Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants considering a move to Jackson, Mississippi.

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A Career Analyst's Guide for Nursing Assistants in Jackson, MS

Jackson isn't just the capital of Mississippi; it's the state's economic and healthcare hub. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), this means a concentrated job market anchored by major medical centers and a cost of living that, while rising, remains below the national average. This guide strips away the fluff and provides a data-driven look at what it's really like to build a CNA career in the Capital City.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial reality for a CNA in Jackson is defined by a specific set of figures.

The median salary for a CNA in Jackson is $34,762 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.71. It's crucial to understand what "median" means: half of all CNAs earn more, and half earn less. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,760, but the gap is narrow. The real differentiator here is Jackson's significantly lower cost of living.

The job market is competitive but stable. There are approximately 287 jobs for CNAs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This growth is slower than the national average for healthcare support roles, which means you'll need to be strategic about where you apply and how you advance.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your starting pay will be at the lower end of the scale, but experience is rewarded. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn as you gain years in the field:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0 - 1 year	$26,000 - $31,000
Mid-Level	2 - 5 years	$32,000 - $38,000
Senior/Lead CNA	5 - 10 years	$38,000 - $44,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years (with certs)	$44,000 - $52,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the provided median salary and market trends. Specialist roles (like in dialysis or hospice) can command higher pay.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

How does Jackson stack up against other major cities in the state? While Jackson has the most jobs, it's not always the highest paying.

City	Median Salary	Key Employers	Job Market
Jackson	$34,762	UMMC, St. Dominic, VA Hospital	Largest & Most Diverse
Gulfport-Biloxi	$33,500	Memorial Hospital, Singing River	Many retirement facilities
Hattiesburg	$32,800	Forrest General, Merit Health	University town, steady
Tupelo	$33,200	North Mississippi Medical Center	Strong regional hub

Jackson's advantage isn't necessarily the highest pay, but the sheer volume of employers and the potential for career diversification. You can move from a hospital to a rehab center to home health without leaving the metro area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $34,762 translates to about $2,897 per month before taxes. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA in Jackson.

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard deductions. Estimated monthly take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA) = ~$2,300.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$997	Citywide average (see neighborhoods below)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Heat)	$150	Jackson summers are hot; AC costs are real.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Jackson; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Based on USDA low-cost food plan.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	Varies widely; employer plans are better.
Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Personal Care)	$100
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,147
Remaining (Savings/Discretionary)	$153

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a stretch on this salary. Jackson's median home price is around $150,000. A 20% down payment is $30,000, and a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,000-$1,100. On a $16.71/hour wage, a mortgage would consume over 40% of take-home pay, which is not financially advisable. Homeownership is possible with a partner's income, advanced degrees (like LPN/RN), or years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson's healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players. Knowing who they are and where they're located is critical for your job hunt.

1. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): The state's only academic medical center and the largest employer in the area. Located in the Belhaven neighborhood. They hire CNAs for their massive hospital, specialty clinics, and the adjoining VA Hospital. Insider Tip: UMMC offers tuition reimbursement. If you're considering becoming an LPN or RN, this is the best place to work while you go to school.

2. St. Dominic Hospital: A large, faith-based hospital in the Fondren area. Known for a strong cardiac and oncology program. They have a reputation for good benefits and a slightly more "community hospital" feel compared to UMMC's volume. They frequently hire CNAs for med-surg and ICU floors.

3. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Located in the Fondren/NE Jackson area. This is a major network that includes the hospital, outpatient centers, and long-term care facilities. They often have openings in their rehabilitation hospital and nursing homes.

4. The VA Medical Center: Part of the UMMC campus but a federal employer. Offers federal benefits and stability. Hiring is sometimes slower due to government processes, but the patient population is unique and dedicated. Veterans are often preferred as employees here.

5. Local Nursing Homes & Rehabilitation Centers: Jackson has numerous facilities like Brighton Gardens of Jackson, Sunrise of Jackson, and The Memory Care Center. These are often the fastest hiring spots for new CNAs. You'll find them scattered throughout the suburbs like Flowood and Ridgeland.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Kindred at Home and Visiting Nurse Association hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers more flexibility but can be less stable. Insider Tip: Home health often requires you to use your own vehicle and pay for gas, so factor that into your earnings.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady but not explosive. The 4% growth reflects an aging population but also budget constraints at hospitals. Your strongest bet is to apply to multiple facilities at once and consider starting in a nursing home or rehab center to gain experience before targeting hospital jobs.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific CNA exam. Instead, it uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which is the same test used by most states.

Requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training (16 hours classroom, 16 hours lab, 43 hours clinicals). Many local community colleges (like Hinds CC) and private schools in Jackson offer these programs.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration. You must pass both to be listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.
3. Background Check: You will need to pass a criminal background check.

Timeline & Costs:

• Training Program: Typically takes 4-8 weeks to complete. Costs range from $600 to $1,200. Some employers (like long-term care facilities) may offer paid training if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).
• Exam Fee: The NNAAP exam fee is approximately $115.
• Total Upfront Cost: Expect to pay between $715 and $1,315 if you self-fund training. Insider Tip: Check with the Mississippi Department of Health for a list of approved programs. Avoid unaccredited "quick" courses.

First Step: Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health's Office of Health Licensure and Certification (OHC) or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSB) website for the most current exam and registry information.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, safety, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of Jackson neighborhoods for a working CNA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Belhaven	Historic, walkable, artsy. Close to UMMC. Can be pricey.	$1,100+	Excellent (UMMC is here)
Fondren	Young professional, trendy, great restaurants.	$1,050	Excellent (St. Dominic, Baptist)
Flowood	Suburban, family-friendly, big-box stores.	$950	Good (15-20 min to hospitals)
Ridgeland	Upscale suburb, safer, longer commute.	$1,000	Good (20-25 min to hospitals)
West Jackson	More affordable, but can be rougher around edges.	$750	Moderate (Commute to hospitals is easy)

Insider Tip: If you're new to Jackson and will rely on a single car, prioritize a central location like Fondren or Belhaven to minimize commute times. A 20-minute commute in Jackson can easily become 45 minutes with traffic on I-55.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The CNA role is a fantastic entry point, but most use it as a stepping stone. The 10-year outlook in Jackson is defined by specialization and further education.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After 6 months as a CNA, you can take a 40-hour course to administer medications in long-term care. This can add $1-3/hour to your pay.
• Patient Care Technician (PCT): Often used in hospitals, especially dialysis centers. Requires additional training in phlebotomy and EKGs. PCTs can earn closer to $18-$20/hour.
• LPN/RN: The most common path. With Jackson's community colleges (Hinds, Holmes) and UMMC's school of nursing, the educational pathway is clear. An RN in Jackson can earn $60,000+. Insider Tip: Working at UMMC or St. Dominic as a CNA while in nursing school is the golden ticket—they often have tuition assistance and you gain invaluable floor experience.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, the market won't explode, but it will remain stable. CNAs who specialize (geriatrics, hospice, dialysis) or advance to LPN/RN will see the best salary growth and job security. Jackson's large elderly population ensures a consistent need for skilled long-term care.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,762 salary goes much further than the national average.	Slower Job Growth: The 4% growth means competition for the best hospital jobs is real.
Concentrated Job Market: 287 jobs in one metro area means you don't have to move for a new role.	Heat & Humidity: Summers are brutal, which can impact commutes and energy levels.
Major Employers: Access to teaching hospitals (UMMC) and specialty care from day one.	Traffic & Infrastructure: I-55 and I-20 can be bottlenecks during rush hour.
Clear Career Paths: Easy access to LPN/RN programs to advance your career.	Safety Varies: Crime rates differ drastically by neighborhood; research is essential.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for a new or experienced CNA who is budget-conscious and career-focused. It's not a place to get rich quickly, but it's a place where you can build a stable career, gain diverse experience, and afford a reasonable quality of life. If your goal is to become an LPN or RN, Jackson's combination of affordable living and major teaching hospitals is hard to beat. If you're solely seeking the highest possible CNA wage, you might find slightly better pay in larger metros, but you'll pay a much higher price in rent and living expenses.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest challenge for CNAs new to Jackson?
The biggest challenge is navigating the job market. While there are 287 jobs, the best positions (at UMMC or St. Dominic) are competitive. New graduates should be prepared to apply to multiple facilities and consider starting in a long-term care center to build experience.

2. How do I find the most affordable, safe housing on a CNA salary?
Look in West Jackson or the southern parts of Flowood. Use sites like Zillow and Apartments.com, but also drive through neighborhoods. Rents under $900 are possible, but always verify the area's safety using local crime maps. Insider Tip: Some employers offer shared housing or roommate-matching for new hires relocating from out of state.

3. Is a car absolutely necessary in Jackson?
Yes, for all practical purposes. Public transportation (JTRAN) is limited and doesn't run frequently enough for shift work. If you don't have a car, your job options are severely restricted to areas near bus lines, which may not be the best employers.

4. How long does it take to go from a new CNA to earning the median salary of $34,762?
With steady employment and good performance, you can reach the median salary within 1-2 years. Many employers offer annual raises or step increases. The key is to stay employed and avoid gaps in your resume.

5. What's the best way to prepare for the NNAAP exam in Mississippi?
Enroll in a reputable local program (like at Hinds CC) and pay close attention during clinicals. The skills test is very specific. Use the official NNAAP handbook from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSB) for study guides. Many local libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost prep sessions.