Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $20.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Atlanta, GA runs $20.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,908 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,147 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the projected certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $20.15, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $21.64. For part-time CNAs working three days a week, typically totaling 24 hours, this hourly wage translates to a yearly income of about $25,092, demonstrating a workable income, especially in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice services. The hourly pay for certified nursing assistants in Atlanta varies significantly within a range from $17.20 at the lowest 10th percentile to $24.84 at the 90th percentile, indicating that those with more experience or specific skill sets can command higher wages. This BLS data reflects the nuances of the profession as more CNAs are drawn to flexible schedules, making per diem positions particularly appealing.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.20 | $137.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.11 | $152.85 |
| Median (P50) | $20.15 | $161.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.89 | $183.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.84 | $198.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $20.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.15/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $41,912 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,180. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $805.99 | $3,493 | $41,912 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $483.60 | $2,096 | $25,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.40 | $1,397 | $16,765 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Atlanta) | $20.15 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $41,908 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.89% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.70% above the Georgia state average of $38,912.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.15/hr = $25,147/year (purchasing power: $25,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,912/year (purchasing power: $41,887).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$13.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Atlanta grew 41.8% from $13.34/hr (2019) to $18.92/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.46/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Part-time CNAs in Atlanta can experience varied earning potentials, especially when considering the growing demand for healthcare support. An estimated income for those working 24 hours a week positions them significantly below the annual earnings of full-time colleagues, who typically clock in much higher. On the agency side, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Atlanta could reach up to $32 per hour, with weekend-only contracts presenting lucrative opportunities at rates between $30 and $45 per hour, especially in markets facing staffing shortages. The hourly pay can also fluctuate based on the type of healthcare facility; for example, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals often pay lower compared to hospitals or traveling contracts, which may offer incentives. Nevertheless, some CNAs accept positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay in Atlanta, understanding local market trends and being flexible can be advantageous, particularly for those looking to transition into roles with increased responsibility, such as bridging to an LPN or RN position.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Atlanta?
Are certified nursing assistants in Atlanta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Atlanta?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Atlanta?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Atlanta. 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