Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $21.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Gainesville, GA runs $21.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,080 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,449 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $21.19 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $21.64. This median pay is an important metric for both full-time and part-time workers who may find themselves in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home care environments. Part-time CNAs working three days a week typically earn around $509.56 weekly, supporting their financial needs while having flexibility. The hourly range for certified nursing assistants in Gainesville extends from $17.48 for entry-level positions up to $24.96 for the top earners. This data, sourced from BLS information, reflects the evolving compensation landscape for CNAs and provides insight into what one can expect when entering this vital healthcare role.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.48 | $139.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.62 | $156.94 |
| Median (P50) | $21.19 | $169.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.68 | $197.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.96 | $199.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $21.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.19/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $44,082 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,432. With a cost-of-living index of 96.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $847.74 | $3,674 | $44,082 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $508.64 | $2,204 | $26,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.10 | $1,469 | $17,633 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Gainesville) | $21.19 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $44,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 13.30% above the Georgia state average of $38,906.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.19/hr = $26,449/year (purchasing power: $27,333).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,082/year (purchasing power: $45,556).
CoL index: 96.766 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+62.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Gainesville grew 43.5% from $13.87/hr (2019) to $19.90/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
For those considering part-time employment, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week would see substantial earnings, resulting in approximately $26,478 annually, compared to a potential full-time income of roughly $44,080. Per diem certified nursing assistants in Gainesville have the potential to earn significantly more, with agency pay typically ranging from $22-$32 per hour and weekend-only contracts reaching as high as $30-$45. This pay structure underlines the ongoing demand for healthcare workers, particularly following the staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies often offer different compensation packages. While some CNAs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility and potential for higher earnings in positions without benefits. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local job market in Gainesville and being aware of competitor rates can provide leverage in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Gainesville in 2026?
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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 Gainesville. 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