Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Sumter, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Sumter Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're budgeting for your life. The data for Nursing Assistants in Sumter tells a specific story about the local market.

The median salary for a CNA in Sumter is $34,279 per year. On an hourly basis, that comes out to $16.48 per hour. To put this in perspective, the national average for CNAs is $35,760 per year. So, Sumter pays slightly below the national benchmark, which is common for rural markets in the Southeast. The metro area has an estimated 86 jobs available for CNAs, indicating a stable but not booming market. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is steady but slower than the national average, reflecting Sumter's stable, aging population rather than explosive growth.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in our area. Keep in mind these are approximate ranges based on local job postings and industry knowledge.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.46 - $15.38	Often starts at nursing homes or home health agencies. Sign-on bonuses are rare but can occur during staffing shortages.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	$15.38 - $17.31	Hospital positions (like at Prisma Health Tuomey) become more attainable. Specializing in a unit (e.g., Med/Surg) can push you toward the higher end.
Senior (8-15 years)	$36,000 - $40,000	$17.31 - $19.23	CNA II or "Lead CNA" roles in hospitals or large facilities. Often involves training new hires.
Expert (15+ years)	$40,000 - $45,000+	$19.23 - $21.63	Usually in supervisory or education roles (e.g., at a technical college). Top pay is often found in specialty clinics or private duty.

How Sumter Compares to Other SC Cities:

• Columbia (State Capital): The median is closer to $36,500/year. The cost of living is about 10-15% higher, but there are more hospital systems and specialized jobs (like at Palmetto Health or MUSC).
• Charleston: Median salary is higher, around $38,000/year, but the cost of living is dramatically higher (rent for a 1BR can exceed $1,800). The job market is larger and more competitive.
• Greenville: Similar to Columbia, with a median around $36,000/year. Strong healthcare growth, but also a higher cost of living, especially in downtown areas.
• Florence: A closer regional competitor. Salary is nearly identical (~$34,500/year), with a similar cost of living. Sumter's military presence (Shaw AFB) provides a slight, unique buffer to the local economy.

Insider Tip: The $16.48/hour median is a solid starting point, but the real money for CNAs in Sumter comes from overtime and shift differentials. Working nights or weekends at Prisma Health Tuomey can add $2-$3/hour to your base rate, which can push your effective hourly wage closer to $19/hour.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math for a single CNA earning the median salary of $34,279. We'll estimate taxes (federal, state SC tax is a flat 7%, FICA) and use the local rent data.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA Earning $34,279/year:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,856.58
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (approx. 22%): ~$628.45 (This includes federal income tax, SC state tax of 7%, and FICA)
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,228.13

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1-BR Average): $933
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 (Car is a necessity in Sumter; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $150
• Miscellaneous (Clothing, Personal Care, Savings): $215.13

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With a net monthly income of ~$2,228 and average rent at $933, the rent-to-income ratio is about 42%. This is on the high side of affordability (financial advisors often recommend keeping it under 30%). After covering all essential expenses, there is limited room for a mortgage payment. However, Sumter's housing market is one of its biggest advantages.

The median home price in Sumter is approximately $180,000. For a first-time homebuyer using an FHA loan (3.5% down), the down payment would be $6,300. A mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would likely be around $1,200-$1,300/month. This is higher than the average rent but not impossibly so, especially with dual incomes. The key is to save aggressively for the down payment and maintain a stable job for 2+ years to qualify. Insider Tip: Look into the SC Housing Homebuyer Assistance Program for down payment and closing cost assistance. It's one of the best-kept secrets for working-class families in the state.

Where the Jobs Are: Sumter's Major Employers

Sumter's healthcare job market is anchored by a few key players, with a strong mix of hospital, long-term care, and home health opportunities.

1. Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital: The city's largest employer and primary acute-care hospital. Hiring for CNAs is constant, especially in Med/Surg, Telemetry, and the Emergency Department. They offer benefits including tuition reimbursement, which is a major perk for progressing your career. Hiring Trend: They are actively trying to build their nursing pipeline, often partnering with local technical colleges for clinical placements and direct hiring.
2. Sumter Community Care Center: A large, well-known nursing home and rehabilitation facility. It's a classic CNA employer with steady shifts and a predictable patient load. Good for gaining experience in geriatric and long-term care. Insider Tip: This facility often has the most predictable schedules but can be demanding. Turnover here can create openings.
3. Palmetto Home Care: A major employer in the home health sector. This is a different pace than a hospital or nursing home. CNAs here work one-on-one with clients in their homes, offering more autonomy but less team support. Pay can be slightly lower but offers a different lifestyle. Hiring Trend: High demand due to the aging population preferring to age in place. They frequently need weekend and evening coverage.
4. The Heritage at Lowman: A senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They hire CNAs for their assisted living and memory care units. The environment is often more residential and less clinical than a hospital. Hiring Trend: Steady growth as the "baby boomer" generation continues to retire to Sumter.
5. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC): While not a direct care employer, DHEC is a major public health employer in Sumter and often hires for roles related to health education, clinic support, and environmental health. These roles often require or prefer a CNA license.

Getting Licensed in SC

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the South Carolina Board of Nursing oversee CNA licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program. In Sumter, the primary provider is Sumter County Career & Technology Center (SCCTC). Their program is approximately 100 hours (classroom and clinical). Alternative options include some private schools or nursing homes that offer in-house training.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written/oral section and a skills evaluation.
3. Background Check: A criminal background check is required. Certain convictions may disqualify you, so it's important to review the DHEC guidelines beforehand.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enrollment: Programs at SCCTC typically run on a schedule (e.g., twice a year). You may need to wait 2-3 months for the next class to start.
• Training: The program itself lasts about 8-12 weeks, depending on the schedule (part-time vs. full-time).
• Exam & Licensure: After passing the exam, your name is added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. This process can take 2-4 weeks post-exam.
• Total Time: From application to being fully licensed and job-ready, expect 4 to 6 months.

Estimated Costs:

• Training Program (SCCTC): $800 - $1,200 (various financial aid options may be available).
• Background Check: ~$50
• Exam Fee: ~$100
• Total Upfront Investment: ~$1,000 - $1,400

Insider Tip: Some employers, especially nursing homes like Sumter Community Care Center, may offer tuition reimbursement or direct training programs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year). This is the best financial path if you can secure a spot.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

For a CNA in Sumter, the ideal neighborhood balances an easy commute to major hospitals/clinics with affordability. The city is not extremely large, so commutes are generally manageable.

1. Downtown Sumter: The heart of the city, with a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. It's walkable, close to restaurants and parks. Commute to Prisma Health Tuomey is under 10 minutes. It's becoming more trendy, but rent can be higher.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100/month
2. South Sumter: Primarily residential, with many single-family homes and apartment complexes. It's quieter, has good access to US-76/378 for a quick drive to the hospital. A popular area for young professionals and families.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $950/month
3. North Sumter / Shaw AFB Area: This area has a mix of military-base housing and civilian apartments. It has its own set of amenities and is very close to the base. Commute to the main hospital is about 15-20 minutes. It's a stable, clean area.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $900/month
4. Millford Plantation / East Sumter: More suburban, with newer developments. It's a bit further from downtown but offers more space for the money. Commute is still reasonable (15-20 minutes). Ideal if you have a car and prioritize space over walkability.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $850/month
5. Pinecrest: A historic neighborhood with charming older homes and a strong sense of community. It's very close to downtown and the hospital. Rent can be variable depending on the condition of the home (renovated vs. original).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200/month (often for a small house or duplex)

Insider Tip: For the best value, look for apartments or rooms for rent in South Sumter or North Sumter. You'll get more square footage for your money and still have a short, predictable commute. Use local Facebook groups (e.g., "Sumter, SC Rentals") to find listings not on major platforms.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Sumter, career growth for a CNA is about strategic specialization and further education.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Certified Medication Aide (CMA): After gaining experience as a CNA, you can take an additional course (often available at SCCTC or through employers) to become a CMA. This allows you to administer medications in long-term care settings and typically comes with a $1-$2/hour raise. It's a common and valuable next step.
• Hospital Specialties: CNAs who gain experience in high-acuity units like Telemetry or the ICU at Prisma Health Tuomey can position themselves for better shift differentials and more desirable schedules. This experience is also crucial for anyone considering nursing school.
• Path to Nursing: The most common career leap is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Sumter County Career & Technology Center and Central Carolina Technical College (in nearby Clarendon County) offer LPN and RN programs. The investment is significant, but the salary jump is substantial (LPN: ~$48,000/year; RN: ~$65,000+ in Sumter).

10-Year Outlook:
With a 4% job growth rate, the market for CNAs will grow, but slowly. The biggest driver will be the aging population and the continued need for long-term care. CNAs who stay in direct care without further certification may see stagnant wages. However, those who pursue a CMA license or transition to nursing will have excellent job security and mobility, both in Sumter and across South Carolina. The local technical college system is a strong asset for this progression.

The Verdict: Is Sumter Right for You?

Sumter offers a specific value proposition for a CNA: a low cost of living with a stable, if not high-paying, job market. It's a place for building a life, not just a career.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $16.48/hour goes much further here than in Columbia or Charleston.	Low Ceiling: The median salary of $34,279 is below the national average. Career advancement often requires further education.
Stable Job Market: With major employers like Prisma Health Tuomey and a growing elderly population, jobs are consistent.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to monthly expenses.
Manageable Commutes: Most neighborhoods are a short drive from major healthcare facilities.	Slower Growth: The 4% job growth and metro population of 43,065 mean it's a smaller, less dynamic job market.
Pathway to Homeownership: The affordable housing market makes buying a home a realistic goal for a CNA.	Fewer Specialties: Compared to larger cities, there are fewer niche clinical settings (e.g., pediatric hospitals, major research centers).
Friendly, Small-Town Feel: The community is close-knit, which can be a great support system.	Social Scene: Limited nightlife and cultural activities compared to a major metro area.

Final Recommendation:
Sumter is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and community over high salaries and a fast-paced career. It's ideal for someone planning to raise a family, buy a home, or use the city as a stepping stone for further education (like nursing school) without the financial stress of a high-cost-of-living area. If your primary goal is to maximize your income as a CNA, you may be better served in Columbia or Charleston. But if you're looking for a balanced life where a CNA salary can support a comfortable lifestyle, Sumter is a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: Is the demand for CNAs strong in Sumter?
A: Yes, it's stable. With only 86 jobs listed in the metro, it's not a massive market, but turnover in nursing homes and hospitals creates regular openings. The 4% growth is steady. Your best bet is to apply directly to the major employers: Prisma Health Tuomey, Sumter Community Care Center, and Palmetto Home Care.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CNAs?
A: It's moderately competitive. Having your SC license in hand before applying makes you a much stronger candidate. Completing your clinicals at a local facility (like the hospital or a nursing home) can often lead to a direct job offer. Networking with instructors at SCCTC is a key insider strategy.

Q: Can I live comfortably in Sumter on a CNA salary?
A: Yes, comfortably but not lavishly. With a net take-home of ~$2,228/month and average rent at $933, you'll have about $1,300 for all other expenses. This works well if you budget carefully, have a reliable car, and avoid high-interest debt. The low cost of living is the key factor making it feasible.

Q: What's the best path to higher pay as a CNA in Sumter?
A: The most direct path is obtaining your **Certified Medic