Isaac Prentice
May 15, 2026
Texas is home to one of the largest and most active healthcare sectors in the United States. For aspiring certified nursing assistants, understanding the earning landscape is an important part of planning a career in this field.
This guide breaks down CNA salary data across Texas — by city, work setting, and experience level — to give you a clear picture of what you can realistically expect to earn.
CNAs in Texas typically earn between $13 and $18 per hour. On an annual basis, full-time CNAs in Texas can expect earnings in the range of $27,000 to $37,000, depending on their setting, location within the state, and experience.
Texas does not have a state income tax, which means take-home pay tends to be higher relative to stated wages compared to higher-tax states.
Houston: CNAs in the Houston area tend to earn between $14 and $18 per hour. Houston’s massive medical center — one of the largest in the world — and its diverse healthcare ecosystem make it one of the strongest markets for CNA employment in the state.
Dallas / Fort Worth: The DFW metroplex offers CNA wages ranging from $14 to $17 per hour, with hospitals, SNFs, and home health agencies all competing for qualified candidates.
San Antonio: CNA wages in San Antonio are typically in the range of $13 to $16 per hour, with a large military-affiliated healthcare sector supplementing civilian demand.
Austin: Austin’s fast-growing healthcare sector has driven CNA wages upward, with many positions offering $15 to $18 per hour, particularly in the city’s expanding elder care infrastructure.
El Paso: CNAs in El Paso generally earn at the lower end of the Texas scale, with hourly rates around $12 to $15 per hour.
Skilled nursing facilities: The most common employers of CNAs in Texas, SNFs offer steady employment with compensation often including shift differentials and benefits.
Hospitals: Hospital-based CNA positions in Texas typically pay more than facility-based roles, with access to premium pay for specialized units.
Home health agencies: Home health CNAs in Texas earn competitive hourly rates, with the flexibility of schedule that appeals to many workers.
Assisted living: ALF-based CNAs in Texas generally earn toward the lower end of the pay range, though premium facilities may offer stronger compensation.
Many Texas CNAs go on to pursue LVN or RN credentials, using their nursing assistant experience as the foundation for a longer healthcare career. Texas has a strong pipeline of healthcare education programs, many of which welcome CNA experience as a stepping stone.
Explore your options with NCOOA’s online nursing courses and read our full guide on how to become a CNA in Texas to understand the certification process.
