LPN Salary

Atlanta vs Dunwoody: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Atlanta, GA and Dunwoody, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$68,768
$33.06/hr
Dunwoody, GA
$61,616
$29.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GADunwoody, GA
Median Salary$68,768$61,616
Hourly Rate$33.06$29.63
Entry Level (P10)$50,873$48,185
25th Percentile$62,342$55,086
75th Percentile$77,827$72,432
Top Earner (P90)$84,285$78,862
Total Employed9,71010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($68,768) and Dunwoody ($61,616) licensed practical nurse salaries.AtlantaDunwoodyMedian Salary$68,768$61,616Entry Level (P10)$50,873$48,185Top Earner (P90)$84,285$78,862US Median $68,071

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dunwoody.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Dunwoody is $7,152 (11.61%). 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,Dunwoody spans $30,677. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$50,873
P25$62,342
Median$68,768
P75$77,827
P90 (Top)$84,285
Dunwoody
P10 (Entry)$48,185
P25$55,086
Median$61,616
P75$72,432
P90 (Top)$78,862

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($68,728 effective) pays 3.85% more than Dunwoody ($66,183 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $68,768
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $68,728
Dunwoody
Nominal: $61,616
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $66,183

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 Dunwoody 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 21.9% growth in Dunwoody over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+44.1%

$45,160 (2019) → $65,060 (2025)

Dunwoody, GA

+21.9%

$47,812 (2024) → $58,293 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Atlanta or Dunwoody?

Atlanta has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $68,768/year, compared to Dunwoody at $61,616/year — a difference of $7,152 (11.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Dunwoody?

Atlanta licensed practical nurses earn $33.06/hr while Dunwoody hygienists earn $29.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Dunwoody as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Dunwoody. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $68,728, Dunwoody = $66,183), job availability (9,710 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Atlanta vs Dunwoody?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $50,873 in Atlanta and $48,185 in Dunwoody. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

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