RN vs LPN Salary in Georgia: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Georgia, RNs earn $95,100 on average while LPNs earn $61,600, a gap of $33,500 per year. The cost of living in Georgia is below the national average (index: 92).
RN Average
$95,100
LPN Average
$61,600
Gap
$33,500
Cost of Living
92
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $69,000 | $46,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $95,100 | $61,600 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $129,000 | $77,000 |
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 | $103,000 | $67,000 | $36,000 |
| Savannah | $90,000 | $59,000 | $31,000 |
| Augusta-Richmond | $87,000 | $58,000 | $29,000 |
| Columbus | $85,000 | $56,000 | $29,000 |
| Macon-Bibb | $85,000 | $56,000 | $29,000 |
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
$103,370
$95,100 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$66,957
$61,600 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 websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Georgia RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Georgia?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Georgia earn an average of $61,600 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $46,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $77,000.
What is the average RN salary in Georgia?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Georgia earn an average of $95,100 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $33,500 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $69,000, and experienced RNs earn around $129,000.
Which Georgia metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Georgia metros, Atlanta-Sandy Springs pays the most, with RNs averaging about $103,000 and LPNs about $67,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Georgia?
In Georgia, RNs earn an average of $95,100 versus $61,600 for LPNs, a gap of about $33,500 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.