Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $49,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Brookhaven, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,560/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Brookhaven's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,233 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookhaven, GA, experienced certified nursing assistants have a strong potential for substantial earnings, with the top-tier salary reaching $49,560 in 2026. This figure is notable, particularly when comparing to the national context, where top earners across the country are projected to make an annual median of $45,007. The gap between the median salary of $38,913 and the high end of the pay scale reflects the experience premium afforded to seasoned practitioners. To attain such elevated compensation levels, seasoned CNAs typically need to demonstrate specialized skills, possibly supplemented by advanced certifications and years of dedication in the field.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookhaven
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Brookhaven earn between $42,425 and $49,560 per year (2026 est.). This $19,137 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookhaven median of $38,913 sits 13.54% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookhaven | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,913 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,425 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,560 | $55,359 |
In Brookhaven, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 27.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Brookhaven
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,913 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookhaven employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Brookhaven command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,425–$49,560 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookhaven metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Brookhaven with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Brookhaven
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookhaven ranks #5 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,560).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Brookhaven ($49,560) is 0.77% below the Georgia average P90 ($49,944).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,365
2025 BLS Actual
$46,535
2026 Current Est.
$49,560
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,365 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,128 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,535 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,781 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Brookhaven saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,365 in 2019 to $46,535 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $52,781 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Brookhaven
At the senior level, certain specializations command impressive compensation, such as restorative aide roles, medication aide positions, and expertise in dementia care or hospice settings. The employment type significantly influences pay structures; skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals may differ in their compensation packages compared to home health agencies or hospice services, often offering distinct benefits or incentives. Career advancement pathways are also integral to maximizing earning potential, with positions such as charge CNA or trainer presenting opportunities for higher wages. In addition, accruing certifications beyond the basic CNA credential—such as CPR/BLS or specialized qualifications—can contribute to increased pay. Non-salary incentives like shift differentials, especially for night and weekend work, as well as agency pay premiums during staffing shortages, further enhance the overall financial package for committed professionals in Brookhaven.
More salary data for Brookhaven, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Brookhaven in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Brookhaven?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Brookhaven?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Brookhaven?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Brookhaven?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $46,535 for certified nursing assistants in the Brookhaven metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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