Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Smyrna, GA: $37,668 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Smyrna, GA earns a median $37,668/year (≈ $18.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $40,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, GA, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is set at $37,668 for 2026, which reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this occupation varies considerably, with the lower 10% earning around $30,554 and the upper 90% making up to $45,564. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reveal not only the competitive landscape within the local healthcare system but also the factors that differentiate pay scales among various employment settings. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer salaries on the lower end of the spectrum, whereas hospitals and specialized care institutions generally provide more lucrative opportunities, making job choice a crucial factor in determining earnings.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,554 | $14.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,156 | $15.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,668 | $18.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,910 | $20.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,564 | $21.91 |
Median Salary Position
16.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, GA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,010 (2026 est.). At $37,668, the local median is 16.31% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $37,668/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $38,913 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -16.31% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Smyrna, GA earn a median of $37,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.31% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $38,913.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,668 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,460 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,824
2025 BLS Actual
$35,369
2026 Current Est.
$37,668
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,368 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,668 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,824 (2019) to $35,369 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,292 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $30,554 – $33,156 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,156 – $37,668 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,668 – $41,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,910 – $45,564 |
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 Smyrna
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Smyrna currently employs only nine individuals, which suggests a relatively small pool of opportunities. However, with a cost-of-living index at 93.1, this area provides a more accessible living situation compared to the national average, enhancing purchasing power for residents. Among potential employers, hospitals, particularly those with medical/surgical floors and intensive care units, typically offer the highest salaries. Factors such as shift differentials—where evening and weekend work can provide an additional $1 to $4 per hour—significantly influence earnings. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Smyrna GA, being strategic about shift selection, considering weekend-only positions, and pursuing certifications like CMA can provide pathways to increased income and career advancement in a tightening job market.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 $35,369 for certified nursing assistantsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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