Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A Local’s Guide to Working as a CNA in Hattiesburg, MS

As a career analyst who has spent years studying the Mississippi healthcare landscape, I can tell you that Hattiesburg offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunity for Nursing Assistants. This isn't the high-pressure, high-cost environment of a major coastal metro. It's a place where your salary stretches, your commute is short, and you can become a recognized part of a tight-knit medical community.

This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge. We'll look at the numbers, break down your real take-home pay, and map out exactly where you can find work in the Pine Belt.

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The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The data for Nursing Assistants in the Hattiesburg metro reveals a market that pays slightly below the national average but leverages a significantly lower cost of living.

• Median Salary: $34,612/year
• Hourly Rate: $16.64/hour
• National Average: $35,760/year
• Jobs in Metro: 97
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

As you can see, the local median of $34,612 is about $1,148 less than the national average of $35,760. However, with only 97 jobs actively listed in the metro area at any given time (a figure that fluctuates but gives you a sense of the market size), competition can be steady but not overwhelming. The 4% projected growth is modest, aligning with national trends for an aging population.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Hattiesburg follows a predictable path. While starting wages are tight, experience pays off, especially with certifications.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Est. Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $33,000	Often starts near $16.50/hr. Hospital roles may offer a slight premium over long-term care.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $37,000	Reaching the median. Specialties (like dialysis) or shift differentials (nights/weekends) boost income.
Senior	5-10 years	$37,000 - $40,000	Often moves into charge aide roles or training positions. Home health agencies may pay more for experience.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$40,000+	Rare for pure CNA roles; typically requires additional certs (CPR, phlebotomy) or a move into supervisory roles.

How Hattiesburg Compares to Other Mississippi Cities

Hattiesburg sits in the middle of the pack for CNA pay in Mississippi. The Gulf Coast tends to pay slightly more due to tourism and a higher cost of living, while rural areas often pay less.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Feel
Hattiesburg	$34,612	89.3	Good. Lower COL offsets slightly lower pay.
Jackson	$35,100	90.1	Similar pay, higher congestion and crime in some areas.
Gulfport-Biloxi	$36,200	92.5	Higher pay, but rent and insurance costs can eat the difference.
Tupelo	$33,800	87.8	Lower cost of living, but fewer large hospital employers.

Insider Tip: The real difference in Hattiesburg isn't the base salary—it's the shift differentials. Many local hospitals offer an extra $1.50 - $2.50/hour for night and weekend shifts. If you're willing to work 7p-7a, you can push your effective hourly rate from $16.64 to over $18.00 without changing employers.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The cost of living in Hattiesburg is a major advantage. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (where the US average is 100), your dollar goes further here than in most of the country. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary.

Assumptions:

• Annual Salary: $34,612
• Living Situation: Single, renting a 1-bedroom apartment
• Taxes: Estimated at ~18% for federal, state (4%), and FICA (7.65%). Net take-home is approximately $26,305/year or $2,192/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (CNA in Hattiesburg)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Local Context
Net Monthly Income	$2,192	After taxes (estimate).
Rent (1BR)	$906	Average for Hattiesburg. Can be as low as $750 in West Hattiesburg.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, water, trash. Higher in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$300	Leveraging local chains like Kroger or Walmart can save money.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Gas	$120	Short commutes help. Most CNAs drive 10-15 minutes to work.
Health Insurance	$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	$150
Total Expenses	$2,126
Remaining/Savings	$66	This is tight. Budgeting is critical.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

On a $34,612 salary, buying a home is challenging but not impossible with disciplined savings. The median home price in the Hattiesburg metro is around $180,000. A 20% down payment is $36,000, which would take years to save on this salary.

However, many first-time homebuyer programs in Mississippi (like the Mississippi Home Corporation's "Smart Solution" loan) allow for down payments as low as 3-5%. This could bring the upfront cost down to $5,400 - $9,000. With a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, a monthly payment might be $1,100-$1,200—only $200-300 more than current rent. It's a stretch, but possible with a partner's income or significant overtime.

Insider Tip: Look at neighborhoods in the North Hattiesburg area, near I-59. You'll find older, more affordable homes that are still within a 10-15 minute commute to Forrest General Hospital.

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Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

Hattiesburg's healthcare ecosystem is centered around a few major players. The job market for CNAs is stable, with turnover creating consistent openings.

1. Forrest General Hospital: The region's largest employer and a Level II Trauma Center. They have a constant need for CNAs in Med-Surg, ICU, and ER. Hiring trends show they prefer candidates with hospital experience, but they do train new CNAs. Insider Tip: Apply directly on their website, not through a third-party board. They often have "Career Fairs" on the first Tuesday of the month.

2. Hattiesburg Clinic: One of the largest multi-specialty clinics in the state. They hire CNAs for their main campus (off Hardy Street) and satellite clinics. Roles are often Monday-Friday, no weekends, which is a huge lifestyle plus. Pay is competitive, often matching the median or slightly above.

3. Pine Grove Behavioral Health: A nationally recognized psychiatric and addiction treatment facility. They have a dedicated need for CNAs in their residential units. The work is different—more focused on patient observation and de-escalation. Requires a calm demeanor. Insider Tip: They often provide excellent in-house training on behavioral health, a specialty that is transferable nationwide.

4. The Claiborne at Hattiesburg (Senior Living): Part of a larger network, this facility offers independent, assisted, and memory care. It's a major employer for CNAs seeking a less acute, more relationship-based care model. They are frequently hiring for evening and weekend shifts.

5. Hattiesburg Health & Rehab: A skilled nursing facility (SNF) providing long-term care. This is a classic CNA environment. The pace is fast, and patient loads can be high, but it's excellent for building foundational skills. Insider Tip: Ask about their "CNA-to-RN" tuition reimbursement programs. Some local SNFs will pay for your LPN/RN schooling if you commit to working there for a set period post-graduation.

6. Lowe Home Health & Hospice: For CNAs who prefer home-based care. Pay is often $1-2/hour higher than facility work due to the travel and autonomy required. You'll need a reliable car and clean driving record. The work is intimate, providing care in patients' homes across Lamar and Forrest counties.

Hiring Trends Note: The post-pandemic market in Hattiesburg has stabilized. While there was a surge in travel CNA contracts, most have now been filled by permanent staff. Hiring is now focused on retention. Employers are offering sign-on bonuses (typically $1,000 - $3,000) for commitments of 12-24 months.

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Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a straightforward but strict path to becoming a CNA. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete State-Approved Training: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. In Hattiesburg, you can find approved programs at:

   • Pearl River Community College (Forrest County Campus): The most reputable and affordable option.
   • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston Campus, 30 mins away): Also a top-tier choice.
   • Private vocational schools: Be wary of high costs and verify their state approval status.

2. Cost of Training: Tuition for state-approved programs ranges from $800 to $1,500. This often includes books and uniforms. Some employers (like Forrest General) may offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them post-certification.

3. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass a state exam comprising a written multiple-choice test and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $115.

4. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check. Any felony related to abuse, neglect, or theft will disqualify you.

5. Timeline: From enrollment to being on the registry, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. You can start working in a "CNA-in-Training" role in some facilities while you complete your clinicals and exam.

Official Source: The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Always verify your training program's status through their official portal.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Hattiesburg means choosing between quiet, family-oriented suburbs and more lively, urban-adjacent areas. Commute times are generally short across the city.

1. West Hattiesburg / Oak Grove:

   • Vibe: Safe, family-centric, excellent public schools. The area is growing rapidly.
   • Commute to Hospitals: 15-20 minutes to Forrest General via Hardy Street.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Slightly above average but worth it for the schools and safety.

2. North Hattiesburg / I-59 Corridor:

   • Vibe: Mix of older, affordable homes and new developments. Close to shopping and I-59 for easy travel.
   • Commute to Hospitals: 10-15 minutes to most major employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR. The sweet spot for value.

3. Midtown / Downtown Hattiesburg:

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, with a burgeoning arts and coffee scene. Home to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Hattiesburg Clinic and Forrest General.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Older buildings, some with charm, some in need of update.

4. East Hattiesburg / Petal Area:

   • Vibe: A separate city (Petal) that blends seamlessly with east Hattiesburg. Very community-focused, feels like a small town.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Hattiesburg proper, but very easy.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR. Often the most affordable option with a strong community feel.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Hattiesburg can be a stable career or a stepping stone. The 4% job growth ensures demand, but advancement requires proactive planning.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis CNA: Training in hemodialysis can add $2-4/hour to your base pay. Fresenius Medical Care has a clinic in Hattiesburg.
• Phlebotomy Certification: Adding a phlebotomy license makes you valuable to labs like LabCorp or the Hattiesburg Clinic lab.
• BLS/CPR Instructor: Becoming a certified instructor allows you to teach classes for extra income.

Advancement Paths:

1. CNA → LPN/RN: The most common path. Local community colleges (PRCC) offer affordable LPN programs. As mentioned, some employers will help pay for this.
2. CNA → Medical Assistant (MA): Requires additional schooling (9-12 months) but broadens your scope to include clerical and basic clinical tasks.
3. CNA → Healthcare Administration: With experience, you can move into roles like Unit Secretary or Patient Sitter Coordinator. This often requires an associate's degree.

10-Year Outlook: In a decade, the demand for CNAs in Hattiesburg will remain strong due to the aging population. However, salaries may see only modest increases unless you specialize or move into leadership. The real growth will be for CNAs who are cross-trained in multiple specialties (e.g., geriatrics and behavioral health).

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The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Hattiesburg is a pragmatic choice for a CNA. It's not a place for high-octane career climbing or six-figure salaries, but it's an excellent place to build a stable, comfortable life in healthcare.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living. A $34,612 salary goes much further here.	Limited Job Market. Only ~97 jobs listed at a time means you may need to be flexible.
Short Commutes. You can live anywhere and be at work in 15 minutes.	Modest Salary Growth. The 10-year growth rate of 4% is stable but not explosive.
Strong Sense of Community. You're not just a number; you'll know your colleagues and patients.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment. It's a family-friendly city; if you crave big-city energy, you may feel bored.
Multiple Major Employers. You have options between hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.	Reliance on a Car. Public transit is not viable for most commutes.
Gateway to Specialties. You can gain experience in behavioral health, trauma, and long-term care.	Humidity & Heat. The Mississippi summer is long and intense.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an ideal fit for a CNA who values work-life balance, affordability, and community over high salaries. It's a fantastic place to get your start, gain 2-3 years of solid experience, and decide whether to advance in the local market or use that experience to move to a higher-paying city later. It's also a great choice for those with families who need a safe, affordable place to put down roots.

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FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs in Hattiesburg?
A: It's moderately competitive. While there are consistent openings due to turnover, employers prefer some experience. Your best bet is to complete your training, get on the registry, and apply for "CNA-in-Training" or new graduate positions. Having a clean background check and a good reference from your clinical instructor is crucial.

Q: What's the cost of living really like compared to the salary?
A: Very manageable. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3