Here is a comprehensive career guide for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) considering a move to Wichita Falls, Texas, written with local insight and direct data.

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A Career Analyst's Guide to Being a CNA in Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls is a city that doesn't put on airs. It’s a practical place, built on the rhythms of agriculture, aviation, and healthcare. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), it offers a straightforward path to steady work at a cost of living that is still within reach. This guide cuts through the noise to give you the real numbers, the local landscape, and the insider tips you need to decide if this is the right place to hang your scrubs.

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

Let’s start with the bottom line. The data shows a clear picture: being a CNA in Wichita Falls pays slightly above the national average, but the real financial story is about how far that dollar goes in North Texas. The median salary for a CNA here is $35,867/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.24/hour. For context, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year, meaning you’re earning a marginally better wage here, right from the start.

Experience is the biggest factor in your earning potential. Here’s how the salary typically breaks down:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$33,000 - $38,000	$15.87 - $18.27
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $43,000	$18.27 - $20.67
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$43,000+	$20.67+

When you compare Wichita Falls to other Texas cities, the trade-off is clear. Larger metros like Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin offer higher nominal wages but come with a cost-of-living shock. In Wichita Falls, your $35,867 median salary stretches further, but the job market is smaller. There are approximately 205 CNA jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for this role is 4%, which is stable but not explosive. This isn't a boomtown for healthcare careers; it's a steady, reliable market. You're not chasing skyrocketing demand, but you're also not competing with thousands of new arrivals for every single opening.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number. What matters is what you can afford. Let's run the numbers for a single CNA earning the median salary of $35,867/year.

• Monthly Gross Income: $2,989
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA + State): ~$600/month
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$2,389

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wichita Falls is $843/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 101.0, meaning it's 1% more expensive than the national average. This is a key point: while rent is below the national average, other costs (like utilities, which can be high in Texas summers, and transportation) push the overall index just above the U.S. average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $2,389
• Rent (1BR): -$843
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Insurance, Savings: $1,546

This is a manageable budget, but it requires discipline. You won't have a lot of disposable income for luxury spending, but you can live comfortably, cover your bills, and even save. The big question is homeownership. With a median home price in Wichita Falls hovering around $180,000, a 20% down payment is $36,000. Based on the median CNA salary, saving that amount would take significant time and careful budgeting. It's not impossible, especially with a dual-income household, but it's a long-term goal rather than an immediate one. Renting is the more practical and common choice for single-income CNAs in this market.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The healthcare scene in Wichita Falls is dominated by a few key players. The job market is concentrated, so knowing the major employers is crucial. The majority of CNA jobs are in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals. Here are the primary employers to target:

1. United Regional Health Care System: This is the largest private employer in the city and the flagship hospital system. With over 3,500 employees, it’s a major hub for healthcare jobs. They operate a main campus and several clinics. Hiring trends here are consistent; they regularly post for Med/Surg and Telemetry CNAs. Insider Tip: United Regional often prefers candidates who already have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. It’s worth getting this before you apply to stand out.

2. Midwestern State University (MSU) Texas: MSU is a key local institution with a strong nursing and healthcare program. While not a hospital, they employ CNAs in their student health services and, more importantly, their clinical partnerships. MSU graduates often cycle into local hospitals, making the university a network hub. Keep an eye on their job board for support roles.

3. The Garden View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: A prominent long-term care facility in Wichita Falls. This is a classic CNA employer, focusing on geriatric care. The work is demanding but offers steady schedules. Facilities like this often have a higher turnover rate, meaning they are constantly hiring. This can be a good entry point for new CNAs to gain experience.

4. The Pavilion at The Falls: This is a large, well-regarded assisted living and memory care community. It represents a growing segment of the local market: senior living. The pace can be different from a hospital, with a focus on daily living assistance. Hiring trends show a steady need for CNAs, especially in the evenings and weekends.

5. Aging Gracefully Senior Care: This is a major local home health agency. Home health is a growing field, offering more one-on-one patient interaction and often more flexible (but less consistent) hours. For a CNA who prefers a quieter environment and direct patient rapport, this is a prime avenue. The pay can be slightly lower than hospital work, but mileage reimbursement is common.

6. Clifford C. Miller Elementary School: It might seem out of place, but this is the largest school in the Wichita Falls ISD. Schools employ health aides and CNAs for student health services. This is a great option for those seeking a daytime, weekday schedule aligned with the school year. The competition is fierce for these rare positions.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensure is straightforward but must be followed precisely. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Texas requires a minimum of 100 hours of training, which includes at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice. In Wichita Falls, programs are offered at North Texas Area United Way, Vista College, and through the nursing programs at MSU Texas. Costs range from $500 to $1,200, depending on the provider. Some employers, like nursing homes, may offer on-the-job training if you sign a work contract.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your program, you must pass the Texas CNA exam, which has both a written (or oral) and a skills portion. The exam fee is typically around $130. You have three attempts to pass. If you fail, you must retake the training.

3. Apply for Registry Listing: Once you pass, your training program submits your information to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Your name will be added to the official Nurse Aide Registry, typically within 2-3 weeks.

Timeline to Get Started: From the day you enroll in a training program, you can expect to be job-ready in 2 to 4 months. The biggest variable is the wait time for the state exam, which can sometimes be booked out for several weeks. Insider Tip: Start your job search during your clinicals. Let your clinical instructor know you are looking for work. This direct connection is often how new CNAs land their first jobs in Wichita Falls.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Wichita Falls will impact your commute and your lifestyle. The city is laid out on a grid, and traffic is generally light, but here are some areas to consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent
Southwest Wichita Falls	Close to United Regional's main campus and the hospital district. Older, established homes and affordable apartments. A straight-line commute for most healthcare jobs.	$750 - $900
Burkburnett	A separate town just north of the city (10-15 min commute). Offers a small-town feel with lower rents and a strong community. Popular with healthcare workers who want a quieter home life.	$700 - $850
Kell North	A popular area for young professionals and families. Centrally located, with good access to shopping and restaurants. Commute to hospitals is easy via Kell Blvd.	$850 - $1,000
Downtown/Wichita Falls Historic District	For those who want walkability and a unique, artsy vibe. You'll find loft-style apartments and historic homes. Commute is short for jobs in the city center, but you'll be driving to most major hospitals.	$900 - $1,200
The North Side	Near MSU Texas and the new development around the Sheppard Air Force Base perimeter. A mix of new apartments and older homes. Commute to the main hospital is about 15-20 minutes.	$800 - $950

The Long Game: Career Growth

The CNA role in Wichita Falls is a stable foundation, but advancement requires intentional planning. The 4% job growth indicates that most movement will be through replacing retirees, not creating new roles.

• Specialty Premiums: You can increase your earning potential by seeking specialty certifications. While not always a direct pay bump, it makes you more valuable. Certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, or Medication Aide (GMA) can open doors to higher-paying support roles. The Texas Board of Nursing offers a Medication Aide (GMA) certification for CNAs with 12 months of experience, which can add $1-$2/hour to your wage.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to use your CNA experience as a stepping stone to becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The local community college (North Texas Area College) offers an LVN program. As an LVN, your salary jumps dramatically, often to $50,000+. Another path is into healthcare administration or patient care coordination, which may require an associate's or bachelor's degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook requires realism. You will not see a dramatic explosion in CNA jobs. However, the aging population of Wichita Falls and surrounding rural areas means long-term care facilities will remain in constant need. The key to growth is specialization or education. If you stay a CNA for 10 years, you'll likely see your wage creep toward the $40,000 - $43,000 range with experience and small raises, but a significant salary leap requires changing your role.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $35,867 salary goes further here, especially on rent.	Limited Job Market: Only ~205 jobs; competition for the best positions is real.
Stable Demand: Healthcare needs are constant, especially in long-term care.	Low Growth: The 4% growth means advancement is slow without further education.
Manageable Commutes: The city is easy to navigate; you'll rarely sit in traffic.	Limited Specialties: Fewer opportunities for niche CNA certifications compared to large metros.
Tight-Knit Community: It's easier to build a professional network in a smaller healthcare scene.	Lower Ceiling: Long-term earning potential as a CNA is capped without becoming an LVN/RN.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a straightforward work-life balance. It's a "get your start" city—ideal for new CNAs gaining experience or for those who want a slower pace of life without sacrificing a livable wage. It is not the place for someone seeking rapid career advancement, a high-energy social scene, or a wide variety of healthcare specialties. If you're pragmatic, financially conscious, and looking for a community where you can put down roots, Wichita Falls is a solid, data-backed bet.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to find a CNA job in Wichita Falls?
If you have your Texas license and are flexible with shifts (especially willing to work weekends/evenings), you can find a job within 2-6 weeks. Networking through your clinical instructors is the fastest path.

2. Is it worth getting my CNA license if I plan to move to a bigger city later?
Yes. Texas CNAs are licensed by the state, and your certification is portable. You can work in Wichita Falls for 1-2 years to gain experience, and your license will be valid in Dallas or Houston. The experience is invaluable.

3. What is the biggest challenge for CNAs in Wichita Falls?
The most common challenge is wage stagnation. After hitting the mid-level pay range, raises slow down. To significantly increase your income, you must either specialize (GMA, phlebotomy) or pursue an LVN degree.

4. Do hospitals or nursing homes pay better?
In Wichita Falls, hospitals like United Regional often offer slightly better benefits and a more structured career ladder, but the base hourly rate is similar to large nursing homes like The Garden View. For a higher wage, home health agencies sometimes offer mileage reimbursement, which can supplement a slightly lower base pay.

5. What should I budget for beyond rent and taxes?
Your biggest variable is healthcare costs. Even with employer insurance, deductibles can be high. Set aside at least $100/month for medical expenses. Also, budget for car maintenance and insurance—public transit is limited in Wichita Falls, so a reliable vehicle is a necessity.