Atlanta vs Dalton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Atlanta, GA and Dalton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Dalton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,768▲ | $57,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.06▲ | $27.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,873 | $52,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,342▲ | $52,861 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,827▲ | $67,521 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,285▲ | $68,430 |
| Total Employed | 9,710▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dalton.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Dalton is $11,288 (19.64%). Atlanta's median is +1.02% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $33,412,Dalton spans $15,665. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($68,728 effective) pays 7.43% more than Dalton ($63,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,768/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,285)
- ✓Larger job market (9,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,728)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Dalton if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Atlanta grew 44.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.9% growth in Dalton over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$45,160 (2019) → $65,060 (2025)
Dalton, GA
$38,310 (2019) → $54,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Dalton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Atlanta or Dalton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Dalton?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Dalton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Atlanta vs Dalton?
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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