Athens vs Columbus: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Athens, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,111▲ | $62,712 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.30▲ | $30.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,964▲ | $48,929 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,960▲ | $52,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,086▲ | $66,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,854▲ | $72,595 |
| Total Employed | 420 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $2,399 (3.83%). Athens's median is -4.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $26,890,Columbus spans $23,666. Athens 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, Columbus ($70,229 effective) pays 0.68% more than Athens ($69,755 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,111/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,854)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,229)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Athens grew 36.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, GA
$45,220 (2019) → $61,600 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$39,870 (2019) → $59,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Athens 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