Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Kennesaw, GA: $17.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Kennesaw, GA runs $17.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Kennesaw's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,289 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kennesaw, Georgia, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median hourly pay of $17.86, which falls below the national average of $21.64. This discrepancy highlights the unique financial landscape for CNAs in the area, particularly in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living homes. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this translates to approximately $1,079 per month, or around $12,948 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. The hourly pay for entry-level CNAs typically starts around $15.12, while experienced professionals can earn up to $21.23 in higher-paying roles. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, reflecting the dynamic nature of pay across different types of facilities that require the vital services of certified nursing assistants.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.12 | $120.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.71 | $125.67 |
| Median (P50) | $17.86 | $142.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.68 | $157.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.23 | $169.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennesaw
Based on $17.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.86/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennesaw, GA can expect to earn approximately $37,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,432. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kennesaw.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennesaw
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $714.40 | $3,096 | $37,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $428.64 | $1,857 | $22,289 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $285.76 | $1,238 | $14,860 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Kennesaw) | $17.86 |
| 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 Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $37,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.46% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $38,902.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.86/hr = $22,289/year (purchasing power: $23,941).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,149/year (purchasing power: $39,902).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Kennesaw grew 42.5% from $11.77/hr (2019) to $16.77/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.02/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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
Examining the earning potential for part-time CNAs and per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Kennesaw reveals various factors influencing income. A part-time CNA working 24 hours weekly may take home around $12,948 annually, a stark contrast to full-time roles where yearly earnings could rise significantly. Many CNAs leverage agency work, where they can command between $22 to $32 per hour, or more with weekend-only premium contracts that can reach $30 to $45 in urgent markets. Additionally, travel contracts present opportunities for those willing to relocate temporarily, offering weekly rates from $1,000 to $1,800. Hourly rates can vary widely across employment types, such as hospitals, home health agencies, and rehabilitation facilities, impacting overall job satisfaction. Some CNAs opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly rates without these perks. Understanding the local market dynamics, especially in Kennesaw, is essential for negotiating pay effectively.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Kennesaw in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Kennesaw?
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How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Kennesaw?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Kennesaw?
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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 Kennesaw. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw 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