Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in McDonough, GA: $37,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in McDonough, GA earns a median $37,507/year (≈ $18.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in McDonough's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $40,287 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $37,507 projected for 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in McDonough, GA, earn significantly less than the national median of $45,007, reflecting regional economic factors and cost of living adjustments. The local salary range extends from $32,348 at the 10th percentile to $45,167 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of pay based on experience, skills, and specific job assignments. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, which highlight the importance of local market dynamics. As CNAs in McDonough consider advancing their careers through LPN or RN programs, they can expect to encounter shifts in job responsibilities, which often lead to higher salaries.
About the McDonough Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,348 | $15.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,248 | $16.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,507 | $18.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,399 | $19.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,167 | $21.72 |
Median Salary Position
16.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough
In McDonough, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,819 (2026 est.). At $37,507, the local median is 16.66% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in McDonough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McDonough Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
McDonough median: $37,507/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McDonough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $38,908 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -16.66% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McDonough has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McDonough, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,507 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,287 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,718
2025 BLS Actual
$35,218
2026 Current Est.
$37,507
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,612 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,945 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McDonough metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,718 (2019) to $35,218 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,945 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,227 (61.60%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,348 – $34,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,248 – $37,507 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,507 – $40,399 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,399 – $45,167 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in McDonough
In McDonough, the job market for certified nursing assistants remains relatively stable, with currently only seven individuals in these roles. With a cost-of-living index at 93.1, the local economic environment offers a lower living expense compared to the national average, thereby affecting take-home pay. Certified nursing assistant pay in McDonough GA varies considerably across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offering the highest salaries. Factors such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, agency premiums during staffing shortages, and potential stipends for certifications can influence pay scales significantly. To maximize earning potential, CNAs should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions that offer weekend-only opportunities or high-acuity shifts, providing an avenue to higher compensation in this competitive market.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $35,218 for certified nursing assistantsin the McDonough metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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