Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $18.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Athens, GA runs $18.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,220 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Athens, Georgia, certified nursing assistants can expect an hourly rate of $18.61, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $21.64. This rate has implications for various work arrangements, particularly for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem roles. For example, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week may find themselves earning a stable income while providing care in settings such as skilled nursing facilities and assisted living apartments, where their services are essential. The hourly earnings in Athens range from $15.30 for entry-level positions to about $23.48 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse spectrum of responsibilities within the profession. These figures are supported by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reinforces the economic landscape that CNAs navigate in the region.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.30 | $122.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.41 | $139.30 |
| Median (P50) | $18.61 | $148.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.33 | $162.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.48 | $187.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $18.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.61/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $38,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,327. With a cost-of-living index of 93.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $744.22 | $3,225 | $38,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $446.53 | $1,935 | $23,220 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.69 | $1,290 | $15,480 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Athens) | $18.61 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Athens, GA earn a median of $38,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.03% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% below the Georgia state average of $38,925.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.61/hr = $23,220/year (purchasing power: $24,876).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,700/year (purchasing power: $41,460).
CoL index: 93.343 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Athens grew 40.7% from $12.42/hr (2019) to $17.47/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Athens
For part-time certified nursing assistants in Athens, the earning potential becomes more strategic when considering the realities of weekly schedules. Working just 24 hours a week at this hourly rate equates to an annual income of approximately $23,189, which provides a supplemental income for many. In contrast, per diem certified nursing assistants can command higher hourly rates ranging from $22 to $32, particularly in shortage markets. Notably, weekend-only premium contracts can lead to earnings between $30 and $45 per hour. The hourly pay varies significantly based on the employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities typically offer different rates compared to home health agencies or hospitals. Certified nursing assistants may have to weigh the benefits of slightly lower pay against available health insurance packages, as some facilities offer more comprehensive benefits at a reduced hourly wage. Engaging in proactive salary negotiations is crucial, especially in a market where shifts and contracts are influenced by demand and staffing needs.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Athens?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Athens. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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