Alpharetta vs Atlanta: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Alpharetta, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alpharetta, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,310 | $41,908▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.90 | $20.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,382 | $35,773▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,254 | $39,746▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,359 | $47,606▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,971 | $51,663▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 23,260▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alpharetta.
The salary gap between Alpharetta and Atlanta is $2,598 (6.61%). Atlanta's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alpharetta spans $15,589,Atlanta spans $15,890. Atlanta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alpharetta ($42,223 effective) pays 0.81% more than Atlanta ($41,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alpharetta if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,223)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,908/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,663)
- ✓Larger job market (23,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Alpharetta grew 18.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.8% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Alpharetta, GA
$31,035 (2024) → $36,911 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$27,750 (2019) → $39,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alpharetta, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Alpharetta or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alpharetta and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Alpharetta to Atlanta as a certified nursing assistant?
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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