Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Roswell, GA: $51,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Roswell, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,004/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Roswell's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,784 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, experienced certified nursing assistants in Roswell, Georgia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $40,958, with the potential for top earners (P90) to reach $51,004. This level of compensation reflects a significant gap between the median and the higher echelons of senior pay, showcasing an experience premium where seasoned CNAs who have invested over seven years in their careers reap substantial rewards. Achieving top-tier salaries in this market requires not only extensive on-the-job experience but also strategic career advancements, such as pursuing certifications in specialized areas that can further enhance their value to employers. Compared to the national median salary of $45,007 for senior certified nursing assistants, the top certified nursing assistant salary in Roswell is slightly lower but still competitive, illustrating a localized wage structure shaped by the unique demands and opportunities present in the region.
About the Roswell Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roswell
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Roswell earn between $46,447 and $51,004 per year (2026 est.). This $17,808 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Roswell median of $40,958 sits 9% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Roswell | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,958 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,447 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,004 | $55,359 |
In Roswell, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 24.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Roswell
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,958 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Roswell employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Roswell command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,447–$51,004 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Roswell 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 Roswell 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 Roswell
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRoswell ranks #4 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,004).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Roswell ($51,004) is 2.12% above the Georgia average P90 ($49,944).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,425
2025 BLS Actual
$47,891
2026 Current Est.
$51,004
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Roswell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,943 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,891 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,319 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Roswell saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $37,425 in 2019 to $47,891 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 $54,319 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roswell 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 Roswell
Several factors influence the compensation landscape for senior certified nursing assistants in Roswell, GA, particularly as employers look to fill roles in high-demand areas. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide—where certification is often a prerequisite—dementia care, hospice aide, and dialysis technician cross-training command premium pay, helping experienced professionals bolster their earnings significantly. The type of employer also impacts compensation; hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care tend to offer distinct pay structures and additional benefits, such as shift differentials for overnight or weekend shifts, which can add $1 to $4 per hour to base pay. Career advancement options abound too, with pathways leading from CNAs to roles like charge CNA or unit secretary, and bridge programs facilitating transitions to LPN or RN positions. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials—such as state CNA certification, CPR/BLS, or specialized certifications—further elevates earning potential. Non-salary compensation drivers such as CMA certification stipends and acuity-based pay grades provide extra incentives, especially useful in the current staffing landscape where agencies may pay higher rates during shortages.
More salary data for Roswell, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Roswell in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Roswell?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Roswell?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Roswell?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Roswell?
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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
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 $47,891 for certified nursing assistants in the Roswell 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 Roswell 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