Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $33,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Chattanooga, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,079 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chattanooga's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,166 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,311) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary starts at approximately $33,079 in 2026, which notably lags behind the city’s median annual salary of $41,311. However, new graduates can expect a growth trajectory that may elevate their earnings significantly within their first few years. As they gain experience, salaries could reach around $38,968 at the 25th percentile, potentially nearing the median as they complete essential training and accumulate hands-on experience. Chattanooga's current job market for certified nursing assistants shows promise, especially as the demand for these roles remains strong following post-COVID shifts in healthcare, indicating that it's a reasonable time for new CNAs to enter the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chattanooga
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 Chattanooga
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Chattanooga, TN typically start between $33,079 and $38,968 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,484 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,311 — 8.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $1,500 represents just 4.53% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,079/year) in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga
- 1Research the Chattanooga market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,079 to $38,968, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chattanooga'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 Chattanooga is $14,484 ( 43.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,079, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,563.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,920
2025 BLS Actual
$31,060
2026 Current Est.
$33,079
2019–2027 Growth
+68.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,229 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Chattanooga, TN grew 48.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,920 in 2019 to $31,060 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,229. New graduates entering the Chattanooga job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Employers across Chattanooga offer various opportunities for those starting their careers as certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities are the leading employers, often providing paid training programs for new graduates. Hospital systems typically prefer experienced CNAs but may have apprenticeship pathways to bring in fresh talent. Home health agencies also recruit candidates who can offer flexible scheduling to meet patient needs. To enhance starting certified nursing assistant pay in TN, obtaining credentials such as state CNA certification and CPR/BLS training is essential. Additionally, certifications in specialized areas like dementia care or hospice aide can positively impact salary prospects. Given the staffing crisis that rocked healthcare since the pandemic, entry-level CNAs can expect a realistic salary growth in their first few years as they establish their presence in the industry, making it an optimal time for recent graduates to pursue these rewarding opportunities.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
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 Chattanooga. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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