Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waco, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Waco, Texas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Waco Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Waco’s healthcare economy is stable but not booming. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waco is $34,773/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.72/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, reflecting Waco’s lower cost of living. With 289 jobs listed in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 4%, the market is steady but not expanding rapidly. You won't see the explosive growth of Austin or Dallas, but you also won't face their intense competition or high cost of living.

Here is how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Waco area. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Context in Waco
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $32,000	New CNAs often start at facilities like nursing homes or in home health, where the learning curve is steep but hours are consistent.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $38,000	This is where you'll find the median salary of $34,773. You have experience, can work independently, and are often the backbone of shift teams at larger hospitals.
Senior (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Senior CNAs may take on training roles, work in specialty units (like ICU or ER), or move into agency work, which can bump up pay.
Expert (10+ years)	$42,000+	This level often involves moving into management (like a Charge CNA), regulatory roles, or specializing in high-demand areas like dialysis or hospice.

Insider Tip: The $16.72/hour median can be deceptive. Many Waco facilities offer shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays. If you're willing to work 7 PM to 7 AM, you can add $2-$3 per hour to your base pay, which is a strategy many local CNAs use to maximize their income.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:
Waco provides a solid middle ground. It pays less than the major metros but offers a significantly better quality of life for those without the high expenses.

City	Median Salary	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index
Waco	$34,773	$1,011	90.8
Austin	~$38,500	~$1,750	~115.0
Dallas	~$37,200	~$1,550	~105.5
Houston	~$36,800	~$1,350	~96.5

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Living on $34,773/year in Waco is challenging but feasible with a strict budget. After federal, state (Texas has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay is approximately $2,450.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA in Waco:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$2,450	Based on $34,773/year.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,011	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper in East Waco or more expensive in Wooded Hills.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity (high in TX summers), water, and trash. Internet is ~$60.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shop at H-E-B (a Texas institution) for the best prices.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Car ownership is essential in Waco. Public transit (Bus) is limited.
Fuel	$120 - $150	Gas is generally cheaper here than the national average.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Will vary wildly if employer-sponsored or purchased via Marketplace.
Emergency Fund/Savings	$100 - $200	Essential, but difficult on this salary.
Miscellaneous	$100 - $150	Phone, personal care, entertainment (e.g., a movie at the Hippodrome).
Total Expenses	$2,281 - $2,911	You are often running close to or over your take-home pay.

Can you afford to buy a home? On a $34,773 salary, it's extremely difficult to qualify for a traditional mortgage in Waco's current market. The median home price is around $250,000. Lenders typically require a debt-to-income ratio below 43%. With average student loan or car payments, a mortgage payment would be unaffordable. Most CNAs in Waco rent or live with family. Homeownership is typically a goal achieved after years of experience, dual-income households, or moving into higher-paying specialty roles.

Insider Tip: Many facilities offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs who want to become LPNs or RNs. This is the most viable path to financial stability and home ownership in the long run.

Where the Jobs Are: Waco's Major Employers

Waco’s healthcare scene is anchored by two large hospital systems and a robust network of long-term care facilities.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest: The city's largest healthcare employer. Located on University Parks Drive, it’s a Level II Trauma Center. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ICU. Hiring trends are steady, but they often require BLS and PALS certification. Insider Tip: They have a strong internal career ladder for CNAs aiming to become Techs in the ER or Cath Lab.

2. Ascension Providence: The other major hospital, located in the heart of downtown. It’s a teaching hospital linked to the Texas A&M medical school. They have a high volume of patients and frequently hire CNAs. Their focus is on community care, so you'll see a diverse patient population. Insider Tip: Working here means you're steps away from great lunch spots on Franklin Avenue.

3. St. Catherine's Center: A large, long-term care and rehabilitation facility in the Lake Air area. This is a prime spot for new CNAs to gain experience. They offer consistent hours and a structured environment. Insider Tip: They are known for having a strong, team-oriented culture but can be demanding.

4. Homestead Place: Another major nursing home/rehab center, located near the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. They specialize in post-acute care and often have openings for weekend warriors. Insider Tip: Their rehab unit is busy, so you'll get experience with wound care and mobility training.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association, LHC Group): Waco has a growing elderly population, driving demand for in-home CNAs. Pay can be higher due to the autonomy, but you'll need a reliable car and good time management. Insider Tip: This is where you can often set your own schedule, a huge perk for parents or students.

6. Waco ISD School Nurses: CNAs can work as health aides in the local school district. This is a rare and coveted position with summers and holidays off, but it’s highly competitive. Insider Tip: These jobs are posted on the Waco ISD HR website and fill up fast.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory process for CNAs.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of training, which includes 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. Many local community colleges (like McLennan Community College) and private schools (like Texas Career Institute) offer this. Cost: Approximately $800 - $1,500. MCC is often the most affordable option.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which consists of a written/oral portion and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is about $120 - $150.

3. Register with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS): Once you pass the exam, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. There is no additional fee for this.

Timeline: From start to certified, it typically takes 2 to 4 months. Full-time programs can be completed in as little as 8 weeks.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like Baylor Scott & White, offer "earn while you learn" programs where they pay for your training in exchange for a commitment to work there for a year. Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

When choosing where to live in Waco, consider your commute to the major hospitals. Traffic is generally manageable, but living close to work is a huge quality-of-life boost.

1. Downtown / Historic District:

   • Commute: Walk or bike to Ascension Providence. 5-10 min drive to Baylor Hillcrest.
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant, walkable, full of cafes, bars, and the Magnolia Market. Rents can be higher for renovated lofts.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.

2. Lake Air / South Waco:

   • Commute: 10-15 min drive to both major hospitals. Easy access to I-35.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Close to parks and the lake.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.

3. East Waco / Elm Mott Area:

   • Commute: 15-20 min to hospitals. You'll deal with some traffic on I-35.
   • Lifestyle: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. It's an up-and-coming area with a strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR. This is where you'll find the best value.

4. Wooded Hills / North Waco:

   • Commute: 15-20 min to hospitals via US-84 or I-35.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban feel with newer apartment complexes. Good for families. Less walkable.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 is the main bottleneck. If you work at Baylor Hillcrest, living on the north side means you're driving against the worst traffic, which is a major advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% means you have to be strategic. Stagnation is a real risk. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs in the ER, ICU, or Dialysis at Baylor Hillcrest or Ascension Providence can earn $2-$4 more per hour than a standard Med-Surg CNA. This requires additional on-the-job training and certifications (like BLS, ACLS, or dialysis tech training).
• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After 6-12 months as a CNA, you can take a state-approved course to become a CMA. This allows you to administer medications in long-term care facilities and typically comes with a $1-$2/hour pay raise. It's a common and valuable next step.
• LPN/RN Bridge: This is the single biggest career move. McLennan Community College has a strong LPN program, and many local hospitals offer tuition assistance. As an LPN, your salary jumps to the $45,000 - $55,000 range. As an RN, you're looking at $65,000 - $80,000+. This is the path to financial security in Waco.
• Home Health/Agency: Moving into agency work or starting your own small home care business (after getting higher licensure) is the entrepreneurial route. It offers higher hourly rates but requires business savvy.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for geriatric care will remain strong due to Waco's aging population. However, automation and changing hospital models may slightly reduce the need for traditional CNAs. The most secure CNAs will be those who specialize, certify, and/or advance their education.

The Verdict: Is Waco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,773 goes much further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Low Salary Ceiling: The $16.72/hour median is hard to break without further education.
Stable Job Market: 289 jobs and steady hospitals mean you can likely find a job.	Slow Growth: The 4% 10-year growth is modest. Career advancement requires proactive steps.
Manageable Commute: You can live affordably and still be within 15-20 mins of work.	Car Dependent: Public transit is insufficient; you need a car.
Strong Community Feel: Waco is a "big small town." It's easy to build connections.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you're young and want a bustling, 24/7 city, Waco can feel quiet.
Excellent for Families: Safe, affordable, and with good public schools (in some areas).	Healthcare Saturation: Competition for the best jobs (school nurse, specialty units) is fierce.

Final Recommendation: Waco is an excellent choice for a practical, budget-conscious CNA who values stability and community over fast-paced career growth. It is ideal for:

• New CNAs looking to get their feet wet in a supportive environment.
• CNAs who are parents and need a manageable commute and affordable rent.
• Anyone pursuing further education (LPN/RN) with the intent to use Waco as a low-cost launchpad.

Think twice if:

• Your primary goal is to maximize your CNA salary immediately.
• You are a young professional seeking a vibrant, fast-paced urban jungle.

FAQs

1. What is the first thing I should do when moving to Waco as a CNA?
Get your Texas Nurse Aide Registry verification. If you're licensed in another state, you'll need to go through the reciprocity process. Simultaneously, start applying to Baylor Hillcrest and Ascension Providence; they are the biggest employers and often have the best benefits.

2. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 90.8 means essentials like groceries and healthcare are about 10% cheaper than the national average. The real savings come from housing. While rent averages $1,011, you can find decent 1BRs for $850-$900 in neighborhoods like East Waco, which is nearly impossible in larger metros.

3. How competitive is the job market with only 289 listed jobs?
For an entry-level CNA, it's not overly competitive. Facilities like St. Catherine's and Homestead Place are almost always looking for reliable staff. The competition is for the best jobs: school nurse, specialty units at hospitals, or positions with major home health agencies. Having your BLS certification and a clean driving record will set you apart.

4. Can I survive on the median salary of $34,773?
Yes, but with a tight budget. You will likely need roommates to save money or to afford a nicer apartment. Following the budget breakdown is key. Most local CNAs I know either have a spouse/partner contributing to the household income or are in a long-term plan to advance their license.

5. What's the best path to a higher salary without leaving Waco?
The consensus among local healthcare workers is: CNA → Certified Medication Aide (CMA) → LPN → RN. McLennan Community College is the primary educational hub for this path. Many local facilities have tuition reimbursement programs that can cover a significant portion of these costs. This is the most reliable way to move from the $16.72/hour range to a more comfortable $25+/hour wage within a 5-10 year timeframe.