RN vs LPN Salary in Georgia: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Georgia, RNs earn $74,000 on average while LPNs earn $48,000, a gap of $26,000 per year. The cost of living in Georgia is below the national average (index: 92).
RN Average
$74,000
LPN Average
$48,000
Gap
$26,000
Cost of Living
92
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $58,000 | $38,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $74,000 | $48,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $90,000 | $57,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Georgia depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs | $80,000 | $52,000 | $28,000 |
| Savannah | $70,000 | $46,000 | $24,000 |
| Augusta-Richmond | $68,000 | $45,000 | $23,000 |
| Columbus | $66,000 | $44,000 | $22,000 |
| Macon-Bibb | $66,000 | $44,000 | $22,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Georgia has a cost of living index of 92 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$80,435
$74,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$52,174
$48,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Georgia Scope of Practice Notes
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs can perform IV therapy with additional training. The Atlanta metro area accounts for the majority of Georgia nursing positions and pays significantly more than rural areas. Georgia faces a significant nursing shortage in rural communities.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Georgia
Emory Healthcare
Wellstar Health System
Piedmont Healthcare
HCA Healthcare Georgia
Grady Health System
Georgia Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Georgia Board of Nursing website