Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Madison, Mississippi.

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Career Guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Madison, Mississippi

As a CNA looking at relocation, you need more than generic job board data. You need to understand the local ecosystem: who’s hiring, what neighborhoods fit your budget, and how the salary really stacks up against the cost of living. Madison, Mississippi, offers a specific slice of the state’s healthcare market—tied closely to the larger Jackson metro area but with its own distinct character.

This guide breaks down the economics, employers, and lifestyle of working as a CNA in Madison. We’ll use hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Mississippi State Department of Health, and local rental market trends to give you a clear picture.

The Salary Picture: Where Madison Stands

Nursing Assistant salaries in Madison are a tale of two markets: they’re slightly below the national average but competitive within Mississippi. The median salary for a CNA in Madison is $34,762/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.71/hour. For context, the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year, putting Madison about $1,000 below the U.S. median.

However, this number is a starting point. Your actual earnings will depend heavily on experience, shift differentials (nights/weekends), and the type of facility you work in. Here’s how salaries typically progress in this area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-1 years)	$28,000 - $31,000	$13.50 - $14.90
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.40 - $17.30
Senior (5-10 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.30 - $19.23
Expert/Lead CNA (10+ years)	$40,000+	$19.23+

Insider Tip: Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer shift differentials of $1.50 to $3.00 per hour for evenings, nights, and weekends. If you’re willing to work non-traditional hours, you can push your effective hourly rate closer to the $18-$20 range even as a mid-career CNA.

How does this compare to other Mississippi cities?
Madison sits in the middle of the pack for CNA pay in the state. It’s generally higher than rural Mississippi (where pay can dip into the $13-$14/hour range) but slightly lower than the Jackson metro core, where larger hospital systems sometimes offer marginally higher base rates. For example, a CNA in downtown Jackson might see a median of $35,500, but the cost of commuting and parking can eat into that difference.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $34,762 sounds manageable, but the real question is whether you can live comfortably in Madison. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a CNA earning the median wage.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $34,762 / 12 = $2,897
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~18% = $521/month
• Net Monthly Income: $2,376
• Average 1-BR Rent in Madison: $997/month

Monthly Budget Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$2,376	After taxes
Rent (1-BR)	$997	Average market rate
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential in Madison; limited public transit
Groceries	$300
Gas/Commuting	$150	Average 15-mile round trip commute
Health Insurance (if employer doesn’t cover)	$200	Varies widely
Personal/Miscellaneous	$79
Total Expenses	$2,376
Remaining/Savings	$0	Tight; no room for error

Can you afford to buy a home?
At the median salary of $34,762, buying a home on a single CNA income is extremely challenging in Madison. The median home price in Madison is approximately $325,000. A standard mortgage would require a significant down payment and monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) of over $1,800—far exceeding what’s feasible on a CNA’s take-home pay.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index of 90.7 (U.S. average = 100) is your advantage. Madison is about 10% more affordable than the national average. While rent is high for the area, groceries, utilities, and goods are cheaper. To make homeownership a reality, most CNAs in Madison either have a dual-income household, pursue advanced certifications to increase pay, or look to adjacent, slightly less expensive communities like Flora or Canton.

Where the Jobs Are: Madison's Major Employers

The employment landscape for CNAs in Madison is dominated by long-term care and hospital systems. With only 55 jobs in the metro area (per BLS data), competition can be stiff, but turnover creates consistent openings. The 10-year job growth projection of 4% is modest, aligning with national trends but slower than some other healthcare roles.

Here are the primary local employers:

1. Madison County Nursing Home (Canton): While technically in Canton, it’s a major public employer for Madison County residents. It’s a stable, government-run facility with good benefits. Hiring tends to be cyclical, with openings often posted on the county website.
2. St. Catherine’s Village (Madison): A premier senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. They have a reputation for higher standards and may offer slightly better pay and benefits. They frequently hire for both day and night shifts in their skilled nursing wing.
3. Merit Health Central (Jackson): Part of the larger Jackson metro hospital system, this is a major trauma and acute care center. CNA roles here are hospital-based, offering experience in faster-paced environments. They offer differential pay and clear pathways to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT).
4. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC - Jackson): The state’s largest public teaching hospital. UMMC is a huge employer and often has the most openings. Working here gives you access to specialized units (ICU, pediatrics, etc.) and tuition reimbursement programs if you want to advance to LPN or RN.
5. Baptist Health Systems (Jackson): Another major hospital network in the metro. They have multiple facilities and often run training programs for new CNAs. Their benefits package is competitive.
6. Various Private Assisted Living Facilities: Madison has several privately-owned assisted living communities (e.g., The Blake at Madison, The Grove at Madison). These often have a less acute care environment than nursing homes or hospitals and can be a good fit for CNAs who prefer a quieter setting. Hiring is frequent but often done on a rolling basis.

Hiring Trend Insight: The pandemic accelerated turnover in long-term care, creating a steady demand. However, employers are now more selective. Having a clean background check, a valid CPR certification, and a flexible schedule (especially for nights/weekends) will make you a top candidate.

Getting Licensed in Mississippi

To work as a CNA in Mississippi, you must be listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward but requires specific steps.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, split between classroom and clinical instruction. Many community colleges and private schools in the Jackson metro area offer these programs.

   • Cost: Programs typically range from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, especially nursing homes, may offer tuition reimbursement or free training in exchange for a work commitment.
   • Local Providers: Look into programs at Hinds Community College (Jackson campus) or private schools like Mississippi Career Training Center.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass both a written/oral exam and a skills evaluation administered by Pearson VUE.

   • Cost: The exam fee is approximately $100-$125.

3. Apply for Registry Listing: Submit your application to the Mississippi State Department of Health, which maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Once processed, you’ll receive your certification number.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a program: 1-2 months (waiting lists can exist).
• Complete training: 4-8 weeks (depending on full/part-time schedule).
• Schedule & pass exam: 2-4 weeks.
• Total Time: 2 to 4 months from enrollment to being on the registry.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry is reciprocal with some other states, but if you’re moving from out of state, check the reciprocity requirements on the Mississippi State Department of Health website to avoid retesting.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CCNAs) in Madison

Madison is a suburb with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle and commute. As a CNA, your schedule may require odd hours, so proximity to your workplace is a key factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
Old Madison (Main St. Area)	Historic, walkable, charming. Close to local shops and restaurants. Older buildings.	$1,050 - $1,200	10-15 mins to St. Catherine's; 20-25 mins to Jackson hospitals.
Madison Crossing	Family-oriented, suburban, newer subdivisions. Quiet and safe.	$1,100 - $1,250	15 mins to St. Catherine's; 25-30 mins to Jackson hospitals.
The Township	Modern, master-planned community. Upscale, with pools and trails. Higher cost.	$1,250+	10 mins to St. Catherine's; 25 mins to Jackson hospitals.
Natchez Trace Parkway Area	Scenic, wooded, and private. More spacious lots. Car-dependent.	$1,000 - $1,150	15-20 mins to St. Catherine's; 25 mins to Jackson hospitals.
East Madison (Near I-55)	More affordable, convenient for commuting to Jackson. Less "charming" but practical.	$900 - $1,050	20 mins to St. Catherine's; 15-20 mins to Jackson hospitals.

Insider Tip: If you work at a Jackson hospital (Merit Health, UMMC, Baptist), living in East Madison or even the adjacent Flowood area might shorten your commute significantly and offer more rental options under $1,000. For St. Catherine’s Village employees, Old Madison or The Township offer the shortest, easiest drives.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth for CNAs indicates that while jobs are stable, they won't be abundant. Advancement is key to increasing your earnings and job satisfaction in Madison.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Patient Care Technician (PCT): At hospitals, CNAs often take on additional duties (phlebotomy, EKGs) and are promoted to PCT, which can come with a $1-$3/hour raise.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Certification: Adding these skills makes you invaluable in a hospital setting and can boost your starting pay by $1-$2/hour.
• Medication Aide: After gaining experience, you can train to become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), allowing you to administer medications in long-term care. This typically adds a $1.50-$2.50/hour premium.
• LPN/RN Bridge: The most significant leap. Many local employers (especially UMMC and the community colleges) offer tuition assistance. An LPN in Madison can earn $45,000 - $55,000, and an RN can earn $60,000+.

10-Year Outlook:
While the base CNA job growth is slow, the demand for healthcare is rising with Mississippi’s aging population. CNAs who specialize (geriatrics, palliative care) or use the role as a stepping stone to nursing will find the most opportunities. The proximity to UMMC—a major teaching and research hospital—provides unique chances to learn and network that aren’t available in more rural parts of the state.

The Verdict: Is Madison Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living (90.7 index) vs. national average.	Rent is high relative to the median CNA salary; budget is tight.
Proximity to major employers in Jackson (UMMC, hospitals).	Job market is small (55 jobs); competition can be fierce.
Safe, quiet suburban lifestyle with good public schools.	Car-dependent; public transit is virtually non-existent.
Stable healthcare employers with benefits and tuition help.	Slower career growth for CNAs who don't pursue further education.
Access to specialized care via Jackson's teaching hospitals.	Homeownership is unlikely on a single CNA income.

Final Recommendation:
Madison, MS, is a viable option for a CNA who is part of a dual-income household or is actively planning to advance their education. The stable employers and lower cost of living are attractive, but the salary makes it a challenging place to live alone comfortably.

If you are a new CNA, Madison offers a good training ground with access to diverse healthcare settings. If you are an experienced CNA without dependents, you can live here, but be prepared for a tight budget. For CNAs with families or those seeking to buy a home, consider using Madison as a base while your partner works, or target the neighborhood with the most affordable rent (East Madison) to free up cash for savings.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from another state. How do I get my Mississippi CNA license?
You’ll need to apply for reciprocity through the Mississippi State Department of Health. If your home state’s training and exam meet Mississippi’s standards, you can often be added to the registry without retesting. Check their website for the specific form and requirements.

2. Are there many night shift jobs available for CNAs in Madison?
Yes. Nursing homes and hospitals operate 24/7, so night shifts are consistently available. In fact, night shift differentials can make these positions financially attractive. Be sure to specify your flexibility during interviews.

3. Is it better to work in a hospital or a nursing home in this area?
It depends on your career goals. Hospitals (in Jackson) offer higher pay, differentials, and a path to specialized roles. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Madison offer a more predictable schedule, less acute stress, and are often closer to home. Both are valid options.

4. How do the commute times from Madison to Jackson hospitals work during rush hour?
Traffic on I-55 can be heavy during morning (7-8:30 AM) and evening (4-6 PM) commutes. A 15-mile trip can take 25-30 minutes during peak times. If you work 7 AM-3 PM or 3 PM-11 PM, you’ll hit some traffic. Night shift workers enjoy wide-open roads.

5. Can I live in Jackson and commute to a job in Madison?
Absolutely. Many healthcare workers live in Jackson (where rent can be slightly cheaper) and commute to Madison for their jobs. The reverse is also true. The commute is straightforward via I-55. It’s a matter of balancing rent savings against gas and time costs.

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Data Sources:

• Salary and job growth data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Madison, MS metro area.
• Licensing: Mississippi State Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry.
• Rent and Cost of Living: Local market analysis (Zillow, Rent.com) and BestPlaces.net.
• Employers: Direct research of local healthcare facilities and job postings.

This guide is for informational purposes. All figures are estimates and subject to change. Always verify specific job requirements and salaries with employers.