Certified Nursing Assistant in Texas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$36,390
trending_down -7.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering
87,050

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$125

Licensing fees

schedule
4-8 weeks (training program)

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Texas

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Texas, individuals must complete a 100-hour state-approved training program, which includes 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Prometric CNA Exam, which costs $125 and includes both a written and skills portion. The licensing body is the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and there is no application fee. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are mandatory, and while generally applicants must be 18, some programs may accept individuals as young as 16. Texas offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pass a criminal background check.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,580
25th percentile $33,090
50th (median) $36,390
75th percentile $39,530
90th (experienced) $45,760

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Texas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing bodyTexas Health and Human Services Commission
State license Required
Education100-hour state-approved training program (60 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical)
ExamPrometric CNA Exam ($125)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is generally 18, though some programs accept 16-year-olds. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. Proof of immunization and a valid social security number are also typically needed. Renewal requires 24 hours of in-service education, including training in geriatrics and dementia care, and verification of employment.

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Texas? expand_more
In Texas, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (100-hour state-approved training program (60 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical)), and pass the Prometric CNA Exam.
Does Texas require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more
You cannot practice as a certified nursing assistant in Texas without a state license from Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The required exam is the Prometric CNA Exam.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Texas? expand_more
In Texas, the median pay for certified nursing assistants comes to $36,390/year. This trails the $39,530 national median by 8%. Wages range from $29,580 (10th percentile) up to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a certified nursing assistant in Texas? expand_more
Between exam fee ($125), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a certified nursing assistant in Texas? expand_more
Expect to spend 4-8 weeks (training program) from start to finish in Texas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do certified nursing assistants need in Texas? expand_more
Yes — certified nursing assistants in Texas must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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