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

---

A Local's Guide to Being a CNA in Portsmouth, VA

Portsmouth is a historic port city where the pace is a bit slower than neighboring Virginia Beach, but the demand for compassionate, skilled caregivers is steady. If you're considering a move here or starting your career, you need the real picture—not the glossy brochure version. I've watched this market for years, and here’s the straight talk on what it takes to make it as a CNA in this specific corner of Hampton Roads.

The Salary Picture: Where Portsmouth Stands

Let's get the most important number out of the way first. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Portsmouth is $35,481/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.06/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, which is typical for our region where the cost of living is manageable. The metro area has 193 active CNA jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable—healthcare is recession-proof, and with an aging population, the need for CNAs remains consistent.

Here’s how pay typically progresses with experience in our local market:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Local Pay Range	Notes
Entry-Level	$14.00 - $16.00/hour	New grads or those with less than 1 year of experience. Often start in long-term care facilities.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$16.00 - $19.00/hour	The sweet spot for many. Proven reliability and skill. This is where you'll find the median.
Senior (5-10 years)	$18.00 - $21.00/hour	Often includes specialty duties (dementia care, rehab) or shift lead roles.
Expert (10+ years)	$20.00 - $23.00+	Top of the range. Usually requires additional certifications (CPR, phlebotomy, etc.) and may involve training new hires.

Insider Tip: The $17.06/hour median is your benchmark. If an offer is significantly below that for a mid-level role, ask why. Conversely, if you have a specialty like hospice care or experience with ventilator patients, you should be pushing for the higher end of the scale.

How Portsmouth Compares to Other VA Cities

Portsmouth's pay is on par with similar-sized Virginia cities but lags behind major metros. It's a trade-off for the lower cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1-BR Rent Avg.
Portsmouth	$35,481	97.4	$1,287
Richmond	$36,200	104.0	$1,450
Norfolk	$35,600	99.8	$1,350
Virginia Beach	$35,950	105.5	$1,550
Roanoke	$33,000	93.5	$950

As you can see, you get a slightly lower salary in Portsmouth, but your rent and overall expenses are also lower than in Virginia Beach or Richmond. It balances out.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. The median salary of $35,481 is about $2,957/month before taxes. After federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, you're looking at a net take-home of approximately $2,300 - $2,400/month.

With the average 1-bedroom rent in Portsmouth at $1,287/month, that leaves you with roughly $1,000 - $1,100 for all other expenses (car payment, insurance, groceries, utilities, savings). This is tight but doable with a strict budget.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a stretch on a single CNA income. The median home price in Portsmouth is around $265,000. A 20% down payment is $53,000, and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,500/month. This would consume over 60% of your net income, which is financially risky. Most CNAs I know here either have a partner with a second income, live with roommates, or choose to rent long-term. Homeownership is possible, but it usually requires years of savings or moving up into a higher-paying healthcare role (like LPN or RN).

Where the Jobs Are: Portsmouth's Major Employers

Portsmouth's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The jobs are here, but you need to know where to look.

1. Sentara Healthcare: The giant of Hampton Roads. They operate Sentara Portsmouth Regional Medical Center and several outpatient clinics. They are the largest employer of CNAs in the city. Hiring trends: They cycle frequently. It’s a corporate system, so benefits are good (health insurance, tuition reimbursement), but the bureaucracy can be slow. They often post jobs on their own portal first before Indeed.

2. Bon Secours: Now merged with Mercy Health, they run Maryview Medical Center (a major trauma center) and the Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System. They have a strong reputation for community care. Hiring trend: They tend to promote from within. If you start in a Bon Secours nursing home, your path to their hospital is smoother.

3. Portsmouth Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: This is a large, privately-owned long-term care facility. It's a primary employer for new CNAs. The pace is intense, but you'll gain experience with high-acuity patients faster than in some other settings. They often offer shift differentials for nights and weekends (an extra $1.50 - $2.50/hour).

4. Commonwealth Senior Living at Portsmouth: A respected assisted living and memory care community. The environment is less clinical than a hospital. Hiring trend: They value bedside manner and patience, especially for dementia care. Pay is comparable to the median, but the emotional rewards can be different.

5. Portsmouth Public Schools: Don't overlook this! CNAs are needed for the school system to care for students with medical needs. This is a 9-month, 8-hour-a-day job with summers off. The pay is slightly lower, but the schedule is coveted by parents. It's a competitive, niche market.

6. Private Duty Agencies: Companies like Right at Home or Visiting Angels serve clients in their homes. This offers more flexible scheduling but fewer benefits. It's great for building a personal rapport, but you're responsible for your own mileage and sometimes supplies.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use "internal float pools." Starting as a PRN (as-needed) employee can be a foot in the door, but it's risky without a guaranteed schedule. Aim for a part-time or full-time position with benefits, especially health insurance, which is critical in this field.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia's process is straightforward but has specific steps. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete at least 75 hours of training (16 hours of classroom, 59 hours of clinical). Many local community colleges (like Tidewater Community College in nearby Chesapeake) and private schools offer this. Cost: $700 - $1,200. Some employers (like nursing homes) will sponsor your training in exchange for a work commitment—ask during interviews.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills test. The state uses Pearson VUE. Cost: ~$135.
3. Apply for the Registry: Once you pass, you apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing to be listed. There is no separate "CNA license"; you are a "Nurse Aide" on the registry.
4. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check. Any felony conviction will likely disqualify you.

Timeline: From starting training to being on the registry, expect 2-4 months. If you're already a CNA from another state, you can apply for reciprocity, which is faster (4-6 weeks).

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and sanity. Here’s the local breakdown:

1. Downtown Portsmouth: Walkable, historic, with great restaurants. Commute to Sentara or Bon Secours is under 10 minutes. However, parking is a nightmare, and rent for a 1BR is high: $1,400 - $1,600/month. Best for those who want an urban vibe and own a bike.

2. Portsmouth Highlands: A quiet, established residential area with single-family homes and apartment complexes. It's centrally located, offering a 10-15 minute commute to most hospitals. Rent is more reasonable: $1,150 - $1,350/month. A solid, no-frills choice for a balanced lifestyle.

3. Cradock: A historic, working-class neighborhood with a strong community feel. It's further from the medical center (15-20 minute drive), but you get more space for your money. Rent can be as low as $900 - $1,100/month. It's a great option if you have a reliable car and don't mind the drive.

4. Churchland: Located in the western part of the city, it's more suburban. Commute to major hospitals is 15-20 minutes. It's close to shopping centers and has a family-friendly atmosphere. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,400/month.

5. Norfolk/Virginia Beach Commute: Many CNAs live in neighboring cities for lower rent (e.g., $900 - $1,100 in Norfolk's Ghent area) and drive 20-30 minutes to Portsmouth. This is common but adds significant cost in gas and time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA in Portsmouth is a vital, stable role, but it's often a stepping stone. The 10-year outlook is positive due to the 4% growth rate, but advancement requires proactive steps.

• Specialty Premiums: The best way to boost your income without changing your title is to gain certifications. Certified Dementia Care Practitioner (CDP) or Restorative Nursing Assistant courses can add $1 - $2/hour to your pay. Phlebotomy or EKG tech skills can open doors to hospital roles.
• Advancement Paths:
  • LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): This is the most common next step. LPNs in Portsmouth earn $22 - $26/hour (median ~$54,000/year). Tidewater Community College has an excellent LPN program. Many employers offer tuition assistance.
  • RN (Registered Nurse): An Associate's or Bachelor's in Nursing dramatically increases earning potential (median in Hampton Roads ~$75,000+). This is a 2-4 year investment.
  • Healthcare Administration: With experience, some move into scheduling, unit coordination, or medical office management.
• 10-Year Outlook: The base CNA role will remain in high demand. However, automation and tech (like electronic health records) will change the job. CNAs who adapt and learn new systems will have an edge. The aging of the local population (Portsmouth has a higher-than-average senior demographic) will ensure steady job openings.

The Verdict: Is Portsmouth Right for You?

Portsmouth is a pragmatic choice for a CNA. It's not glamorous, but it's a real place with real jobs and a manageable cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 193 jobs and steady growth in a recession-proof field.	Below-National-Average Pay: The $35,481 median requires careful budgeting.
Lower Cost of Living: Rent and daily expenses are more affordable than in major metros.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer research hospitals or niche clinics compared to Richmond or NoVA.
Central Location: Easy to access other Hampton Roads cities for networking or events.	Aging Infrastructure: Some city services and roads can be slow to improve.
Community Feel: Smaller city vibe where you can get to know your colleagues and patients.	Traffic: The HRBT (tunnel) can be a major headache during peak hours; plan your commute.

Final Recommendation: Portsmouth is an excellent starting point for a new CNA or a solid, long-term home for an experienced one who values stability and community over top-tier salary. It's not the place to get rich, but it's a place to build a meaningful career and a comfortable life. If you're considering advancing to LPN or RN, the local community college network makes it very feasible without relocating.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new CNA in Portsmouth?
A: Yes, if you're flexible. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies are always hiring. Hospital jobs are more competitive and may prefer some experience. Start applying 2-3 weeks before you're licensed.

Q: What are the typical shifts?
A: Most jobs are 8 or 12-hour shifts. Hospitals often have 12-hour days/nights (7a-7p, 7p-7a). Nursing homes may have 8-hour shifts (7a-3p, 3p-11p, 11p-7a). PRN (as-needed) shifts offer the most flexibility.

Q: How do the benefits compare between a hospital and a nursing home?
A: Hospitals (Sentara, Bon Secours) typically offer better health insurance, retirement plans (401k/403b), and tuition reimbursement. Nursing homes may have lower premiums but less comprehensive coverage. Always compare the entire package, not just the hourly rate.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Absolutely. Public transportation in Portsmouth (Hampton Roads Transit) exists but is not reliable for shift work, especially early mornings or late nights. A car is a non-negotiable necessity for this career here.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new CNAs make in Portsmouth?
A: Taking the first offer without negotiating. Know your worth. If you have experience, certifications, or open availability (nights/weekends), you have leverage. Always ask about shift differentials and benefits.