Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rome, GA: $46,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Rome, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,477/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Rome's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,549 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rome, Georgia, outstanding earning potential awaits experienced certified nursing assistants, with top earners projected to make $46,477 in 2026. Comparatively, this figure positions Rome's senior certified nursing assistant pay GA landscape significantly below the national average annual salary of $45,007, highlighting an 11.93% pay gap. A deep dive into the compensation structure reveals a substantial experience premium, evident from the median salary of $39,639 and its divergence from the top-tier pay bracket. Achieving such elevated earnings necessitates a blend of experience, specialization, and continuous professional development to navigate the dynamic landscape of healthcare in Rome effectively.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rome earn between $39,767 and $46,477 per year (2026 est.). This $13,781 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rome median of $39,639 sits 11.93% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rome | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $39,639 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,767 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,477 | $55,359 |
In Rome, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 17.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Rome
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $39,639 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rome employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Rome command premium compensation, often reaching the $39,767–$46,477 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rome metro area, which is a large CNA employment market, 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 Rome with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Rome
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRome ranks #16 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,477).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Rome ($46,477) is 6.94% below the Georgia average P90 ($49,944).
2019 BLS Actual
$31,070
2025 BLS Actual
$43,640
2026 Current Est.
$46,477
2019–2027 Growth
+59.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,498 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Rome saw their compensation grow 40.5% from $31,070 in 2019 to $43,640 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 $49,498 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants also varies based on the setting in which they work. Specialized roles such as restorative aides, medication aides (in states that certify), and dementia care specialists are speculated to command higher wages. Employers, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, often reflect differing salary capabilities, with hospice and rehabilitation centers commonly offering premium salaries aligned with their level of acuity and staffing needs. Advancing within the profession can unlock positions like charge CNA or training coordinator, while credentials like CPR/BLS and dementia care certifications can significantly elevate pay. Alongside base salaries, factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums also contribute to overall earnings, providing lucrative opportunities for those willing to work during peak times, ultimately enhancing the overall senior certified nursing assistant salary way in Rome, GA.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Rome in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Rome?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Rome?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Rome?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Rome?
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 $43,640 for certified nursing assistants in the Rome 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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