Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Savannah, GA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s considering a move to Savannah, GA.

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

If you’re looking at Savannah as a CNA, the first thing to understand is that the pay is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living helps balance that out. The median salary for a CNA in Savannah is $35,287/year, which breaks down to roughly $16.96/hour. For context, the national average for similar roles sits at $35,760/year, so you’re looking at a difference of just $473 annually. It’s not a massive gap, but it’s worth factoring in when you’re weighing job offers.

The local market isn’t flooded with opportunities, but it’s stable. There are approximately 295 jobs available in the metro area at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn’t a booming industry, but it’s steady and reliable—perfect for someone looking for a consistent career path.

To give you a clearer idea of how experience impacts your earning potential, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $32,000	$14.42 - $15.38
Mid-Career	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79
Senior-Level	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert/Lead	$43,000+	$20.67+

Compared to other major Georgia cities, Savannah’s CNA pay is on the lower end. Atlanta’s metro area, for instance, offers a median salary closer to $37,000, but the cost of living there is significantly higher. In Savannah, you might make a bit less, but your dollar stretches further, especially when it comes to housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. With a median salary of $35,287, your monthly take-home pay after taxes will be approximately $2,350. The good news? Savannah’s cost of living index is 95.6, which is below the U.S. average of 100. This means your money goes further here than in many other parts of the country.

Your biggest monthly expense will be rent. The average 1BR apartment in Savannah rents for $1,287/month. To make the numbers work, you’ll need to be strategic about your budget.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	Aim for 30% or less of take-home pay.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, and internet.
Groceries	$350	Savannah has several affordable grocery options.
Transportation	$200	Gas, insurance, or public transit pass.
Healthcare	$150	Premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Personal/Misc.	$163	Entertainment, clothing, savings, etc.
Total	$2,350

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging on a single $35,287 salary. The median home price in Savannah is around $275,000. A 20% down payment would be $55,000, and monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $1,700, which is over 40% of your take-home pay. It’s not impossible, but it would require a tight budget, a dual-income household, or significant savings. Renting is the more realistic option for most single-income CNAs in Savannah.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah’s healthcare ecosystem is robust, anchored by a few major players. These are the places you should be targeting in your job search.

1. St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital System: The largest employer in the region. They operate Candler Hospital in Savannah and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pooler. They have a constant need for CNAs in long-term care, rehab, and med-surg units. Hiring trends are steady, with a slight uptick in demand for CNAs in their geriatric and palliative care units.

2. Memorial Health University Medical Center: A major Level I trauma center and the primary teaching hospital for the Georgia Southern University School of Nursing. This is where you’ll find the most high-acuity cases. They value CNAs who are interested in career growth and often hire internally for LPN and RN programs.

3. PruittHealth - Savannah: A large network of nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the region. They are one of the biggest employers of CNAs in Savannah. They often have multiple job openings and offer consistent hours, though the pay can be at the lower end of the scale.

4. Savannah Taylor Health and Rehabilitation Center: A prominent long-term care facility known for its large staff and community involvement. They have a reputation for good training programs for new CNAs and often host hiring events.

5. Senior Care Enterprises (SCE): A local home health agency with a strong presence in the Savannah metro. If you prefer one-on-one care and more flexible hours, home health is a great avenue. SCE and similar agencies are growing as Savannah’s senior population increases.

6. Chatham County Health Department: While more public health-focused, they sometimes hire CNAs for outreach programs, immunization clinics, and community health initiatives. It’s a different pace from hospital work but offers a steady government job with good benefits.

7. Private Specialty Clinics: Don’t overlook smaller practices like the Savannah Cardiology or OrthoGeorgia. While they hire fewer CNAs, they often have openings for medical assistants or patient care techs, which are CNA-friendly roles.

Getting Licensed in GA

To work as a CNA in Savannah, you must be on the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. Here’s the process:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete at least 85 hours of training (a minimum of 24 hours of lecture and 61 hours of clinical practice). This typically takes 4-8 weeks. In Savannah, you can find programs at:

   • Savannah Technical College (affordable and reputable)
   • Ogeechee Technical College (serves the metro area)
   • Several private schools (like Excel Career College or CEP America—verify they are state-approved)

2. Cost: Training programs cost between $600 and $1,200. Some employers, like PruittHealth, may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 6 months to 1 year).

3. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written/oral test and a skills evaluation. The exam fee is typically around $115.

4. Apply for the Registry: Once you pass, the testing company will send your results to the Georgia Department of Community Health, which will add you to the official registry. You must list your training program on the application.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect to be job-ready in 2-3 months. It’s a quick entry into a stable career.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live in Savannah affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods to consider:

1. Midtown / Ardsley Park: This is a classic Savannah neighborhood with beautiful tree-lined streets. It’s central to most major hospitals (St. Joseph’s, Memorial) and has a mix of older, affordable apartments and renovated properties. The commute to most jobs is under 15 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.

2. Pooler: If you work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pooler (or don’t mind a 20-25 minute commute to downtown), this is a fast-growing suburb. It offers newer apartments, more space, and a quieter, family-friendly vibe. The cost of living is slightly lower than downtown.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350/month for a 1BR.

3. Savannah Historic District (Forged by the River): Living in the heart of the city is charming but comes with a premium. You’ll find beautifully converted lofts and apartments. The walkability is great, but parking can be a nightmare, and it’s not ideal for everyone. Best for those who value lifestyle over a short commute.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.

4. Thunderbolt / Bryan County (South): This area is south of downtown, near the Savannah River. It’s more residential and affordable, with easy access to I-95. Commuting to Memorial Health or St. Joseph’s downtown is straightforward (15-20 minutes). It offers a quieter, suburban feel.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 4% job growth over 10 years indicates that while new CNA positions will appear, advancement is key to increasing your income and job satisfaction.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs who specialize can earn more. For example, working in a high-acuity unit like ICU or Telemetry at Memorial Health often comes with a shift differential or a slightly higher base pay. Similarly, Geriatric dementia care is a growing specialty in Savannah, where experienced CNAs are in demand.
• Advancement Paths: The most common and lucrative path is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Savannah has excellent programs at Savannah State University and Armstrong State University (now part of Georgia Southern). Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement, making this a financially viable option.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in Savannah (and the U.S.) will continue to drive demand for long-term care and home health services. While the overall job growth is modest, those who specialize or move into supervisory or education roles (like a CNA instructor) will see the best opportunities and pay bumps.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Savannah offers a unique blend of historic charm, a slower pace of life, and a stable job market for CNAs. However, it’s not for everyone. Here’s a quick summary:

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living than many U.S. cities.	Wages are below the national average.
Stable Employment at major hospital systems.	Job growth is modest (4%).
Strong Sense of Community and a relaxed lifestyle.	Summers are hot and humid, which can be tough if you commute by bike or walk.
Good Work/Life Balance is achievable.	Public transportation is limited; a car is essential.
Pathways to Advancement through local colleges.	Housing costs are rising, squeezing the budget.

Final Recommendation: Savannah is an excellent choice for a CNA who values a stable, community-oriented environment and is willing to live within a $35,287 budget. It’s ideal for someone who plans to use the local healthcare network to advance their career (e.g., becoming an LPN). If your primary goal is to maximize your salary immediately, you may find better pay in Atlanta or larger national markets, but you’d be trading Savannah’s quality of life for a higher cost of living.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Savannah?
Yes. Most healthcare facilities are spread out, and public transportation (CAT) is limited and not always reliable for shift work. A car is essential for commuting, especially for odd hours.

2. Are there many per-diem or part-time CNA jobs in Savannah?
Yes, especially in nursing homes (PruittHealth, Savannah Taylor) and home health agencies. Hospitals also offer per-diem positions, but they often require at least 1 year of full-time experience. This is a great way to work a flexible schedule, but it comes with less job security.

3. How does Savannah’s salary compare to the cost of living?
While the $35,287 salary is below the national average, the cost of living index of 95.6 means your purchasing power is slightly better than the U.S. average. You’ll need a strict budget, but it’s manageable, especially if you share a 2BR apartment or live in a more affordable neighborhood like Thunderbolt.

4. What’s the hiring process like for out-of-state CNAs?
If your certification is from another state, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity through the Georgia Nurse Aide Registry. The process can take 4-8 weeks. You can work temporarily in Georgia with an out-of-state license while your application is pending, but you must be on the GA registry to work permanently.

5. What’s the most important skill for a CNA in Savannah’s job market?
Beyond basic patient care, strong communication and cultural competency are highly valued. Savannah is a diverse city, and healthcare providers work with a wide range of patients. Being able to connect with patients and families from different backgrounds will make you a more attractive candidate and help you advance in your career.