Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in McDonough, GA: $18.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in McDonough, GA runs $18.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against McDonough's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,502 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, Georgia, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $18.03 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This relatively lower rate reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index of 93.1, indicating that wages are slightly below the national average. For part-time workers, often scheduled three days a week, the earnings can range from approximately $15.55 as entry-level up to $21.72 for those at the top of the pay scale. This flexibility allows certified nursing assistants the ability to balance multiple roles across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health visits, and assisted living communities. Although hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, they provide a clear insight into the earning potential across different types of CNA work in McDonough.
About the McDonough 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) | $15.55 | $124.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.46 | $131.72 |
| Median (P50) | $18.03 | $144.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.43 | $155.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.72 | $173.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McDonough
Based on $18.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.03/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McDonough, GA can expect to earn approximately $37,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,637. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McDonough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McDonough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $721.22 | $3,125 | $37,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $432.73 | $1,875 | $22,502 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $288.49 | $1,250 | $15,001 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (McDonough) | $18.03 |
| 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 McDonough, GA earn a median of $37,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $38,908.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.03/hr = $22,502/year (purchasing power: $24,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,503/year (purchasing power: $40,283).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in McDonough grew 42.5% from $11.88/hr (2019) to $16.93/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.20/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 McDonough 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 McDonough
Focusing on part-time employment, a certified nursing assistant who works a 24-hour week can expect to earn around $22,706 annually, which offers a decent supplemental income, compared to the earnings of full-time counterparts. Agency or per diem positions are increasingly attractive, with rates ranging from $22 to $32, and premium weekend contracts potentially garnering as much as $30 to $45 per hour. The pay structure in McDonough varies significantly across employers; for example, CNAs in hospitals may earn higher rates due to increased responsibilities compared to those in home health agencies. Understanding these differentials can aid in salary negotiation. Some CNAs may choose lower hourly wages for the security of benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits for greater take-home income. Knowing this local context empowers certified nursing assistants to make informed decisions about their career paths and compensation strategies.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
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
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 McDonough. 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 McDonough 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