Albany vs Columbus: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Albany, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,634 | $62,712▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.63 | $30.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,620 | $48,929▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,486 | $52,417▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,929▲ | $66,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,755▲ | $72,595 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Columbus is $1,078 (1.75%). Columbus's median is -7.87% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $30,135,Columbus spans $23,666. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($70,303 effective) pays 0.10% more than Columbus ($70,229 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,755)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,303)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,712/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Albany grew 40.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Albany, GA
$41,400 (2019) → $58,310 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$39,870 (2019) → $59,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Albany or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Albany to Columbus as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Albany vs Columbus?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov