Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Augusta, GA: $39,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Augusta, GA earns a median $39,554/year (≈ $19.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Augusta's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.9), that paycheck buys what $43,039 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, the annual earnings for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Augusta, Georgia, are expected to reach a median salary of $39,554. This salary reflects a range extending from $30,874 at the 10th percentile to $46,967 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial variability in earnings within this role. For those considering a career trajectory that may ultimately bridge into licensed practical nursing (LPN) or registered nursing (RN), these figures represent a solid foundation, albeit lower than the national median of $45,007. The Augusta job market demonstrates potential for growth as the healthcare sector continues to evolve, particularly in response to the post-COVID workforce dynamics, emphasizing the importance of getting a CNA certification and possible pathways towards higher qualifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,874 | $14.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,752 | $17.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,554 | $19.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,153 | $20.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,967 | $22.58 |
Median Salary Position
12.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
In Augusta, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,093 (2026 est.). At $39,554, the local median is 12.12% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Augusta: You'd be above the median
How Augusta Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Augusta median: $39,554/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Augusta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $38,931 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -12.12% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Augusta, GA earn a median of $39,554 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.12% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% above the Georgia state average of $38,931.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Augusta has a cost of living 8.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Augusta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 91.903 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,554 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,039 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.81% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,650
2025 BLS Actual
$37,140
2026 Current Est.
$39,554
2019–2027 Growth
+64.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Augusta metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 44.8% from $25,650 (2019) to $37,140 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,475 (64.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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) | $30,874 – $35,752 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,752 – $39,554 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,554 – $42,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,153 – $46,967 |
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 Augusta
In Augusta, approximately 2,560 certified nursing assistants contribute to a vital sector that remains competitive, especially with a cost-of-living index of 91.903, suggesting that living expenses are below the national average. This lower cost of living helps support the take-home pay for CNAs, who may find better purchasing power compared to other regions. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies often offer the highest wages, with differential pay for night shifts and weekends typically adding $1 to $4 per hour. Moreover, those with additional certifications such as CNA or CMA may see enhanced pay rates, with some employers offering premium roles for weekend-only shifts or higher compensation for more acute assignments. As such, CNAs looking to maximize their earnings in Augusta should consider targeting agencies and facilities that provide these incentives, thereby enhancing their overall compensation and career opportunities in this pivotal healthcare environment.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $37,140 for certified nursing assistantsin the Augusta 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