Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Norfolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

As a Norfolk local who’s watched the healthcare scene for years, I can tell you straight: being a CNA here is a stable, modestly-paid path. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in the Norfolk metro area is $35,481/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.06/hour. You’ll see this number from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and it’s a realistic starting point. For context, the national average for CNAs sits at $35,760/year, so Norfolk is right on par with the rest of the country—neither a standout nor a drag. The local job market has 461 positions open right now, which is a solid number for a mid-sized metro with our population. Over the next decade, we’re looking at a 10-year job growth of 4%, which is steady but not explosive. It tells you this isn’t a boomtown for the field, but it’s not shrinking either.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how experience levels typically break down in this market. This isn’t an official BLS table, but it’s a composite based on what we see from local employers like Sentara and Bon Secours.

| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Typical Hourly Rate | Notes for Norfolk |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level | $30,000 - $33,000 | $14.42 - $15.87 | New to the field, no specialty certs. Often starts in long-term care or home health. |
| Mid-Career | $35,481 (Median) | $17.06 | 2-5 years experience, solid clinical skills. Eligible for shift differentials. |
| Senior CNA | $38,000 - $42,000 | $18.27 - $20.19 | 5+ years, often a "CNA II" or with specialty training (e.g., hospice, dialysis). |
| Expert/Specialized | $43,000+ | $20.67+ | 10+ years, trainer/mentor roles, or in high-demand units like ICU or cardiac rehab. |

When you compare Norfolk to other Virginia cities, the cost of living is a major factor. In Northern Virginia (NoVA), a CNA might make $38,000-$40,000, but their rent in Arlington or Fairfax could easily be $1,800+/month for a 1BR. Richmond’s pay is closer to Norfolk’s, but with similar rent. Virginia Beach, our neighbor, has a slightly lower cost of living and similar wages. The key here is that Norfolk’s cost of living index is 97.4 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes a bit further than the national average, especially compared to places like NYC or LA.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. If you’re earning the median salary of $35,481, your take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming you’re single, standard deduction, no dependents) is roughly $28,500-$29,000 annually, or about $2,375-$2,415 per month. This is an estimate; your actual take-home will depend on Virginia state taxes, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget. The average 1-bedroom rent in Norfolk is $1,287/month. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single CNA earning the median.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes & Insider Tips
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	You can find cheaper ($950-$1,100) in neighborhoods like Ghent (shared) or near the Naval Base. Expect $1,400+ in Ghent proper or downtown.
Utilities	$180	Includes electric, water, trash, and internet. Costs spike in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$300	Shop at Trader Joe's in Ghent or Farm Fresh for deals. Avoid the pricey downtown markets.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Norfolk is car-dependent. Insurance is moderate. Public transport (HRT) is limited for shift work, so most own a car.
Gas/Maintenance	$150	Commuting from the suburbs (e.g., Chesapeake) adds up.
Health Insurance (net)	$100	Through employer, post-premium.
Phone/Entertainment	$100	Basic plan and a streaming service or two.
Savings/Emergency	$200	This is the pressure point. After essentials, you’re left with minimal savings.
Total	$2,617	This exceeds the take-home.

The Verdict on Affordability: The numbers are tight. Earning the $35,481 median, you will likely need to live with a roommate (cutting rent to ~$700), live in a more affordable neighborhood like Larchmont-Edgewater or Northside, or work overtime/weekend differentials (which can add $2-$4/hour). Buying a home is extremely challenging on this salary alone. The median home price in Norfolk is around $275,000. A 30-year mortgage with 5% down would have a monthly payment (including taxes/insurance) of $1,800-$2,000+, which is unsustainable on a single CNA income. Homeownership here typically requires dual incomes or a move up the career ladder into a specialized or management role.

Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

Norfolk’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by two large systems and a strong federal presence. Here are the key players where you’ll find 461 open CNA positions:

1. Sentara Healthcare: The biggest player. They run Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (a Level I trauma center and heart hospital), Sentara Leigh Hospital, and multiple outpatient centers and nursing homes (like Sentara Nursing Center). Hiring is constant, especially for their "CNA I" and "CNA II" roles. Insider Tip: They have a robust "Caregiver Academy" for training, which is great for new grads. Weekend and night shifts offer significant differentials.

2. Bon Secours Mercy Health: The other major system, operating Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in nearby Portsmouth (a short commute) and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk. They also run a large network of senior living communities (like St. Mary’s Home and others). Their hiring trends lean towards long-term care and home health, which can be a good entry point.

3. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP): A major federal employer just across the Elizabeth River. If you’re a veteran or have a DoD clearance, this is a prime spot. The pay is competitive with federal GS scales, benefits are excellent, and the patient population is unique (active-duty, retirees, families). Hiring cycles can be tied to federal budgets.

4. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD): The only children’s hospital in the region. They hire CNAs for their inpatient units, NICU (with specialized training), and outpatient clinics. Working here requires a love for pediatrics and a special temperament. The environment is vibrant but emotionally demanding.

5. Autumn Care of Norfolk & Other Long-Term Care Facilities: Norfolk has a dense network of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living homes. Companies like Autumn Care, The Gardens, and numerous independent facilities are always seeking CNAs for day-to-day care. This is often the fastest path to a job, though the work can be physically and emotionally taxing.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like SunCrest Home Health and Visiting Nurse Association of Virginia (headquartered in Hampton Roads) hire CNAs for in-home care. This offers more autonomy but less consistent hours. You’ll need to be reliable and comfortable working independently in clients' homes.

Hiring Trends: There’s a steady demand, but competition is moderate for hospital-based jobs. Long-term care and home health have higher turnover and are easier to get into right away. Specialized units (ICU, cardiac rehab) at Sentara or Bon Secours often promote from within, so starting in a med-surg or LTC role can be a strategic move.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must finish a state-approved CNA program. These are offered at community colleges (like Tidewater Community College), vocational schools, and some hospitals (Sentara has its own). A 120-hour program (classroom + clinical) typically costs $800-$1,500. Financial aid is often available.
2. Take the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the state competency evaluation, which includes a written/oral test and a skills test. The exam fee is approximately $125. TCC is a common testing site.
3. Apply for Registry Listing: Once you pass, your training program submits your information to the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Licensure and Certification. Your name will be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. This process is free, but the program may charge an administrative fee.
4. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting) through the Virginia State Police and the FBI. This costs about $75-$100. Some employers will cover this cost after hiring, but you may need to pay it upfront.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can be job-ready in 6-10 weeks. Many programs have rolling admissions. Insider Tip: Look for "bridge" programs that offer CPR certification and basic life support (BLS) training included, as most employers require these.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s the local breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
Ghent	Historic, walkable, trendy cafes, artsy. 10-min drive to Sentara Norfolk General.	$1,300 - $1,600	Younger CNAs who want an active social life on a budget (roommate needed).
Larchmont-Edgewater	Family-oriented, quiet, tree-lined streets. 15-20 min to downtown hospitals via I-564/I-64.	$1,100 - $1,300	Those seeking a quieter, more residential feel with slightly better affordability.
Northside	Older, working-class, more affordable. Close to Naval Station Norfolk and Bon Secours DePaul.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious individuals, especially those working near the naval base.
Chesapeake (South of Norfolk)	Suburban, spread out, more house for your money. 20-30 min commute to Norfolk hospitals via I-64.	$1,000 - $1,200	CNAs with families or who want more space, don't mind a longer commute.
Downtown/Waterfront	Upscale, modern apartments, walkable to some jobs. Can be noisy.	$1,600+	Those prioritizing proximity to work over budget; generally not recommended for median CNA salary.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel) and I-64 is a daily reality. If you work at Sentara Norfolk General, living in Ghent or Larchmont is a major quality-of-life win. For Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Northside or the adjacent Portmouth neighborhoods are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The CNA role is a fantastic entry point, but advancement requires additional education. Here’s the local path:

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining certifications can boost your pay by $0.50 - $2.00/hour.

  • CNA II (Med-Surg/Telemetry): Requires additional training in EKGs, advanced wound care, etc. Offered by Sentara and Bon Secours.
  • Dialysis CNA: Specialized training for outpatient dialysis centers (DaVita, Fresenius). Pay is on the higher end for CNAs.
  • Hospice/End-of-Life Care: Specialized training from agencies like Sentara Hospice. Emotionally demanding but highly valued.
  • Phlebotomy/EKG Tech: Some CNAs cross-train for these add-on skills, increasing their versatility and pay.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Medical Assistant (MA): Requires a 1-2 year diploma program. MA scope is broader (administering meds, injections). TCC has an excellent MA program. MA salary in Norfolk averages $38,000-$42,000.
  2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): A 12-18 month program. A major jump in responsibility and autonomy. TCC and Riverside College of Health Careers are local leaders. LPN salary averages $48,000-$55,000.
  3. Registered Nurse (RN): The ultimate goal for many. Requires an Associate (ADN) or Bachelor's (BSN) degree. Old Dominion University (ODU) and TCC offer strong pathways. RNs in Norfolk average $67,000-$75,000+.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth means steady competition. The key to standing out will be specialization. CNAs with experience in high-acuity settings (ICU, cardiac) or in-demand specialties (geriatrics, home health) will have the best prospects. The aging population in Virginia ensures long-term demand for LTAC and home health roles.

The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Multiple major employers and a constant need for care.	Tight Budget: The median salary makes independent living difficult without roommates or overtime.
Low Cost of Living: Your money goes further than in NoVA or Richmond.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle; public transport is limited for shift work.
Career Launchpad: Excellent hospitals for gaining experience and clear paths for advancement (MA, LPN, RN).	Traffic & Commutes: The tunnels and bridges can add significant time to your commute.
Vibrant Local Culture: Beaches, history, festivals, and a strong military community.	Summers: High heat and humidity can be oppressive, especially if working outdoors or in non-climate-controlled homes.
Access to Training: Local colleges like TCC offer affordable, high-quality programs for advancement.	Pay Ceiling: As a CNA, you’ll hit the top of the pay scale quickly; advancement requires more school.

Final Recommendation: Norfolk is a good fit for a career-oriented CNA who plans to advance. If you’re willing to live with roommates, budget carefully, and use Norfolk as a stepping stone to get your LPN or RN degree, it’s a solid choice. The healthcare infrastructure is robust, the cost of living is manageable, and the quality of life is good for those who love the water and history. If you need to support a family on a single CNA income immediately, it will be a significant financial struggle. Plan for advancement from day one.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as a CNA in Norfolk without experience?
Yes. Long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and even some hospital med-surg units hire new CNAs. Your training program and a good attitude matter most. Having CPR/BLS certification is a huge plus.

2. Is it worth getting a CNA certificate if I plan to become an RN?
Absolutely. It’s the fastest way to get into the healthcare environment, earn money, and gain hands-on patient care experience that will make you a stronger RN candidate. Many local RN programs give preference or credit for prior CNA experience.

3. How do shift differentials work in Norfolk hospitals?
They are standard. Evening shifts (3p-11p) typically add $1.50-$2.50/hour. Night shifts (11p-7a) add $2.00-$3.50/hour. Weekends often have a separate, lower differential. This can make a $17.06/hour base rate feel more like $19-$20/hour.

4. What’s the best way to find a CNA job here quickly?
Check the career sites of Sentara and Bon Secours directly. Also, look at Indeed and Glassdoor, but be wary of agencies. For long-term care, call facilities directly and ask for the Director of Nursing. The 461 jobs are spread across these channels.

5. Does military spouse status help in Norfolk?
Extremely. With Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and the large military population, being a military spouse often gives you preference in hiring at federal facilities and many local employers. It’s a significant advantage in this region.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for salary and job growth data;