The Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Guide to Round Rock, Texas

Welcome to Round Rock, the "Sports Capital of Texas" and a booming suburb just 20 miles north of Austin. If you're a Nursing Assistant (CNA) looking for a stable career in a community with a strong healthcare infrastructure, a relatively low cost of living, and a family-friendly vibe, Round Rock deserves your serious consideration. This guide is built on hard data and local insights to give you the unvarnished truth about building a CNA career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. The financial reality for a CNA in Round Rock is a tale of two stories: it's competitive for the region but can feel tight given housing costs. The median salary for a CNA in the Round Rock metro area is $35,502 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.07. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760, reflecting the broader Texas healthcare wage landscape, which often trades slightly lower wages for a lower cost of living.

The 10-year job growth projection for CNAs in the metro is 4%, which is steady but not explosive. This indicates a stable demand consistent with an aging population, but not a hiring frenzy. With approximately 263 CNA jobs in the metro, Round Rock is a solid market rather than a massive one, meaning you're not competing with thousands of applicants daily, but opportunities are concentrated.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings will grow with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Round Rock area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $32,500	Starting positions in long-term care or hospital support roles.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,500 - $38,000	You're at the median. Specializations (geriatrics, rehab) can push you higher.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$39,000 - $43,000	Often involves charge aide roles, preceptor duties, or niche clinical settings.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$44,000+	Requires certifications (e.g., Restorative Nursing Assistant) or roles in specialty units like dialysis or hospice.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Round Rock's CNA wages sit in the middle of the Texas pack. It's more affordable than Austin proper but pays less than major metros like Dallas or Houston.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Key Driver
Round Rock	$35,502	97.6	Suburban healthcare hub.
Austin	~$36,500	112.5	Higher demand, but cost of living is punishing.
Dallas	~$37,200	102.3	Larger, denser hospital networks.
San Antonio	~$34,800	93.5	Similar cost, slightly lower wages.
Houston	~$36,900	96.5	Massive medical center, varied wages.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest salary. A $35,502 salary in Round Rock with a $1,635/month average rent often provides a better quality of life and savings potential than a $36,900 salary in Houston with a $2,200/month rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's translate that $35,502 annual salary into a monthly budget. Using Texas' no state income tax (federal taxes only) and the average 1BR rent of $1,635/month, here's a realistic monthly breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single CNA, $35,502/yr)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,958
• Federal Taxes & FICA (Est. 20%): -$592
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): $2,366
• Average 1BR Rent: -$1,635
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Gas, Savings: $731

This leaves you with about $731 per month for all other expenses. Utilities (electric, water, internet) in a Texas summer can run $150-$200. Car insurance and gas (essential in Round Rock, which is spread out) can easily consume $250-$300. That leaves roughly $230-$331 for groceries, phone, personal care, and any savings or debt payments. It's doable, but tight, especially if you have a car payment or student loans.

Can they afford to buy a home?
At the current $35,502 median salary, qualifying for a mortgage on a typical $350,000 Round Rock home (a common starter home price) is extremely challenging. A standard 20% down payment is $70,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, $12,250), the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,000, which is over 80% of your net pay. Homeownership as a single-income CNA in Round Rock is not a short-term goal. It would require dual income, significant savings, or a substantial career advancement to a higher-paying specialty.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a major hospital and a network of senior care and outpatient facilities. Hiring is consistent, but turnover is common in long-term care, creating openings.

1. Round Rock Medical Center (Ascension Seton): This is the city's flagship hospital. While many CNA roles here are technically "Patient Care Technicians" (PCTs) or "Hospital Aides," they are functionally equivalent. They offer acute care experience in med-surg, orthopedics, and telemetry. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for candidates with BLS certification. They often post jobs directly on their website.

2. St. David's Round Rock Medical Center (Part of St. David's HealthCare): The other major hospital in the city, competing for talent. Similar roles in a high-acuity environment. Insider Tip: St. David's is known for its robust internal training programs and tuition reimbursement, which is a huge perk for CNAs looking to advance to LPN or RN.

3. The Wellington at Round Rock: A large, well-regarded skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. This is a classic CNA employer focusing on long-term care and post-acute rehab. Hiring Trend: Very high demand. They are almost always hiring, especially for weekend and night shifts, which often come with a shift differential.

4. Brookdale Round Rock: A major assisted living and memory care community. Work here is more focused on daily living assistance and less on heavy clinical tasks. It's a great environment for CNAs who prefer a less acute setting. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on personality fit and compassion.

5. Silverado Memory Care Community: Another key player in memory care, which is a growing specialty. Requires patience and specific training for dementia care. This can be a rewarding niche with potential for higher pay due to the specialized skill set.

6. Round Rock Senior Living (Various Locations): Round Rock has several smaller assisted living and independent living communities (e.g., The Blake at Round Rock, Brookdale North). They are a significant source of CNA jobs, often with more predictable hours than 24/7 skilled nursing facilities.

7. Dialysis Clinics (e.g., DaVita, Fresenius): Located in Round Rock and nearby Georgetown. These are outpatient clinics requiring certification as a Hemodialysis Technician (which a CNA can often obtain through on-the-job training). Pay Premium: This specialty often commands a higher hourly rate than traditional CNA work, sometimes $2-$4 more per hour.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licenses CNAs through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). These are offered at community colleges (like Austin Community College's Round Rock campus), vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. The minimum requirement is 100 hours (including at least 60 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical training). Cost: Varies widely, from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, like St. David's, offer paid training programs where you commit to working for them for a set period after graduation.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the Texas Nurse Aide Exam, which consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. Cost: Approximately $115 for both components. You have three attempts to pass.

3. Get Listed on the Registry: Once you pass, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. You must list this credential on all job applications. You can work for up to 120 days while awaiting exam results, but you must pass to keep the job.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-2: Research and enroll in a training program. Many have monthly start dates.
• Weeks 3-10: Complete the 100-hour program (often 4-8 weeks if full-time).
• Week 11: Schedule and take the state exam.
• Week 12-13: Receive results, get listed on the registry, and start job hunting. In total, you can be job-ready in 3 to 4 months.

Insider Tip: Start applying for jobs during your clinical rotations. Many facilities in Round Rock will hire you contingent on passing the state exam, allowing you to start work immediately after certification.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Round Rock will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top choices, ordered by practicality for a CNA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Teravista	Master-planned community, family-oriented, safe. Central to many healthcare employers.	$1,650 - $1,800	Those with families or who want a quiet, suburban feel.
Round Rock West	Older, more established area with larger lots and mature trees. Close to St. David's.	$1,500 - $1,650	Budget-conscious CNAs who want a quieter, more residential feel.
Pflugerville (Adjacent)	Technically a separate city, but a 10-15 minute commute to Round Rock hospitals. More affordable.	$1,400 - $1,550	Those prioritizing lower rent over being in the Round Rock city limits.
Downtown Round Rock	Walkable, historic charm, near restaurants and Main Street. Limited housing stock, mostly apartments/condos.	$1,700 - $1,900	Younger CNAs who want a social vibe and don't mind a slightly longer commute to hospitals.
Brushy Creek	Master-planned community with great parks and schools. A bit farther from the central hospital cluster.	$1,600 - $1,750	CNAs with children or those who value outdoor amenities highly.

Commute Reality Check: Round Rock is car-centric. Most healthcare jobs are concentrated along I-35 and Highway 79. A commute from Pflugerville or Brushy Creek to the hospital district is typically 15-25 minutes, which is very manageable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While a CNA is a fantastic entry point, long-term growth in Round Rock requires strategic moves. The 4% job growth means you can't just coast; you need to upskill.

• Specialty Premiums: The fastest way to boost your hourly rate from the $17.07 median is to gain certifications.

  • Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA): Focuses on rehab and mobility. Can add $1-$2/hour.
  • Hemodialysis Technician: As mentioned, can push your wage to $19-$21/hour.
  • Hospice CNA: Specialized training in end-of-life care. Often comes with a small premium and excellent benefits.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Charge Aide/Lead CNA: A step up in responsibility, managing other aides on a shift. Small pay bump, but great resume builder.
  2. Bridge to Nursing: Round Rock's proximity to Austin Community College (Round Rock campus) and Texas State University (in nearby San Marcos) makes further education accessible. Many local healthcare employers offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing LPN or RN degrees. This is the most common and lucrative path.
  3. Healthcare Administration: With experience, moving into roles like unit secretary or care coordinator is possible, though it may require additional coursework.

• 10-Year Outlook: In a decade, the CNA role will remain critical, but technology (e.g., electronic charting, remote patient monitoring) will be more integrated. CNAs who are tech-comfortable and have specialized certifications will have the best job security and wage growth. The aging population in the Austin metro will continue to drive demand, but competition from tech salaries may keep CNA wages from skyrocketing.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by two major hospitals and a dense senior care network.	Tight Budget: The $35,502 median salary and $1,635 rent leave little room for error.
Lower Cost of Living: A 97.6 index is more manageable than Austin (112.5).	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Family-Friendly Community: Excellent schools, parks, and a safe environment.	Wage Growth is Slow: The 4% growth and median wage suggest steady, not rapid, career progression.
Proximity to Austin: Access to a major city's culture and amenities without the brutal cost.	Competition from Tech: While not directly competing, the area's tech wealth can influence service costs (like rent).
Clear Career Pathways: Local colleges and employer tuition benefits make advancement feasible.	Limited Housing for Singles: The rental market is geared toward families; finding affordable, convenient housing for one is a challenge.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, community, and a realistic path to career advancement (especially via nursing school). It's a better fit for those with a roommate, a partner, or a second income, as the single-income budget is tight. If you're willing to specialize (dialysis, hospice) and potentially share housing costs initially, you can build a solid, sustainable life here. It's not the place for getting rich quickly as a CNA, but it is a place to build a meaningful, stable career in healthcare.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Round Rock as a CNA?
Absolutely. Round Rock is a sprawling suburb. Hospitals and care facilities are not centrally clustered, and public transportation (Capital Metro) is limited and not practical for shift work. A reliable car is non-negotiable.

2. How competitive are CNA jobs in Round Rock?
Moderately competitive. With only 263 jobs in the metro, you're not in a massive pool, but employers are selective. Having your Texas Nurse Aide Registry number, BLS certification, and a clean background check is essential. Showing up to interviews in professional attire and demonstrating a calm, compassionate demeanor will set you apart.

3. What's the best way to find a CNA job here?
Beyond Indeed and LinkedIn, go directly to the "Careers" pages of the major employers listed above (Ascension Seton, St. David's, The Wellington, Brookdale). Local healthcare staffing agencies (like Aya Healthcare or Medical Solutions) also staff CNA positions in Round Rock, often for travel assignments, which can pay a premium.

4. Is the cost of living really 97.6?
Yes, and it's a key advantage. The index is a composite of housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. While rent is high, other categories are often below the national average, especially no state income tax and lower gas prices compared to coastal cities. This helps offset the rent burden.

5. Can I live comfortably on the median salary?
"Comfortably" is subjective. You can live independently if you budget meticulously, avoid debt, and have a cheap car. You will likely have roommates or a partner to share costs if you want to save money, travel, or handle emergencies without stress. Many CNAs here work extra shifts or per-diem jobs to increase their income.