Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sunrise Manor CDP, NV

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're deciding whether to relocate. In Sunrise Manor CDP, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) is $35,481/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.06/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but it's important to understand the local context. With a cost of living index of 97.4 (where the US average is 100), your dollar goes a little further here than it does in many other parts of the country. The metro area, which includes Las Vegas and surrounding communities like Sunrise Manor, has a total population of 213,644 and supports 427 active CNA jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, indicating a stable, if not explosive, demand for your skills.

Experience is the biggest driver of pay in this field. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn as you gain experience in the local market.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes for Sunrise Manor CDP
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35	Starting pay at large hospital systems often lands here. Smaller skilled nursing facilities may start lower.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	$17.31 - $18.75	This is near the median. Specialized certifications (like geriatrics or hospice) can push you to the top of this range.
Senior (6-9 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	$19.23 - $21.15	Often includes shift differentials (nights/weekends) and may involve lead CNA or mentorship roles.
Expert (10+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+	Typically found in specialized units (ICU, rehab), as charge CNAs, or those who have pursued further education (LPN bridge programs).

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base rate. Many local employers, especially the larger hospital systems, offer significant shift differentials. Working an overnight or weekend shift can add $2.00 to $4.00 per hour to your base pay, which can make a huge difference in your annual earnings.

Comparison to Other Nevada Cities

How does Sunrise Manor CDP stack up against other Nevada cities for CNAs? The data shows a clear pattern tied to urban density and cost of living.

City/Metro Area	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Sunrise Manor CDP (Las Vegas Metro)	$35,481	97.4	427 Jobs
Reno-Sparks Metro	$36,850	104.6	~300 Jobs
Carson City	$35,100	103.2	~80 Jobs
Rural Southern NV (e.g., Pahrump)	$32,500	98.1	~40 Jobs

As you can see, Reno offers a marginally higher salary, but its higher cost of living (104.6) eats into that advantage. Sunrise Manor CDP, being part of the sprawling Las Vegas metro, provides a better balance of job availability (the highest in the state outside of the immediate urban core) and a cost of living that is below the national average. For a CNA looking for steady work and a manageable budget, the Las Vegas metro area, including Sunrise Manor, is often the most pragmatic choice in Nevada.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary figure is just a starting point. Let's get real about what $35,481/year means for your monthly budget in Sunrise Manor CDP. We'll use the local average for a one-bedroom apartment, which is $1,314/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA Earning the Median Salary ($35,481/year)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,957
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$591 (approx. 20% for this bracket)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,366
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,314
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $1,052

This is a tight but manageable budget. Rent consumes about 55% of your take-home pay, which is high but common for single-income households in many metropolitan areas. The key to making it work is budgeting carefully for the remaining $1,052. Utilities (electricity can be high in the summer), a car payment/insurance (public transit is limited), and groceries will take a significant chunk.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this single income, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in the Las Vegas metro is currently around $415,000. A 20% down payment would be $83,000. Even with a lower down payment, the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely far exceed the $1,314 you're paying for rent, putting immense strain on your budget. Homeownership is generally not feasible for a single CNA earning the median salary without substantial savings, a dual income, or moving to a more affordable condo/townhouse. The priority for most CNAs in this income bracket is stable renting and building an emergency fund.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

Sunrise Manor CDP is part of the Las Vegas Valley, which means you're in a major healthcare job market. While many facilities are technically in adjacent census-designated places or within Las Vegas city limits, the entire metro area is your workplace. Your commute will be a factor, so knowing the major players is key.

1. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: Located just south of Sunrise Manor, this is one of the largest and busiest Level II Trauma centers in the region. It's a major employer for CNAs in all units, from the ER to med-surg and pediatrics. They have a constant need for staff and offer the potential for shift differentials and specialty experience. Hiring trends are consistently active.

2. University Medical Center (UMC): The public hospital for Southern Nevada, also adjacent to Sunrise Manor. As a safety-net hospital, it serves a diverse patient population and is a fantastic place to gain broad clinical experience. They often have robust hiring pipelines and tuition reimbursement programs for employees looking to advance.

3. MountainView Hospital: Situated to the north in the Las Vegas valley, this HCA Healthcare facility is another major employer. They are known for their cardiac and stroke care, offering CNAs opportunities in specialized units. HCA hospitals often have standardized career ladders and benefits.

4. Sunrise Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: This is a local long-term care facility right in the community. These facilities are the backbone of CNA employment, offering consistent schedules (often 8 or 12-hour shifts) and a focus on geriatric care. Pay might start slightly lower than hospitals, but the patient ratios can be more manageable.

5. The Villas at Summerlin (and other Atria/Legacy locations): While not in Sunrise Manor, this large senior living community is a short commute and a major employer for CNAs in assisted living and memory care. The work environment is different from a hospital—more home-like, with a focus on daily living assistance. Hiring is frequent due to the growing senior population in the Vegas valley.

Insider Tip: The local healthcare market runs on contracts and agencies like Aya Healthcare and Maxim Healthcare Services. If you're new to the area or want flexibility, signing on with an agency can be a great way to get your foot in the door at multiple facilities, try out different specialties, and potentially earn a higher hourly rate (often $20-$25/hour for travel/contract CNAs). However, benefits are typically not included.

Getting Licensed in NV

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get licensed in Nevada. The process is managed by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Program: You must graduate from a program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. If you were certified in another state, you may be able to challenge the exam or apply for reciprocity, but it's not automatic. Check the Board's website for the most current list of approved programs.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam consists of a written (or oral) section and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $115 (this can change, so verify with the testing provider, typically Pearson VUE or Credentia).
3. Submit Application & Background Check: You must complete the state application, get fingerprinted for a background check (costs vary, but expect $50-$75), and pay the state licensing fee (around $50).
4. Certification: Once you pass the exam and your application is approved, you will be listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a CNA in another state with a clean record: The reciprocity process can take 4-8 weeks from the time you submit all required documents.
• If you need to take a Nevada-approved program: A typical CNA program takes 4-12 weeks of full-time study, followed by scheduling your state exam, which can add another 2-4 weeks.
• Budget a minimum of 3 months to get fully licensed and start applying for jobs.

Insider Tip: Always verify your status on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by DNV) before you accept a job offer. Employers will check this immediately. If you're coming from a state with a different certification name (e.g., "Patient Care Assistant"), contact the Nevada Board of Nursing to confirm your eligibility.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNP)s

Living where you work is key to managing your budget and reducing commute stress. In the sprawling Las Vegas metro, here are 4-5 neighborhoods/areas to consider near Sunrise Manor CDP, balancing affordability, safety, and commute.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute to Major Hospitals	Average 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Sunrise Manor CDP Proper	Quiet, residential, established. 10-20 min drive to Sunrise Hospital or UMC. Very close to the "Sunrise Manor Skilled Nursing" facility.	$1,200 - $1,450	CNAs who want the shortest possible commute and a classic suburban feel.
North Las Vegas (Near Craig Rd)	More affordable, densely populated. 15-25 min drive to hospitals. Good access to I-15 and US-95.	$1,050 - $1,250	Budget-conscious CNAs. It's where you'll find the most rental options at the lowest prices.
Henderson (Green Valley Area)	Upscale, master-planned, very safe. 25-35 min commute to Sunrise Hospital. Higher cost of living, but excellent amenities.	$1,500 - $1,800	CNAs with a higher income (perhaps a partner with a job) who prioritize safety and a polished environment.
Summerlin (West Side)	Affluent, master-planned community. 30-40 min commute to Sunrise Hospital. Many jobs are actually in this area (e.g., MountainView, Summerlin Hospital).	$1,600 - $2,000	CNAs who work at hospitals on the west side of the valley and want a premier neighborhood.
The "Medical District" (Near UMC)	Urban, dense. Walking distance to UMC and Sunrise Hospital. Very busy area.	$1,400 - $1,700	CNAs who want to eliminate their commute entirely and don't mind an urban environment.

Insider Tip: Traffic in the Las Vegas valley is no joke, especially on I-15 and US-95 during shift changes. A 10-mile commute can easily take 30+ minutes. Living in Sunrise Manor CDP or North Las Vegas (near Craig Rd) offers the best balance of affordability and reasonable commute times to the major hospital clusters. Always test your commute during your potential work hours (e.g., 6 AM or 3 PM) before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license is a fantastic entry point into healthcare, but it's rarely the end of the road. In Nevada, there are clear pathways for advancement, and specializing can significantly boost your earning potential.

Specialty Premiums:

• Geriatric Care: The most common specialty, especially in long-term care. While it doesn't always come with a premium, expertise here is always in demand.
• Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy Aide): Some CNAs find roles assisting physical and occupational therapists. This can come with a small premium ($1-$2/hour more).
• Hospice & Palliative Care: Requires additional training and a specific skill set. This is a growing field and can command higher pay due to the emotional and clinical complexity.
• Phlebotomy/EKG Technician: Many CNAs cross-train into these skills. Adding these certifications can make you more valuable and lead to a pay bump, especially in hospital settings.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead CNA/Charge Aide: In hospitals and larger facilities, you can advance to a leadership role over other CNAs, which comes with more responsibility and a pay increase.
2. Bridge to LPN/RN: This is the most common and impactful advancement. Nevada has several bridge programs (e.g., at Nevada State College or College of Southern Nevada) that allow you to use your CNA experience and education to enter an LPN or RN program. This is a multi-year commitment but increases your salary potential by 60-100% or more.
3. Healthcare Administration: With additional education (an associate's or bachelor's degree), you can move into roles like unit coordinator, patient services manager, or clinic administrator.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is solid. The driving force is Nevada's aging population. The Las Vegas valley has a high concentration of retirees, which means sustained demand for CNAs in long-term care, home health, and hospital geriatric units. While automation will not replace hands-on patient care, the need for skilled, compassionate CNAs will remain strong. Your job security is high if you are reliable and maintain your license.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Making the move is a big decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons for a CNA.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 427 jobs and a 4% growth rate, you'll find work.	High Rent Burden: Rent can consume over 50% of your take-home pay on a median salary.
Lower Cost of Living: Below the national average, making your $35,481 salary go further than in many coastal cities.	Summer Heat: Extreme temperatures (100°F+) can be physically draining, especially if you walk or bike to work.
Diverse Employer Options: From large trauma centers to quiet skilled nursing facilities, you can find a work environment that fits you.	Traffic & Commutes: The valley is sprawling. A bad commute can add significant stress to your day.
No State Income Tax: Nevada is one of the few states without a state income tax, which is a direct financial benefit.	Transience: The Las Vegas area has a high turnover rate in many industries, including healthcare. Building a stable team can sometimes be a challenge.
Pathway to Advancement: Multiple colleges offer LPN/RN bridge programs within a short commute.	Isolated from Nature: The desert landscape is beautiful but can feel harsh, with limited green spaces compared to other regions.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise Manor CDP and the surrounding Las Vegas metro area are a strong choice for CNAs who prioritize job availability and are budget-conscious. It's an excellent place to gain diverse clinical experience, especially in trauma, cardiology, and geriatrics. However, it is not the place for someone expecting to save a lot of money for a home on a single CNA income. The financial reality of rent means careful budgeting is non-negotiable.

Who should move here? A CNA who is early in their career, looking to gain experience, and open to possibly advancing to an LPN/RN within a few years. It's also ideal for those who value a vibrant, 24/7 city and don't mind the heat.

Who should think twice? A CNA whose primary financial goal is homeownership in the near future, or someone who strongly prefers a walkable, green, and temperate environment.

For most CNAs, Sunrise Manor CDP offers a viable, practical launchpad into a long-term healthcare career.

FAQs

**1. I'm a CNA from California. Is it hard to get