Augusta vs Dalton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Augusta, GA and Dalton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Dalton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,394▲ | $57,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.40▲ | $27.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,901▲ | $52,765 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,560▲ | $52,861 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,351▲ | $67,521 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,825▲ | $68,430 |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dalton.
The salary gap between Augusta and Dalton is $9,914 (17.25%). 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 Augusta spans $24,924,Dalton spans $15,665. Augusta 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 14.62% 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 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
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 Augusta grew 51.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.9% growth in Dalton over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$42,200 (2019) → $63,760 (2025)
Dalton, GA
$38,310 (2019) → $54,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Dalton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Augusta or Dalton?
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Should I relocate from Augusta to Dalton as a licensed practical nurse?
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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