Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Tulsa’s nursing assistant market is stable but modest. The numbers reflect a city with a lower cost of living, meaning wages follow suit. According to the most recent data, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Tulsa is $34,633 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.65/hour. This sits just below the national average of $35,760/year, a common pattern for healthcare support roles in the Midwest.

The job market for CNAs is solid but not explosive. The Tulsa metro area has 821 jobs currently available for CNAs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This growth is tied directly to the aging population in Oklahoma, particularly in communities like Bixby, Jenks, and Broken Arrow, where retirement communities are expanding.

To give you a clearer picture of how earnings progress with experience, here’s a breakdown. Note that these are estimated ranges based on local job postings and industry averages, with the median at the center.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Tulsa
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$28,000 - $32,000	Often starts in nursing homes or hospitals in the ER or Med-Surg. Shift differentials for nights/weekends are common.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$33,000 - $38,000	Moves to specialized units (ICU, Ortho) or home health. Certification in phlebotomy or EKG tech can bump pay.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$38,000 - $44,000	Often leads to charge aide roles or clinical instructor positions. Experience with trach/vent patients is highly valued.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$44,000+	Typically management (unit coordinator) or specialized home health contracts for complex care.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Tulsa offers a competitive middle ground. Oklahoma City often has slightly higher wages due to a larger concentration of state jobs and more major hospital systems, but the cost of living is also marginally higher. Norman (home to OU Health) can have similar pay but less CNA job density outside the university hospital. Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, often pays on par with Tulsa itself, but you avoid city commute times.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The key to living in Tulsa on a CNA salary is understanding the city’s affordability. The Cost of Living Index in Tulsa is 89.5 (where the US average is 100), and the average 1BR rent is $900/month. This makes a major difference in your monthly budget.

Let’s break down the monthly finances for a CNA earning the median salary of $34,633/year.

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,886
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$550/month (Taxes are an estimate; consult a professional for your situation)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,336
• Average Rent (1BR): $900/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, & Savings: $1,436/month

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but possible with discipline. The median home price in Tulsa is approximately $215,000. On a $34,633 salary, a lender would likely approve a mortgage of around $130,000-$140,000, leaving a significant gap. However, many CNAs in Tulsa achieve homeownership through:

1. Dual-income households.
2. USDA or FHA loans for properties in Tulsa’s eligible neighborhoods (like parts of 61st & Peoria or the Pearl District).
3. Living in a lower-cost suburb (e.g., Bixby or Glenpool) where starter homes are more accessible.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

The Tulsa healthcare scene is dominated by two major systems, but community-based employers are where many CNAs find their niche. Here’s where to look:

1. Saint Francis Health System: The largest private employer in the state. Their Saint Francis Hospital on Yale is a Level I Trauma Center, offering high-volume experience. They have a strong internal CNA-to-nursing pipeline and often hire directly from their own training programs. Hiring trends are consistent year-round.

2. Ascension St. John: Anchored by the St. John Medical Center in midtown Tulsa, this system is a community staple, especially strong in cardiac and oncology care. They are known for stable hours and benefits, making them a popular choice for career-focused CNAs.

3. INTEGRIS Health: With INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and smaller clinics, this system has a strong presence in north Tulsa. They often post jobs for rehab and long-term care facilities attached to the hospital, which is a great entry point.

4. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: Located near the Tulsa International Airport, the VA offers federal benefits and a unique patient population. Hiring can be slower due to government processes, but the pay and retirement plan are superior.

5. Local Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers: Companies like Clarehouse (a respected palliative care facility) and Brookdale Senior Living in suburbs like Bixby are huge employers. Shifts here are often more predictable than in a hospital setting.

6. Home Health Agencies: Tulsa has a network of agencies like Interim HealthCare and Right at Home. These offer flexibility and direct patient care, but pay can be less consistent.

Insider Tip: Don’t just apply online. The Tulsa healthcare community is tight-knit. Attend job fairs at Tulsa Community College or the CareerTech. Many hiring managers prefer to meet candidates in person.

Getting Licensed in OK

To work as a CNA in Oklahoma, you must be listed on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry. If you’re new to the state, here’s the path:

1. Complete State-Approved Training: You must complete a state-certified training program (usually 75 hours, combining classroom and clinical hours). In Tulsa, you can find these programs at:

   • Tulsa Community College (TCC) – 4 campuses.
   • Oklahoma CareerTech (e.g., Tulsa Tech, Owasso Tech).
   • Private schools like Miller-Motte College or Platt College.
   • Many employers (like Saint Francis) offer training programs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes a written test and a skills evaluation. The exam fee is around $150-$200.

3. Submit Application to Registry: Once you pass, you apply to the Oklahoma Department of Health to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. This is free, but processing can take 2-4 weeks.

Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $3,500, depending on the program (community college is cheapest; private schools are more expensive). Some programs offer payment plans.

Timeline: From enrollment to being on the registry can take 2-4 months. If you’re already a CNA in another state, you can apply for reciprocity, which is faster (check the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing website).

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute and budget. Here are top picks for CNAs:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It Works for CNAs
Midtown / Brady District	Walkable, historic, trendy. 10-min drive to St. John.	$950 - $1,100	Close to major hospitals. High walkability reduces car costs. Best for younger CNAs who want nightlife.
Bixby / South Tulsa	Family-friendly, quiet, excellent schools. 20-min commute to most hospitals.	$850 - $950	Where many healthcare workers live. More space for the money. Great for those with or planning families.
Jenks / Glenpool	Suburban, safe, community-focused. 25-30 min commute to downtown.	$800 - $900	Lower rent and home prices. A popular choice for CNAs working at Saint Francis or INTEGRIS Baptist.
Pearl District / Brookside	Hip, artistic, restaurants. 12-min drive to hospitals.	$900 - $1,000	Great for single CNAs who want a vibrant community. Smaller housing stock, so look early.
Owasso	Growing northern suburb. 25-min commute via Highway 169.	$800 - $880	Very affordable with newer apartments. Close to INTEGRIS Baptist and Owasso clinics.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Tulsa is generally manageable, but rush hour on Highway 169 (to Owasso) or the Creek Turnpike (to Bixby) can add 15-20 minutes. Living near a major hospital cluster (like 71st & Yale) can cut your commute to under 10 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Tulsa is often a stepping stone. The local healthcare ecosystem supports advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal title, CNAs with experience in ICU, Labor & Delivery, or Pediatrics can often negotiate higher starting pay. Certifications as a Medical Assistant (MA) or Phlebotomist can add $2-$3/hour to your rate.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). TCC and the University of Tulsa offer affordable ADN and BSN programs. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement (e.g., Saint Francis’s “CNA to RN” scholarship program).
• Alternative Routes: Experienced CNAs can move into home health case management, clinical documentation roles, or administrative positions in clinics.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady. The real opportunity lies in the shift toward home-based and long-term care, driven by Tulsa’s aging population. CNAs with geriatric experience will have the most job security. However, automation and tech (like EHR systems) may require CNAs to adapt to more digital tasks.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of pursuing a CNA career in Tulsa.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $16.65/hour goes much further here than in coastal cities.	Below-National-Average Wages: The $34,633 median is a reality; budget carefully.
Stable Job Market: With 821 jobs and two major health systems, opportunities are consistent.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to your monthly expenses.
Strong Community Ties: The healthcare community is supportive; networking is easier.	Growth is Slow: The 4% growth is modest; you must be proactive about career advancement.
Pathway to Nursing: Local colleges and employer programs make upgrading your license accessible.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters can have ice storms that affect commutes.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a clear path to nursing school. It’s ideal for those starting their career, or for experienced CNAs looking to buy a home on a single income. It may be less suitable for those seeking high starting wages or a fast-paced, cutting-edge medical research environment.

FAQs

1. What’s the first step if I’m moving to Tulsa from another state?
First, get your CNA license reciprocated. Contact the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing to start the process. While that’s pending, you can work as a temporary aide under supervision in some facilities. Secure housing first—Bixby or Jenks are great for newcomers.

2. How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Tulsa?
There’s a steady demand, but new CNAs should be flexible. Apply to nursing homes and home health agencies first to gain experience, then move to hospitals. Having a valid driver’s license and a clean background check is essential.

3. Do Tulsa hospitals really help pay for nursing school?
Yes. Saint Francis and Ascension St. John both have tuition assistance programs for employees who commit to working for them after graduation. It’s a common and effective path for local CNAs.

4. What’s the typical schedule like?
Hospitals run 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a). Nursing homes often have 8-hour shifts (7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a). Weekend and night shifts usually come with a $2-$4/hour differential, which can significantly boost your income.

5. Is it worth it to live in downtown Tulsa on a CNA salary?
It can be, but it requires strict budgeting. The $950+ average rent for a 1BR downtown will take about 40% of your take-home pay after taxes. You’ll need to cut other expenses (car payments, dining out) to make it work. For most, a suburb like Jenks offers better financial balance.