Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $38,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Brookhaven, GA earns a median $38,913/year (≈ $18.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Brookhaven's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $41,797 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Brookhaven, Georgia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $38,913. This figure places the certified nursing assistant salary in Brookhaven significantly below the national median of $45,007, reflecting a disparity of approximately 13.54%. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $30,423 at the lower end (P10) to $49,560 at the higher end (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, while also considering regional cost adjustments. The local job market has stabilized after the post-COVID wage reset, offering new opportunities and growth potential for those navigating this crucial sector.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,423 | $14.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,425 | $16.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,913 | $18.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,425 | $20.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,560 | $23.82 |
Median Salary Position
13.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookhaven
In Brookhaven, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,137 (2026 est.). At $38,913, the local median is 13.54% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookhaven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookhaven Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Brookhaven median: $38,913/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookhaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.54% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brookhaven, GA earn a median of $38,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.54% lower than the national median of $45,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookhaven has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookhaven, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,913 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,797 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,644
2025 BLS Actual
$36,538
2026 Current Est.
$38,913
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,673 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookhaven metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,644 (2019) to $36,538 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,798 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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) | $30,423 – $33,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,425 – $38,913 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,913 – $42,425 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,425 – $49,560 |
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 Brookhaven
Currently employing eight certified nursing assistants, Brookhaven has a unique employment landscape that interacts with its low cost-of-living index of 93.1, offering residents a slightly better purchasing power compared to many urban areas. To maximize earnings, aspiring CNAs should consider employment at skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where pay tends to be higher than in home health agencies or assisted living communities. The disparity in wages can also be driven by shift differentials; evening shifts often add $2-$4 per hour and weekends can yield a bonus of $1-$3. For CNAs looking to increase their financial prospects, pursuing certification as a CMA can bring additional stipends and engaging in bridge pathways to LPN or RN roles can lead to substantial salary growth over time. Understanding these local dynamics is essential in optimizing CNA pay in Brookhaven, GA.
More salary data for Brookhaven, 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 $36,538 for certified nursing assistantsin the Brookhaven 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
Salary data for Brookhaven is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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