Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Southaven, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Southaven Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare scene here for years, I can tell you that Southaven’s CNA wages are a mixed bag—solid for the region, but you need to know the numbers to make a smart move. The median salary for a CNA in Southaven is $34,944/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.8/hour. That’s just below the national average of $35,760/year, a gap that reflects Mississippi’s overall lower cost of living and wage scales. The metro area has 111 CNA jobs right now, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but steady—driven by Southaven’s aging population and its role as a healthcare hub for DeSoto County.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers at places like Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (USD)	Hourly Rate (USD)	Typical Employers
Entry-Level	$29,000 - $32,000	$13.94 - $15.38	Nursing homes, home health agencies
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$33,000 - $37,000	$15.87 - $17.79	Hospital med-surg units, assisted living
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.31 - $19.23	Specialty units (e.g., ICU, rehab), shift lead
Expert (10+ yrs)	$38,000 - $42,000+	$18.27 - $20.19+	Management, training roles, surgical tech bridges

Insider Tip: Southaven’s proximity to Memphis means some CNAs commute to Tennessee for higher pay (often $18–$22/hour), but you’ll face state income tax differences and longer drives. Stick to local employers if you prefer a shorter commute.

Compared to other Mississippi cities, Southaven sits in the middle. Jackson (the state capital) often pays slightly more for CNAs due to larger hospital systems (e.g., UMMC), with medians around $36,500. Gulfport-Biloxi’s coastal tourism and retiree population push wages similar to Southaven, around $35,000. Hattiesburg, a college town, tends to be lower at $32,000–$33,000. Southaven’s edge is its job density—111 openings mean competition is lower than in oversaturated markets like Jackson.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $34,944/year, your gross monthly pay is about $2,912. After Mississippi’s flat 4.96% state income tax and federal taxes (roughly 12% effective rate for this bracket), your net monthly take-home drops to approximately $2,100–$2,200. Add in average 1BR rent of $785/month (Southaven’s cost of living index is 92.4, vs. US avg 100), and you’re left with $1,315–$1,415 for everything else.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA living alone:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$785	Average; downtown Southaven closer to $850
Utilities (electric, water, gas)	$150	Varies by season; summer AC bills spike
Groceries	$300	Shop at Kroger or Walmart for best deals
Transportation (gas, insurance)	$200	Car is essential; no reliable public transit
Health Insurance (employer plan)	$100	If offered; otherwise cheaper ACA plans
Miscellaneous (phone, personal care)	$150	Basic smartphone plan + essentials
Total Essentials	$1,685	Leaves $415–$515 for savings or debt

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible with planning. The median home price in Southaven is around $220,000. A 5% down payment would be $11,000, and monthly mortgage (with taxes/insurance) might be $1,400–$1,500—about 50% of your net income. That’s above the recommended 30% threshold. Insider Tip: Look into Mississippi’s First-Time Homebuyer Program (via Mississippi Home Corporation) for down payment assistance. Many CNAs partner with a spouse or roommate to make it work. Otherwise, renting remains the smarter short-term choice.

Where the Jobs Are: Southaven's Major Employers

Southaven’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players, with steady hiring for CNAs. The 111 jobs in the metro are concentrated here, and demand is consistent due to the city’s growth—population up 12% since 2010, per U.S. Census data.

1. Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto (5605 Southcrest Parkway): The largest employer, with 200+ beds. CNAs work in med-surg, orthopedics, and the ER. Hiring trend: They’re expanding their outpatient surgery center, creating 10–15 new CNA roles yearly. Pay starts at $15.50/hour for entry-level.

2. DeSoto County Nursing Home (3150 Highway 51 South): A county-run facility with 120 beds. Focuses on long-term care. Hiring trend: High turnover means frequent openings, especially for night shifts. Salaries align with the median $34,944, but benefits include state retirement.

3. Southern Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (875 Hillcrest Drive): Privately owned, 90 beds. Specializes in rehab post-surgery. Hiring trend: They prioritize CNAs with BLS certification. Pay is competitive, often $16–$17/hour for mid-level.

4. Sunbridge Healthcare (Southaven) (6400 Southaven Blvd): Assisted living and memory care. Smaller facility (60 units). Hiring trend: Growing demand from retirees moving to Southaven for its low taxes and mild winters. Part-time shifts common.

5. Agape Care Group (Home Health): Serves DeSoto County. CNAs do in-home visits. Hiring trend: Telehealth integration means more hybrid roles. Pay is hourly, $16.50–$18, with mileage reimbursement.

6. Regional One Health (Memphis proximity): Many Southaven CNAs work here—it’s 15 minutes away. Larger system, higher pay ($17–$19/hour), but you’ll need TN licensing reciprocity. Hiring trend: They’re aggressively recruiting for their new critical care tower.

7. Local Clinics (e.g., DeSoto Family Clinic): Smaller employers, 1–2 CNAs per site. Stable but limited advancement. Hiring trend: Part-time roles dominate, perfect for students or those balancing family.

Insider Tip: Network at the DeSoto County Health Department’s job fairs (held quarterly at the Landers Center). Many hires come from word-of-mouth here.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi requires CNAs to complete a state-approved training program (75 hours minimum), pass a competency exam, and register with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). Total cost: $200–$400 (training: $150–$300; exam: $100). Timeline: 4–6 weeks from start to certification if you enroll full-time.

Steps:

1. Enroll in a program: Local options include Northwest Mississippi Community College (NMCC) in Senatobia (30 mins from Southaven) or private schools like Health Careers Institute in Memphis. NMCC costs $250 and includes clinicals at Baptist-DeSoto.
2. Complete training: 75 hours (59 classroom, 16 clinical). You’ll learn vitals, mobility, infection control—key for Southaven’s geriatric-focused jobs.
3. Pass the exam: Written and skills test via Credentia. Schedule through MSDH website.
4. Apply for registry: Submit fingerprints ($50 fee). Approval takes 2–4 weeks.

Insider Tip: Many employers (like Baptist) offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to 1–2 years. If you’re already certified in another state, apply for reciprocity—it’s straightforward but takes 4–6 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Southaven is car-dependent, so prioritize commute times to major employers. Here’s a local’s guide to 5 neighborhoods, with rent estimates for 1BR apartments:

1. Downtown Southaven (38671): Walkable to clinics and Baptist Hospital (5–10 min drive). Urban vibe with cafes and parks. Rent: $800–$900/month. Pros: Short commute; cons: Older buildings. Ideal for mid-level CNAs wanting convenience.

2. Hernando Hills (38632): Suburban, family-friendly, near DeSoto County Nursing Home (10 min drive). Newer apartments and townhomes. Rent: $750–$850/month. Pros: Safe, quiet; cons: Fewer nightlife options. Great for entry-level CNAs starting families.

3. Southaven’s East Side (near I-55): Close to Southern Hills and Sunbridge (5–15 min). Mix of apartments and single-family homes. Rent: $700–$800/month. Pros: Easy highway access; cons: Traffic noise. Best for those working nights.

4. Olive Branch (38654): Adjacent city, lower rent but 15–20 min commute to Southaven jobs. Small-town feel. Rent: $650–$750/month. Pros: Cheaper living; cons: Longer drive. Popular with budget-conscious CNAs.

5. Creekmore (38671): Near Southaven’s western edge, close to Agape home health routes. Quiet, residential. Rent: $720–$820/month. Pros: Proximity to I-55 for extras shifts in Memphis; cons: Fewer amenities. Ideal for commuters.

Insider Tip: Avoid the area west of Highway 51 if you value quick commutes—it’s more rural with fewer apartments.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Southaven’s CNA path isn’t stagnant, but advancement requires initiative. The 4% job growth over 10 years means stability, not boom times. To boost your income, consider specialties or bridges to higher roles.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs in rehab or home health often earn $1–$2/hour more. For example, orthopedic CNAs at Baptist can make $17.50/hour vs. the median. Skills like phlebotomy (add-on certification, $100) or BLS instructor status add $2–$3/hour.
• Advancement Paths: Many CNAs become LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) via 12-month programs at NMCC ($3,000–$5,000). This jumps pay to $40,000–$45,000/year. Others move into management (e.g., shift supervisor) or specialty tech roles (surgical tech bridge at $50,000+). In Southaven, Baptist’s internal promotion rate is high—about 20% of CNAs advance within 3 years.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% growth, expect more roles in home health and telehealth as Southaven’s retiree population grows (now 15% of residents). Wages may creep toward national average if Mississippi raises its minimum wage (currently $7.25). Insider Tip: Join the Mississippi Nurses Association for networking and CEUs to stay competitive.

The Verdict: Is Southaven Right for You?

Southaven offers a pragmatic balance for CNAs: affordable living, steady jobs, and a low-stress lifestyle compared to big cities. But it’s not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Low rent ($785/month avg) vs. national average	Wages below national median ($34,944 vs. $35,760)
111 jobs in metro with 4% growth	Car-dependent; no public transit
Proximity to Memphis for higher pay options	Limited specialty roles; advancement often requires additional education
Mild winters, low crime (safer than Jackson)	Slower pace—fewer cultural amenities than larger cities
State tax-friendly (no tax on Social Security)	Humid summers; occasional severe weather

Final Recommendation: Southaven is a smart choice if you’re an entry-level CNA seeking affordability and job stability, or a mid-level pro wanting a manageable commute. It’s less ideal for those chasing high salaries or urban buzz. If you’re willing to commute to Memphis, the earning potential improves. Overall, it’s a solid “starter” city for building experience without financial strain.

FAQs

Q: How does Southaven’s cost of living compare to Memphis?
A: Southaven is 10–15% cheaper overall, especially in rent (Memphis 1BR avg: $1,100). However, Memphis jobs pay more—often $18–$20/hour—making the commute worthwhile for some.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Southaven?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city sprawls, and employers like Baptist are not walkable from most housing. Budget $200/month for gas and insurance.

Q: Are there part-time CNA roles available?
A: Definitely. Many facilities (e.g., Southern Hills) offer 20–30 hour weeks, ideal for students or parents. Part-time pay is hourly at $16.8, but benefits may not apply.

Q: What’s the job interview process like locally?
A: Expect a skills demo (e.g., vital signs) and behavioral questions. Southaven employers value reliability—highlight any local clinicals or references. It’s often 1–2 interviews, quick hiring.

Q: Can I get CNA training for free in Southaven?
A: Sometimes. Employers like Baptist offer scholarships if you sign a 1–2 year contract. Check with MSDH for state-funded programs in DeSoto County.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH); U.S. Census Bureau; local job postings (Indeed, Glassdoor) as of 2023.