Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dunwoody, GA: $37,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Dunwoody, GA earns a median $37,707/year (≈ $18.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Dunwoody's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $40,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dunwoody, Georgia, certified nursing assistants can expect an annual median salary of $37,707 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $45,007. This projected local salary spans a range from $30,649 at the 10th percentile to $45,786 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variation based on experience and workplace settings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect the dynamics of the local job market. As Dunwoody's healthcare facilities strive to attract talent, the compensation opportunities in this sector reveal a gap that emphasizes the realities of working in skilled nursing versus hospitals.
About the Dunwoody Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,649 | $14.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,411 | $15.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,707 | $18.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,943 | $20.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,786 | $22.01 |
Median Salary Position
16.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunwoody
In Dunwoody, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,137 (2026 est.). At $37,707, the local median is 16.22% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Dunwoody: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunwoody Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Dunwoody median: $37,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunwoody Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $38,914 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -16.22% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Dunwoody, GA earn a median of $37,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.22% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.10% below the Georgia state average of $38,914.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunwoody 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.
Dunwoody, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,502 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,850
2025 BLS Actual
$35,406
2026 Current Est.
$37,707
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,004 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunwoody metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,850 (2019) to $35,406 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,308 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunwoody 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) | $30,649 – $32,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,411 – $37,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,707 – $41,943 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,943 – $45,786 |
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 Dunwoody
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Dunwoody is relatively small, with only 10 employed in the area. This presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly given the city's cost of living index of 93.1, which is below the national average. The lower living costs can potentially enhance take-home purchasing power, but the disparity in pay can be pronounced. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities tend to pay higher wages compared to hospitals, especially those with intensive care units. Factors influencing compensation include shift differentials, with night shifts typically offering an added $2 to $4 per hour, while weekends command premiums of $1 to $3. Furthermore, agencies may offer higher pay during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Dunwoody, pursuing additional certifications, such as becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), and seeking weekend-only roles may provide lucrative pathways to better pay and enhanced job prospects.
More salary data for Dunwoody, 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 $35,406 for certified nursing assistantsin the Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody 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