Albany vs Augusta: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Albany, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,634 | $67,394▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.63 | $32.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,620 | $54,901▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,486 | $61,560▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,929 | $77,351▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,755 | $79,825▲ |
| Total Employed | 370 | 1,220▲ |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Augusta is $5,760 (9.35%). Augusta's median is -0.99% 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,Augusta spans $24,924. 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, Augusta ($73,332 effective) pays 4.31% more than Albany ($70,303 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,394/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,825)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,332)
- ✓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 51.1% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Albany, GA
$41,400 (2019) → $58,310 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$42,200 (2019) → $63,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Albany or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Albany to Augusta as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Albany vs Augusta?
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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