A Local's Guide to Working as a Nursing Assistant in Florence, SC

If you're considering a move to the Pee Dee region as a Nursing Assistant, you're looking at a city with a stable healthcare anchor and a cost of living that makes a modest salary stretch further than in most places. I've worked in and around the Florence healthcare scene for years, and I can tell you that while it's not a booming metropolis, it offers a predictable, manageable career path for CNAs who value community and affordability over high-stakes urban chaos. This guide is built on hard numbers and local knowledge—not promotional fluff. Let's get into the real details.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

The first question on your mind is likely about the paycheck. In Florence, the financial reality for a CNA is straightforward, with a median salary that sits slightly below the national average but is supported by a significantly lower cost of living.

Salary Data for Florence CNA's:

• Median Salary: $34,472/year
• Hourly Rate: $16.57/hour
• National Average for CNA's: $35,760/year
• Jobs in Metro: 80
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The $34,472/year median means half of the CNAs in the Florence metro area earn more, and half earn less. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience level, the specific employer, and shift differentials (evenings, nights, weekends).

Experience-Level Breakdown

While precise local data by experience is limited, we can create a realistic model based on regional trends and local employer practices. This table outlines a typical progression.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary Range (Florence)	Key Factors Influencing Pay
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $33,000	Starting wage at McLeod Health or MUSC Health Florence. Often begins at the base rate with minimal differentials.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$33,000 - $37,000	Increased shift differentials, potential for charge CNA roles in long-term care facilities, or specialty units (e.g., rehab).
Senior	8-15 years	$37,000 - $41,000	Leadership roles (e.g., CNA II, unit coordinator), specialized certifications (e.g., phlebotomy), or high-demand settings like hospice.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$41,000+	Often requires additional certifications (e.g., medication aide, dialysis tech) or moving into education/quality assurance.

Insider Tip: The $16.57/hour base is a solid starting point, but the real earnings come from shift differentials. Overnight and weekend shifts at McLeod or MUSC can add $2.00 - $3.00/hour to your base pay, pushing your effective hourly rate closer to $19.00.

Comparison to Other SC Cities

Florence's salary is part of a broader state and regional pattern. It's not the highest in South Carolina, but it's competitive within the Pee Dee region.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Take-Home Advantage
Florence, SC	$34,472	88.0	High. Low rent and expenses make this salary go much further.
Charleston, SC	$36,100	108.5	Low. Higher pay is erased by brutal housing costs.
Columbia, SC	$34,200	94.0	Moderate. Slightly higher living costs than Florence.
Greenville, SC	$35,500	98.5	Low to Moderate. Growing city with rising costs.
Myrtle Beach, SC	$33,800	102.0	Low. Seasonal economy and tourism inflate living costs.

Local Insight: Florence's Cost of Living Index of 88.0 is the secret weapon. A CNA earning the median salary here has more disposable income than a colleague earning $37,000 in Charleston, where a 1BR apartment averages over $1,400/month.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median $34,472/year. This is a realistic snapshot, not an idealized one.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax: $2,873 / Month)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$2,873	Based on $34,472/year / 12 months.
Taxes (Est. ~18%)	-$517	FICA, Federal, and State (SC has a 7% income tax). This is a conservative estimate.
Take-Home Pay	$2,356
Rent (1BR Average)	-$792	The $792/month average for a 1BR. In nicer areas, it can be $850-$950.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$150	SC summers (high AC costs) can spike this.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Florence is car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	-$300	A reasonable budget for one person.
Health/Other Insurance	-$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Fuel	-$120	Commuting within Florence is short, but gas prices are state-average.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Savings, Personal)	-$494	This is your buffer for savings, emergencies, and personal expenses.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a median salary, buying a home in Florence is challenging but not impossible with disciplined saving. The median home price in Florence is around $180,000 - $200,000. A 20% down payment is $36,000 - $40,000. With a monthly take-home of $2,356, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,000/month would be roughly 42% of your take-home pay, which is high for most lenders. However, with a partner's income or by building significant savings over 5-7 years, it's achievable. Many local CNAs buy homes in older, established neighborhoods like Timrod Park or areas off Hoffmeyer Road.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence's healthcare economy is dominated by two major systems, with a network of long-term care and specialized clinics supporting them. The 80 jobs in the metro figure is a snapshot; turnover creates consistent openings.

1. McLeod Health (Main Campus): The largest employer in the region. They hire CNAs for their acute care hospital, specializing in med-surg, orthopedics, ICU, and labor & delivery. Hiring Trend: Steady. They run a CNA apprenticeship program for local high school students, which means competition for entry-level spots can be fierce. Having your SC CNA license is mandatory.
2. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center: A growing competitor to McLeod. They focus on specialized care and have a strong outpatient presence. Hiring Trend: Active expansion. They are building new facilities and frequently post for CNAs in their emergency department and same-day surgery units.
3. Trinity Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: A major long-term care and rehab facility. Hiring Trend: Consistently high need. LTC facilities have the highest turnover in the industry, making this a reliable place to get your first job or a second one if hospital hours are too demanding.
4. The Heritage Home of Florence: Another key long-term care facility. Similar to Trinity, they offer a steady stream of openings, often with flexible scheduling for students or those with family commitments.
5. Carolinas Rehabilitation - Florence: Part of the McLeod system, this outpatient rehab center specializes in physical therapy after strokes, injuries, or surgeries. CNAs here often assist with mobility and daily living activities. Hiring Trend: Growing with an aging population and increased focus on post-acute care.
6. Local Home Health Agencies (e.g., BrightStar Care, Interim HealthCare): These agencies provide in-home care. Hiring Trend: High demand. This path offers more autonomy and direct patient interaction in a home setting, but pay can be slightly less than hospital work and benefits may be variable.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to get hired at McLeod or MUSC is to start at a LTC facility like Trinity for 6-12 months, then apply internally. Hospitals often prefer candidates with some patient care experience, even if it's not in an acute setting.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina's licensing process is managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). It's a clear, linear process.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum 100-hour course (75 hours of classroom and 25 hours of supervised clinical training). In Florence, you can do this at:
   • Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC): The most reputable local option. Their program is comprehensive and often includes job placement assistance.
   • Private Schools: Several state-approved vocational schools in the area offer accelerated programs (e.g., 4-week courses). Cost: $700 - $1,200.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which includes a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $110.
3. Submit Application to DHEC: Once you pass, you apply for your name to be added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate "license" card; your registry listing is your proof of certification. The application fee is $25.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Certified: $835 - $1,335.
Timeline to Get Started: From enrolling in a class to being on the registry, expect 2-4 months. FDTC's program runs on a semester schedule, while private schools offer rolling admissions.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially McLeod Health, will sometimes reimburse your training costs if you commit to working for them for 12 months. Always ask about tuition assistance during your interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Florence is about balancing commute, safety, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Timrod Park / Downtown	Historic, walkable, near cafes and parks. 5-10 min to McLeod.	$800 - $1,000	Those who want character and a short commute. Older buildings with charm.
West Florence (Hoffmeyer Rd)	Suburban, family-oriented, more modern apartments. 10-15 min to hospitals.	$850 - $950	Young professionals and new families. Plenty of shopping and chain restaurants.
South Florence (Pamplico Hwy)	Mix of older homes and new apartments. 10-15 min to hospitals.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious singles or couples. Close to the airport and I-95 for travel.
Oakdale / Deerfield	Quiet, residential, primarily single-family homes. 15-20 min to hospitals.	$800 - $1,100 (for 1BR apartment in complex)	Those seeking a quiet, suburban feel with a slightly longer commute.
Carolina Pines / Magnolia	Newer, master-planned community with amenities. 15-20 min to hospitals.	$900 - $1,200	CNAs with families or those wanting a modern apartment with pools and gyms.

Insider Tip: The area around Francis Marion University has affordable student-oriented rentals and is a quick commute to the main hospital corridor. Avoid the immediate area around the Florence Civic Center if you value quiet; it can be noisy on event nights.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% in the Florence metro is modest, reflecting a stable but not booming market. For a CNA, growth means specialization and moving laterally or upward.

• Specialty Premiums: In Florence, CNAs with certifications in Phlebotomy or as Medication Aides (CMA) can earn $1.00 - $2.00/hour more. Hospice and dialysis experience is also highly valued and can command a premium.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. CNA II / Charge CNA: Take on more responsibility in LTC or rehab settings.
  2. LPN Bridge Programs: The most common path. FDTC and McLeod Health offer robust LPN programs. With your CNA experience, you can often test out of some courses. An LPN in Florence earns a median salary closer to $48,000 - $52,000.
  3. Specialized Tech Roles: Become a Surgical Tech or Radiology Tech (requires 1-2 years of additional schooling). These roles have higher earning potential and are in demand at McLeod and MUSC.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in the Pee Dee region ensures steady demand for basic CNA services. The growth won't be explosive, but it will be consistent. The key to financial growth is to use your CNA as a stepping stone. Staying a CNA for a decade will see your pay slowly rise with experience, but switching to an LPN or specialized tech role will significantly increase your lifetime earnings.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Florence is a pragmatic choice for a CNA, not a glamorous one. It's a place to build a stable career, gain experience, and enjoy a low-stress lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $34,472 salary feels much more substantial here.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's a quiet, family-oriented city. Don't expect a bustling arts scene.
Stable, Predictable Job Market: Anchored by two major hospital systems.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal. You will need a reliable vehicle.
Short, Easy Commutes: 10-15 minutes is the norm for most residents.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be slower than in major metros.
Friendly, Community-Oriented: Easy to put down roots and know your neighbors.	Limited Diversity: The city is less diverse than national averages, which can impact social circles.
Gateway to the Coast & Mountains: Easy weekend trip to Myrtle Beach (1.5 hrs) or the Blue Ridge Mountains (3.5 hrs).	Hurricane Risk: The Pee Dee is susceptible to tropical storms and flooding, though direct hits are rare.

Final Recommendation: Florence is an excellent choice for a CNA who is either just starting their career and needs affordable living to gain experience, or for a mid-career professional seeking a lower cost of living and a better work-life balance. It's less ideal for a CNA seeking rapid career advancement, a vibrant social scene, or who relies on public transportation.

FAQs

Q1: Is it easy to find a job as a CNA in Florence without prior experience?
A: Yes, especially in long-term care facilities like Trinity and The Heritage Home. Hospitals (McLeod, MUSC) are more competitive and may prefer some experience, but they do hire new graduates. Starting at a LTC facility for 6-12 months is a proven strategy to get your foot in the door at a hospital.

Q2: What's the weather like, and does it affect the job?
A: Florence has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summers can be physically demanding due to the heat, especially if you're in a facility with poor climate control. Winters are rarely disruptive. The main weather concern is hurricane season (June-Nov), which can occasionally impact hospital operations and scheduling.

Q3: How does the cost of living in Florence compare to nearby rural areas?
A: Florence is the regional hub, so its cost of living is slightly higher than surrounding rural areas like Darlington or Marion counties, but the difference is small (often 5-10%). The key advantage of Florence is the concentration of healthcare jobs. Living in a rural area would require a longer commute, which reduces the cost benefit.

Q4: Can I work as a CNA in Florence if I'm certified in another state?
A: South Carolina has reciprocity with many states, but not all. You must contact the SC DHEC Nurse Aide Registry to have your out-of-state certification evaluated. If your training hours and exam meet SC standards, you may be able to transfer your certification without retraining. If not, you'll need to