Atlanta vs Gainesville: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Atlanta, GA and Gainesville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Gainesville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,908 | $44,080▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.15 | $21.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,773 | $36,348▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,746 | $40,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,606 | $51,333▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,663 | $51,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 23,260▲ | 1,050 |
Verdict
Gainesville, GA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlanta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Gainesville is $2,172 (5.18%). Gainesville's median is -2.06% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $15,890,Gainesville spans $15,560. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gainesville ($45,553 effective) pays 8.76% 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 Atlanta if…
- ✓Larger job market (23,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,908)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,553)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Atlanta grew 41.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$27,750 (2019) → $39,350 (2025)
Gainesville, GA
$28,840 (2019) → $41,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Gainesville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Atlanta or Gainesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Gainesville?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Gainesville as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Atlanta vs Gainesville?
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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
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