Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gulfport, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

As a local who's watched this coastal city's economy for years, I can tell you that Gulfport's wages for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) sit squarely in the Mississippi norm—neither a standout nor a lagging indicator. The median salary for a CNA in Gulfport is $34,612/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.64. This places you slightly below the national average of $35,760/year for the role, a common trade-off for the region's lower cost of living.

To understand where you fit into this picture, let's break it down by experience. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings, BLS data for the Gulfport-Biloxi metro, and conversations with managers at area healthcare facilities.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Gulfport)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $32,500	Starting pay at major hospitals like Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, often with shift differentials for nights/weekends.
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	This is the median range. CNAs here have specialized skills (e.g., dementia care, rehab) and may work in home health or long-term care.
Senior/Expert (5+ years)	$38,000 - $42,000+	Often leads to roles like CNA II, mentorship, or charge aide positions. Some specialty settings (like Open Heart at Memorial) offer premium pay.

How Gulfport Compares to Other Mississippi Cities:
Gulfport is the third-largest city in Mississippi, but its wages for healthcare support roles are very comparable to Jackson, the capital. The key difference is job volume and specialization. While Jackson (the metro area) has more state government and large academic medical centers, Gulfport's healthcare jobs are concentrated on the coast, with a slight emphasis on elderly care due to the retiree population.

• Jackson, MS: Median salary is similar, around $34,500 - $35,000/year. However, there are more jobs in the metro (over 200 listed), and opportunities at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) can offer higher starting pay for specialized CNAs.
• Biloxi, MS: Essentially the same market as Gulfport, as they share a metro area. Salaries are comparable, with Biloxi having more casino-resort-based healthcare roles (e.g., for employee wellness clinics).
• Hattiesburg, MS: A smaller metro with a slightly lower cost of living. Salaries are often $1,000-$2,000 less annually than in Gulfport, but the job market is tighter, with fewer openings.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for this metro is only 4%, according to BLS projections. This isn't a booming sector, but it's stable. The growth isn't about new hospitals; it's about replacing a retiring workforce and meeting the needs of an aging population. This means your job security is good if you're reliable, but you won't see a rapid salary climb purely from market demand.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. Earning the median salary of $34,612/year means your take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction) and Mississippi state taxes (4.7% flat) will be roughly $28,000 - $29,000 annually, or about $2,330 - $2,415 per month.

The average 1BR rent in Gulfport is $923/month, which is extremely manageable on a CNA's budget. Gulfport's Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (US avg = 100) is your biggest financial advantage.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Take-Home Pay	$2,350	After taxes, health insurance, and 401(k) contribution.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$923	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper in Biloxi or further from the coast.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Electric bills spike in summer due to AC. Gulfport's humidity is no joke.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential. Gulfport is not a walkable city. Public transport is limited.
Groceries	$350	Prices are average. A weekly Farmers Market on Pass Road can save money.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Commutes can be long if you live in Biloxi and work in Gulfport, or vice versa.
Healthcare & Misc.	$200	Copays, prescriptions, etc.
Remaining (Savings/Discretionary)	$247	This is tight. Budgeting is non-negotiable.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning and likely a dual-income household. The median home price in Gulfport is around $210,000. With a $34,612 salary, a lender would likely approve you for a loan up to $150,000 - $170,000 after a down payment. This means you'd be looking at homes in the $140,000 - $160,000 range, which are often older, smaller homes in neighborhoods like Orange Grove or West Gulfport. It's very doable with a partner, but challenging on a single income unless you have a significant down payment.

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The Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

The job market for CNAs in Gulfport is dominated by a few key players. Here’s where you’ll find the openings:

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The largest employer in the region. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Rehab, the Cancer Center, and their Open Heart Unit. Hiring trends: They post regularly on their website and use local staffing agencies. Insider Tip: They have a "CNA Career Ladder" program. If you start as a CNA here and get your LPN, they offer tuition reimbursement and priority hiring.

2. Ochsner Health System: With the merger of Ochsner and Memorial, this is now a powerhouse. Ochsner is aggressively expanding its footprint on the Gulf Coast, including a new medical office building in Gulfport. They hire CNAs for primary care clinics, urgent care, and specialty clinics. Hiring Trend: Growth-oriented. They are actively building their clinic network, so more outpatient CNA roles are appearing.

3. Biloxi Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Located in Biloxi, just a 10-15 minute drive from most of Gulfport. They offer federal benefits, which are excellent (pension, better healthcare). Jobs are competitive but highly stable. They hire CNAs for nursing home units, home-based primary care, and outpatient clinics.

4. Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Facilities: This is the largest segment. Key facilities include:

   • The Waters of Gulfport: A large skilled nursing facility.
   • Biloxi Regional Medical Center (now owned by HCA): While the hospital is in Biloxi, it has several affiliated long-term care units.
   • Various small, family-owned facilities: Check local classifieds and community boards.

5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Amedisys, Kindred at Home, and local agencies like Gulf Coast Home Health are always seeking CNAs for in-home visits. This offers flexibility but often without benefits. Hiring Trend: Steady. Growth is linked to the "aging in place" movement, which is strong in coastal retirement communities.

6. Public Schools & Daycares: Some CNAs find work as health aides in the Harrison County School District or private daycares, caring for children with special needs. This is a niche but important market.

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Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a clear path to certification. It's not overly burdensome, but you must follow the steps precisely.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)-approved CNA program. These are typically offered at community colleges (like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - Perkinston Campus, which has a main campus in Perkinston, about 30 minutes from Gulfport) and some private vocational schools. The program is usually 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction.

   • Cost: $500 - $1,200, depending on the school. MGCCC is on the lower end, around $600-$700.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing training, you must pass the state competency exam, which includes a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The exam is administered by Credentia.

   • Exam Fee: Approximately $100 - $125.

3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply to the Mississippi State Department of Health for your CNA certificate. There is a small application fee.

   • Total Initial Cost (Training + Exam): $600 - $1,350.

4. Background Check: A clean criminal background is mandatory. The cost is included in the MSDH application.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: Can be done within 1-2 weeks of deciding.
• Complete training: 4-8 weeks (depending on if it's full-time or part-time).
• Schedule and take exam: Within a month of graduation.
• Get certified: Can take 2-6 weeks after the exam for paperwork processing.
• Total: 2.5 to 4 months from start to holding your certificate.

Insider Tip: Many facilities offer "on-the-job" training where they pay for your certification in exchange for a work commitment (often 6-12 months). This is a great way to enter the field with no upfront cost, but it ties you to one employer.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAs)

Your neighborhood choice in Gulfport is a balance of commute, safety, and rent. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Orange Grove (East Gulfport): A popular, established middle-class neighborhood. Close to Memorial Hospital and the I-10/I-110 interchange for easy commutes to Biloxi VA or Ochsner clinics.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,000/month.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major employers.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, good for families.

2. West Gulfport: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. Closer to the beach and the casino resorts in Biloxi, but can feel farther from the main hospital.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $900/month.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to Memorial Hospital; 15-25 minutes to Biloxi VA.
   • Lifestyle: Laid-back, close to coastal attractions.

3. Biloxi (East of I-110): For those who want to be near the VA hospital or casino-based clinics. The area near Edwards Street and the VA is convenient and walkable to some services.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,100/month.
   • Commute: 5 minutes to Biloxi VA; 15-20 minutes to Memorial Hospital.
   • Lifestyle: More urban, with proximity to healthcare and entertainment.

4. Long Beach: A separate city south of Gulfport, but often considered in the same job market. It's quieter, with a small-town feel and lower rent.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850/month.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Gulfport employers (traffic can be a factor on Highway 90).
   • Lifestyle: Very quiet, beach-focused, less commercial.

5. D'Iberville: Located north of Biloxi, it's a growing suburb with newer apartment complexes. It's a good compromise if you work in Biloxi but want a modern home.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100/month.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Biloxi; 20-25 minutes to Gulfport.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, newer amenities.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Gulfport, the career path for a CNA is often a stepping stone, not a long-term endpoint unless you specialize or move into management.

Specialty Premiums:

• Open Heart/ICU CNA (Memorial): Can earn $1-$2/hour more than a standard Med-Surg CNA.
• Home Health: Pay can be similar to facility work but often lacks benefits. The trade-off is flexibility.
• Geriatric/Dementia Care: High demand in long-term care. Expertise here can lead to lead aide positions.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Tech: Some CNAs get additional certifications (BLS offers courses locally). Adding these skills can boost your pay by $2-$3/hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): This is the most common path. Gulfport has several LPN programs (MGCCC, private schools). An LPN in Gulfport earns a median of $45,000+, a significant jump. Many employers offer tuition help.
2. RN (Registered Nurse): The ultimate goal. MGCCC and other local colleges have ADN programs. RNs in the area earn a median of $65,000+.
3. CNA II / Charge Aide: Some facilities have a CNA II role with more responsibility (e.g., training new CNAs, handling more complex patients) for a slightly higher wage.
4. Non-Clinical Roles: Move into patient transportation, unit secretary, or even administrative roles in a medical office with experience.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is modest. Your advancement will depend on your initiative. The Gulf Coast's retiree population ensures steady demand for geriatric care. However, the real growth for you is personal: upskilling to an LPN or RN will open doors not just in Gulfport, but across the state and region. The healthcare network here is interconnected, and a good reputation is currency.

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The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further here than in most of the US.	Modest Wage Growth: Salaries are stable but don't rise quickly without changing roles or getting more education.
Stable Job Market: Essential healthcare jobs are always in demand, even in a low-growth market.	Limited Specialties: Fewer high-tech, acute care opportunities compared to a major metro like Jackson or New Orleans.
No State Income Tax on Social Security: A small but meaningful perk for retirees (or future planning).	Hurricane & Flood Risk: This is a tangible concern that affects insurance costs and peace of mind.
Coastal Lifestyle: Access to beaches, fishing, and a relaxed pace is a major quality-of-life benefit.	Dependence on Car: You must have reliable transportation. Public transit is minimal.
Clear Certification Path: Mississippi's requirements are straightforward and affordable.	Small Metro Area: Networking is key, but the pool of jobs and employers is limited.

Final Recommendation:
Gulfport is an excellent choice for a new CNA or a mid-career professional seeking stability and a better quality of life. If you are motivated by patient care, enjoy a slower pace, and want to live near the water, it's a fantastic fit. The financial math works, especially if you have a partner or roommate.

However, if your primary goal is rapid salary escalation or working in a cutting-edge, high-acuity hospital environment, you may find Gulfport limiting. Consider it a stepping stone. Start your career here, gain valuable experience, and then decide if you want to upskill locally or move to a larger market like Jackson or Houston. For many, the trade-off of a peaceful coastal life for a slightly lower wage is more than worth it.

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FAQs

1. How quickly can I find a CNA job in Gulfport after getting certified?
Typically, within 2-4 weeks. Apply to all the major employers (Memorial, Ochsner, VA, long-term care facilities) simultaneously. The market is stable, not desperate, so persistence is key. Using a local staffing agency can also speed up the process.

2. Is the summer humidity a major issue for healthcare workers?
Yes, but you adapt. Most healthcare facilities are fully air-conditioned. The challenge is your commute. A reliable car with good AC is non-negotiable. Also, be prepared for your electricity bill to be higher in July and August.

**3. Can I work as a CNA without being certified in Mississippi