Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Evans, GA: $32,788 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Evans, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,788 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,218 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) field in Evans, Georgia, can anticipate starting salaries around $32,788. While this entry-level figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $37,746, it offers a pathway for financial growth in the first few years of employment. With a projected increase from the P10 level to the P25 at $34,756 and then to the city median, those beginning their careers in this role can expect a steady rise in their earnings as they gain experience. Given the current demand for CNAs following the recent staffing shortages, Evans represents a promising market for new graduates, providing ample opportunities to secure a position shortly after certification.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Evans, GA typically start between $32,788 and $34,756 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,896 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,746 — 16.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $1,500 represents just 4.57% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,788/year) in Evans. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,788 to $34,756, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evans, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Evans is $10,896 ( 33.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,788, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,684.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,920
2025 BLS Actual
$30,787
2026 Current Est.
$32,788
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,426 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,231 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,788 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,919 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, GA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,920 in 2019 to $30,787 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,919. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Evans
As new CNAs start their careers in Evans, several employers actively seek to fill these roles, particularly skilled nursing facilities, which typically hire entry-level workers and often provide paid training programs. Hospital systems, while usually preferring more experienced candidates, have begun to implement apprenticeship models designed for recent graduates. To enhance starting pay in Georgia, obtaining credentials such as CPR/BLS certification, and considering additional qualifications like medication aide certification or specialized training in dementia or hospice care can make candidates more competitive. In the wake of significant turnover experienced during the post-COVID recovery, new CNAs can expect a gradual salary increase driven by the market demand. During their first three years, diligent workers might realistically aim for growth that aligns with opportunities to bridge into LPN or RN roles, often encountering starting salaries well above entry-level pay as staffing needs remain a priority for local healthcare facilities.
More salary data for Evans, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans 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