Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Franklin, TN: $41,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Franklin, TN earns a median $41,571/year (≈ $19.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $45,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Franklin, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $41,571, reflecting a competitive local market despite being slightly below the national average of $45,007. The salary range for this role spans from $34,401 at the 10th percentile to $51,136 at the 90th percentile, indicating considerable variability in pay based on experience, shifts worked, and specific employers. This data derives from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and incorporates local economic conditions and regional cost adjustments. As Franklin features a mix of skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, the decision of where to work can significantly impact earning potential, as each setting has distinct compensation packages and workload demands.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,401 | $16.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,101 | $17.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,571 | $19.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,764 | $22.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,136 | $24.58 |
Median Salary Position
7.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, TN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,735 (2026 est.). At $41,571, the local median is 7.63% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Franklin median: $41,571/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $40,011 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -7.63% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Franklin, TN earn a median of $41,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.63% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% above the Tennessee state average of $40,011.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,571 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,284 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,396
2025 BLS Actual
$39,034
2026 Current Est.
$41,571
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,284 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,732 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,396 (2019) to $39,034 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,877 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $34,401 – $37,101 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,101 – $41,571 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,571 – $46,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,764 – $51,136 |
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 Franklin
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Franklin is relatively stable, with 18 professionals currently employed in the area. A favorable cost-of-living index of 91.8 means that salaries offer reasonable purchasing power compared to national figures. Facilities that tend to pay the highest among local employers include hospitals with high acuity levels, hospice services, and some rehabilitation centers. The disparity in pay can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, with night shifts commanding an additional $2-4 per hour and weekends attracting $1-3 more, alongside premiums for agency positions during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Franklin, pursuing certifications like CMA, seeking weekend-only roles, or considering positions in high-acuity settings can enhance earning opportunities while offering a pathway to advance to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
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 $39,034 for certified nursing assistantsin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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