Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Suffolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Suffolk Stands

Suffolk, Virginia, is a unique market for healthcare workers. It's not a dense urban core like Norfolk or Richmond, but a sprawling, independent city with a mix of suburban, rural, and industrial areas. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), this means the job market is distinct. The median salary for a CNA in Suffolk is $35,481/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.06/hour. Compared to the national average of $35,760/year, Suffolk is right on the cusp—slightly below, but not by a significant margin. The cost of living here is the key factor, which we'll dig into later.

The job market itself is modest but stable. There are approximately 201 CNA positions in the Suffolk metro area. This isn't a boomtown for healthcare jobs, but it's a reliable market for those who are already here or seeking a quieter lifestyle. The 10-year job growth for CNAs in the region is projected at 4%. This is slower than the national average for the profession but indicates steady demand driven by an aging population and the continued operation of major regional health systems.

For a clearer picture of earning potential based on experience, consider this breakdown. While local data for each tier can be scarce, this table reflects typical progression in the Hampton Roads region, adjusted for Suffolk's market.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior/Lead CNA	5-10 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Expert/Charge CNA	10+ years	$42,000+

When you compare Suffolk to other Virginia cities, the picture becomes more nuanced. It sits below the state's major metros like Richmond and Northern Virginia, where salaries are higher but the cost of living is drastically more expensive. Compared to its immediate neighbors in the Hampton Roads region, Suffolk’s salary is competitive. For example, CNAs in nearby Chesapeake or Virginia Beach might see slightly higher median salaries (closer to $36,000-$37,000), but the commute and housing costs can offset that difference. Suffolk's value lies in its balance: a reasonable salary paired with a cost of living that is below the national average.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. Earning the median salary of $35,481/year means your monthly gross pay is approximately $2,957. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Virginia state taxes (which start at 2% for the lowest bracket), a single filer can expect to take home roughly $2,250 - $2,300 per month. This is an estimate, and your actual take-home pay will vary based on your specific tax situation and deductions.

Now, factor in rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Suffolk is $1,287/month. This is a critical number. If your take-home pay is around $2,280/month, housing alone would consume 56% of your net income. This is significantly higher than the recommended 30% guideline. A more realistic budget for a CNA earning the median salary would be to find a roommate or seek housing in more affordable neighborhoods (which we'll cover later), keeping rent closer to $900-$1,000/month.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	The biggest expense. Consider a 2BR with a roommate to split costs.
Utilities (Elec/Water/Gas)	$150	Can be higher in older apartments or during summer.
Groceries	$300	Cooking at home is essential.
Transportation	$200	Gas, insurance, and maintenance. Car dependency is high in Suffolk.
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer.
Phone/Internet	$100	Basic plans.
Misc./Personal	$150	For necessities, emergencies, and some leisure.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,337	Leaves little to no room for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary, buying a home in Suffolk is extremely challenging. The median home price in Suffolk is currently around $320,000. With a $35,481 salary, you would likely not qualify for a mortgage large enough to cover that cost, especially with current interest rates. Lenders typically recommend a housing payment (including taxes and insurance) that is no more than 28-30% of your gross income. For a CNA, that translates to a monthly payment of roughly $825-$885, which would only cover a small fraction of a typical mortgage in today's market. Homeownership is more feasible with dual incomes, significant savings for a large down payment, or if you're in a senior-level position with a higher salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Suffolk's Major Employers

Suffolk's healthcare employment is dominated by a few key players. Understanding who they are and where they're located is crucial for your job search.

1. Sentara Healthcare: This is the 800-pound gorilla of Hampton Roads healthcare. Sentara operates Sentara Obici Hospital, a major acute-care facility in the Downtown/South Suffolk area. They also run several outpatient clinics and specialty centers throughout the city. Sentara is a huge employer with structured career ladders. Hiring trends show they consistently seek CNAs for hospital floors, emergency departments, and rehab units. They offer benefits that can offset the lower take-home pay. Insider Tip: Apply directly on the Sentara careers website. They often have tuition reimbursement programs for employees looking to advance to LPN or RN.

2. Bon Secours Health System: Bon Secours operates Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center just across the river in Portsmouth, but it's a primary employer for Suffolk residents. They also have a strong network of Bon Secours Community Health Clinics and senior living facilities in Suffolk, like the Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Home. CNAs are in high demand here for long-term care and home health roles. Hiring is steady, especially for evenings and weekends.

3. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy: While not a traditional healthcare employer, this private school in the North Suffolk area employs CNAs and school nurses for student health services. It's a niche opportunity offering daytime hours, summers off, and a different work environment than a hospital or nursing home. Positions are rare but highly sought after for work-life balance.

4. Sunrise Senior Living: Located in the Wellington area of North Suffolk, this is a high-end assisted living and memory care community. They focus on personalized care and often seek CNAs with experience in dementia care. The pay may be slightly above the median, and the environment is less acute than a hospital. Hiring trends show a preference for CNAs with strong communication skills and a compassionate demeanor.

5. Various Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities: Suffolk has a network of smaller, locally-owned and operated facilities. Examples include The Memory Center in the BridgeRoad/ Harbour View area and Suffolk Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Downtown. These facilities are often the first point of call for new CNAs and offer a fast-paced environment to gain experience. They frequently hire for multiple shifts and may offer sign-on bonuses.

6. Private Duty & Home Health Agencies: Companies like Comfort Keepers and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Virginia have offices serving Suffolk. These roles involve visiting clients in their homes, which can provide more autonomy. The pay can be variable (sometimes per visit), and you need reliable transportation. This is a growing trend as more care shifts from institutions to the home.

Insider Tip: Don't just search for "CNA" on job boards. Use terms like "geriatric aide," "patient care technician," or "nursing aide" in your search. Also, network with nurses you meet during clinicals or through local CNA groups on social media. Many positions are filled through word-of-mouth before they're ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in VA

Becoming a CNA in Virginia is a straightforward but regulated process. The state requires completion of an approved training program and passing a competency exam.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Complete a Virginia-Approved CNA Program: These are offered at community colleges (like Paul D. Camp Community College in nearby Franklin, which serves Suffolk), technical schools (like Tidewater Community College's regional programs), and private training centers. The program must include at least 75 hours of training, split between classroom theory and clinical practice.
2. Pass the State Competency Exam: The exam, administered by Pearson VUE, consists of a written (or oral) section and a skills demonstration. You must pass both parts to be listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.
3. Background Check: You must pass a criminal background check through the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DPH). Certain convictions may disqualify you from certification.

Costs and Timeline:

• Tuition: CNA program costs in Virginia range from $800 to $1,500. Some employers, like Sentara, may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Community colleges are typically the most affordable option.
• Exam Fee: The Pearson VUE exam fee is approximately $135.
• Background Check: Fees vary but are typically $50-$75.
• Timeline: From enrollment to full certification, expect a timeline of 3 to 6 months. This includes completing the program (often 4-8 weeks full-time or longer part-time), scheduling the exam (which can have a wait time), and receiving your official registry listing.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, Virginia has reciprocity agreements. You can apply to have your out-of-state certification transferred if your training and exam were equivalent. Contact the Virginia Department of Health Professions for the specific process. It's often faster than starting from scratch.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Suffolk's geography is vast. Choosing where to live can dramatically affect your commute and quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods, keeping in mind the median salary and average 1BR rent of $1,287.

1. Downtown Suffolk: This area is close to Sentara Obici Hospital and several nursing homes. You could have a very short commute (under 10 minutes). It's walkable with local shops and restaurants. However, housing can be older, and the rental market is limited. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Best for: Those prioritizing a minimal commute and a historic, community feel.

2. North Suffolk (Wellington, Harbour View): This is the fastest-growing, most suburban part of the city. It's home to Sunrise Senior Living and is close to major retailers and newer apartment complexes. The commute to Sentara Obici or Bon Secours in Portsmouth is about 15-20 minutes. It's family-friendly but can be pricier. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a modern 1BR. Best for: CNAs seeking a suburban lifestyle with newer amenities, willing to pay a premium.

3. South Suffolk (Crown Point): This area is near the Nansemond River and has a mix of older homes and new developments. It's generally more affordable than North Suffolk. Commutes to major employers are manageable (10-20 minutes). It's quieter and less congested. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Best for: Those looking for a balance of affordability and a suburban feel, with easy access to parks and nature.

4. The Bowers Hill Corridor (Route 58/17): This is a major artery with many apartment complexes and shopping centers. It's highly convenient for commuting to any part of Suffolk or neighboring cities like Chesapeake. The downside is traffic noise and a less "neighborhoody" feel. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 for a 1BR. Best for: Practical commuters who value convenience and access over neighborhood charm.

5. The Rural Areas (outside the city core): Eastern Suffolk, near the Great Dismal Swamp, or the southern edges offer lower rent and more space. However, you are car-dependent, and commutes can be 25-35 minutes to the main hospitals. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a small house or apartment. Best for: CNAs who don't mind driving and want a quiet, rural lifestyle on a tight budget.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Suffolk is not as bad as in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, but it's not negligible. The Godwin Boulevard and Route 58/17 corridors can back up during rush hour. If you work a 7 AM or 3 PM shift, your commute will be smoother. Always test-drive a potential commute during your interview process.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the median salary for a CNA in Suffolk is $35,481, this role is often a stepping stone. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates that while new CNA jobs will open up (due to retirements and expanding care needs), the path to advancement is where the real financial growth happens.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience as a CNA, you can take an additional course to become a Certified Medication Aide. This allows you to administer certain medications under a nurse's supervision. It typically comes with a pay increase of $1-$3/hour.
• Geriatric or Dementia Care Specialist: Working in memory care units (like Sunrise) or with hospice can build a specialty. This experience is invaluable and can lead to roles like a "Dementia Care Coordinator" or a trainer for new staff.
• Phlebotomy or EKG Technician: Some CNAs cross-train to draw blood or perform EKGs, especially in hospital settings like Sentara Obici. This makes them more versatile and can lead to higher pay.
• Bridge to LPN/RN: This is the most common and impactful path. Suffolk has local pathways: Paul D. Camp Community College offers LPN programs, and Old Dominion University (in nearby Norfolk) has RN programs. Many employers offer tuition assistance. An LPN in Virginia can earn a median salary of $48,000-$52,000, and an RN can earn $70,000-$85,000+.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable but requires proactivity. The core demand for CNAs will remain due to the aging population. However, the best opportunities will be for those who specialize or move into leadership. A CNA with 5+ years of experience in a high-acuity setting (like a hospital ICU or a specialized rehab unit) will be more valuable than a new graduate. The key is to view the CNA certification not as an end, but as a foundational credential. In Suffolk, the most successful CNAs are those who align themselves with a major employer like Sentara or Bon Secours early on and leverage their education benefits.

The Verdict: Is Suffolk Right for You?

Suffolk presents a classic case of trade-offs. It’s not the highest-paying market, but the cost of living is manageable if you budget carefully. It’s a place for those who value stability and a quieter, less hectic lifestyle over the fast-paced, high-reward environment of a major metropolis.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Below-Average Cost of Living (Index: 97.4) means your paycheck goes further than in many U.S. cities.	Low Median Salary ($35,481) makes financial flexibility tight, especially for single-income households.
Stable Job Market with major employers like Sentara and Bon Secours providing consistent openings.	Slower 10-Year Growth (4%) means competition for promotions and higher-paying roles can be stiff.
Short Commutes compared to larger metro areas, saving time and gas money.	Car Dependency is absolute; public transit is limited, making a reliable vehicle a necessity.
Diverse Work Environments from bustling hospitals to quiet senior living communities.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Amenities for young professionals seeking a vibrant social scene.
Pathways for Advancement if you leverage employer education benefits.	Networking is Hyper-Local; you must be proactive to find niche opportunities.

Final Recommendation:
Suffolk is a strong choice for a CNA who is a strategic planner. If you are moving with a partner, have a second income, or are willing to live with a roommate, the financial equation becomes much more favorable. It’s ideal for those who see the CNA role as a launchpad, are motivated to pursue LPN/RN education, and prefer a community-oriented environment over urban density. It may be