and several key healthcare employers in the region.

Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Roswell area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	$16.35 - $18.27
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Lead CNA (15+ years)	$42,000 - $47,000+	$20.19 - $22.60+

Insider Tip: Your specific workplace matters. CNAs at the main hospital (Eastern New Mexico Medical Center) often start closer to the mid-career range due to union wages and shift differentials, while some private long-term care facilities might start closer to the entry-level range. Always ask about differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends during an interview.

How Roswell Compares to Other NM Cities:
Roswell's salary is in line with similar-sized New Mexico cities but trails the state's larger hubs. You'll earn more in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but the cost of living difference is stark.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Roswell	$35,062	93.5
Albuquerque	$36,890	97.1
Santa Fe	$37,540	111.3
Las Cruces	$34,120	90.8
Farmington	$35,200	92.2

Salary data sourced from BLS, ONET, and local job postings. Cost of Living data from BestPlaces.net.*

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the essentials. With a median wage of $35,062 annually, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state (NM has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $2,250 - $2,350. This is a realistic estimate for a single filer with standard deductions.

Roswell's average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $935/month. This is where the low cost of living becomes your greatest asset. Let's break down a typical monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary:

• Net Monthly Income: $2,300
• Rent (1BR Apartment): $935
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $250
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel: $400 (Roswell is a driving city; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $150
• Personal/Miscellaneous: $150
• Savings/Debt: $235

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a challenge on a single CNA income, but not impossible. The median home price in Roswell is around $210,000. With a 5% down payment ($10,500), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would see a monthly payment of roughly $1,400-$1,500 (including taxes and insurance), which is significantly higher than rent. This would be very tight on a $35,062 salary. However, if you have a dual-income household or advance to a senior CNA role ($42,000+), homeownership becomes much more feasible. Many local CNAs I know purchase homes after 5-7 years of experience and careful financial planning.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Roswell is dominated by a few key players. The market is not overly saturated, but competition for the best positions at the top employers can be competitive. Here are the places you should be targeting:

1. Eastern New Mexico Medical Center (ENMMC): This is the largest hospital in the region and the primary employer for CNAs. It's a Level III Trauma Center and offers a wide range of departments—from Med/Surg and ICU to rehab and labor & delivery. They frequently post openings and offer benefits that are often above the local average. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring, but they value experience and certifications like BLS and PALS. New graduates might start in behavioral health or on less popular shifts.

2. Sunset Villa Care Center: A major long-term care and skilled nursing facility. They have a steady need for day and evening shifts. The environment is more focused on geriatric care and daily living assistance. Hiring Trend: High turnover means frequent openings, but be prepared for a fast-paced, physically demanding role. They often hire directly from local CNA programs.

3. Life Care Center of Roswell: Another large skilled nursing facility. They are known for their rehabilitation services. Good for CNAs interested in post-acute care and working with patients in recovery. Hiring Trend: They participate in local job fairs and have a strong relationship with the New Mexico State University-Roswell nursing program.

4. Mountain View Retirement Village: An assisted living facility offering a slightly different pace than a SNF. The focus is more on independence support. Hiring Trend: Steady hiring, often looking for CNAs with a gentle demeanor and good communication skills for resident and family interactions.

5. Artesia General Hospital (AGH) - Roswell Clinics: While the main hospital is in Artesia (about 30 minutes south), AGH operates several specialty clinics in Roswell. These outpatient settings often need CNA support for patient intake and vital signs. Hiring Trend: Growing need in outpatient specialties like cardiology and oncology.

6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Comfort Keepers, Right at Home): For those who prefer a less institutional setting, private home health agencies serve clients in their homes. This offers more flexible scheduling but often lacks the benefits of larger employers. Hiring Trend: Demand is rising as the population ages and more people choose in-home care over facilities.

Getting Licensed in NM

New Mexico requires all CNAs to be listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry. To get there, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the competency exam.

• Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, split between classroom theory and clinical practice. Local programs can be found at:
  • New Mexico State University-Roswell (NMSU-R): Offers a CNA certificate program. This is a highly respected, comprehensive program.
  • Eastern New Mexico Medical Center: Often runs its own training courses, which can lead to immediate employment.
  • Private Vocational Schools: Be cautious and verify they are on the NM Department of Health's approved list.
• Cost: Tuition for a CNA program in Roswell ranges from $400 to $800. This typically covers textbooks, uniforms, and the state exam fee. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through NMSU-R.
• Exam: After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation. The exam fee is approximately $115.
• Timeline: A typical full-time program takes 6-8 weeks. Part-time evening/weekend programs may take 10-12 weeks. Once you pass the exam, it can take 4-6 weeks for your name to appear on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like ENMMC, will sponsor your training in exchange for a work commitment (usually 6-12 months). This is a fantastic way to enter the field with no upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Roswell is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods. For a CNA working irregular shifts, your commute and proximity to your employer are key.

• East Roswell (Near ENMMC): This is the most convenient location for the largest employer. You'll find a mix of older, affordable homes and newer apartments. Commute is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050 for a 1BR.
• Downtown/ Historic District: Walkable, charming, and close to smaller clinics and some care facilities. Older buildings, a strong sense of community. Commute to the hospital is about 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 (often for unique, older apartments).
• North Roswell (Country Club Area): Quieter, more residential. A good option if you work at a facility on the north side (like some home health agencies or clinics). Commute to ENMMC is 15-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200.
• South Roswell: More affordable, with newer apartment complexes. Longer commute (20-25 minutes) to the main hospital but closer to some of the private care facilities. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950.
• West Roswell: Primarily residential and quieter. Commute to most healthcare facilities is 15-20 minutes. A good choice for those seeking more space and lower noise. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000.

Insider Tip: If you don't have a reliable car, living in East Roswell is almost non-negotiable. Public bus routes (the Roswell Transit System) are limited and don't run late at night, which is when many CNA shifts begin or end.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the CNA role is vital, many use it as a stepping stone. In Roswell, the path upward is clear and respected.

• Specialty Premiums: You can earn more by gaining experience in high-demand areas. CNAs in the ER, ICU, or Labor & Delivery at ENMMC often receive shift differentials ($1.50-$3.00/hour extra) and may have higher base pay.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Certified Medication Aide (CMA): This requires an additional 80 hours of training and a state exam. CNAs with a CMA license can administer medications in certain settings and often see a pay bump of $1.00 - $2.00/hour.
  2. LPN/LVN: Many CNAs in Roswell enroll in the LPN program at NMSU-R or the nursing program at ENMMC. As an LPN, your salary jumps dramatically (to $48,000 - $55,000+ in the area).
  3. Management: With experience and additional education (like a degree in healthcare administration), you can move into roles like unit secretary, patient care coordinator, or even charge nurse (as an LPN/RN).
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the demand for CNAs will keep pace with retirements. However, the real growth is in specialized care. As Roswell's population continues to age, expertise in geriatric care, dementia support, and post-surgical rehabilitation will be increasingly valuable. CNAs who pursue further education will find the most opportunities and the highest earning potential.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $35,062 salary goes much further here than in most of the country.	Low Salary: The median wage is below the national average. Financial ceiling is lower without advancement.
Stable Job Market: A few major employers provide consistent opportunities.	Limited Specialties: Fewer research hospitals or niche medical centers compared to large metros.
Easy Commute: Traffic is minimal; you can live affordably anywhere in the city.	Isolation: Roswell is remote. The nearest large city (Albuquerque) is a 3-hour drive.
Tight-Knit Community: Healthcare workers often know each other; networking is organic.	Limited Public Transit: A car is essential for shift work.
Gateway to Advancement: Clear, affordable pathways to LPN/RN at local colleges.	Economic Fluctuations: The local economy can be tied to the oil and gas industry, which can be volatile.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is an excellent choice for a CNA who values quality of life, affordability, and a clear path to advancement. If you are a new graduate looking for your first job, or an experienced CNA from a high-cost area seeking to stretch your paycheck and buy a home, Roswell is a pragmatic and welcoming option. It may not offer the high-energy pace of a major city, but it offers stability, community, and real financial feasibility. For those seeking cutting-edge medical research or a vast array of specialty options, a larger metro like Albuquerque or out-of-state may be a better fit.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for CNAs in Roswell competitive?
A: It's moderately competitive. While there are openings, employers like ENMMC often have more applicants than positions for the best shifts. Having your BLS certification and any prior experience (even as a tech or aide) will make your application stand out. Applying in person at facilities can sometimes yield better results than online applications.

Q: What is the cost of living really like?
A: With a Cost of Living Index of 93.5 (US avg = 100), Roswell is about 6.5% cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing and utilities. Groceries and healthcare are close to average. You will feel the difference most in your rent check.

Q: Can I work as a CNA in Roswell while I'm in school for my LPN?
A: Absolutely. This is a very common path. Local employers are accustomed to shift workers who are students. You'll need to be disciplined with your time, but many LPN students work part-time as CNAs. Some employers, like ENMMC, offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees.

Q: What's the weather like, and does it affect the job?
A: Roswell has a high-desert climate: hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. It rarely snows significantly. The main impact is on your commute—summer heat can be intense, and occasional dust storms can reduce visibility. Your work environment will be climate-controlled, but having a reliable, air-conditioned car is essential.

Q: Are there opportunities for temporary or seasonal work?
A: Yes. During flu season (winter), local hospitals and clinics often need extra hands. Some agencies also provide travel CNA contracts, though these are less common in Roswell than in larger cities. It's a great way to gain experience in different settings.