Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Atlanta, GA: $41,908 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Atlanta, GA earns a median $41,908/year (≈ $20.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $41,884 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is set at $41,908 for 2026, positioning it at approximately 6.89% lower than the national median of $45,007. The salary spectrum reflects a wide range, from $35,773 at the 10th percentile to as high as $51,663 at the 90th percentile. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys indicates that while salaries for certified nursing assistants in Atlanta can be competitive, the variations are often dependent on the type of healthcare facility. For instance, those working in skilled nursing facilities may encounter different pay scales than their counterparts in hospitals or home health agencies, highlighting the structural choices professionals must consider in their career paths.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,773 | $17.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,746 | $19.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,908 | $20.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,606 | $22.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,663 | $24.84 |
Median Salary Position
6.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,890 (2026 est.). At $41,908, the local median is 6.89% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Atlanta Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $41,908/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $38,912 | +7.70% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.89% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $41,908 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.89% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.70% above the Georgia state average of $38,912.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $41,908 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,884 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,750
2025 BLS Actual
$39,350
2026 Current Est.
$41,908
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,908 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,632 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 41.8% from $27,750 (2019) to $39,350 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,632 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,882 (60.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,773 – $39,746 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,746 – $41,908 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,908 – $47,606 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,606 – $51,663 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Atlanta
A robust workforce of 23,260 certified nursing assistants in the Atlanta area contributes to a dynamic job market that reflects a cost-of-living index of 100.058, slightly above the national average. This reality impacts the purchasing power of salaries, emphasizing the importance of strategic job selection. Facilities like hospitals, particularly medical/surgical floors and ICUs, often tend to offer higher wages compared to assisted living communities and rehabilitation hospitals. The pay disparities are influenced by factors such as shift differentials—evenings and weekends usually yielding an extra $2 to $4 per hour—and agency premiums that arise during staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, CNAs in Atlanta should consider pursuing certification as a medication aide or engaging in weekend-only roles, which frequently come with enhanced pay. Additionally, establishing a pathway to bridge into LPN or RN positions can lead to significant financial benefits and career advancement opportunities in this ever-evolving market.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Atlanta, GA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Atlanta?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $39,350 for certified nursing assistantsin the Atlanta metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov