Augusta vs McDonough: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Augusta, GA and McDonough, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | McDonough, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,394▲ | $61,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.40▲ | $29.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,901▲ | $50,916 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,560▲ | $58,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,351▲ | $69,830 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,825▲ | $77,707 |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McDonough.
The salary gap between Augusta and McDonough is $6,105 (9.96%). 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,McDonough spans $26,791. McDonough has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($73,332 effective) pays 11.39% more than McDonough ($65,831 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 McDonough 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 21.9% growth in McDonough over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$42,200 (2019) → $63,760 (2025)
McDonough, GA
$47,558 (2024) → $57,984 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
McDonough, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Augusta or McDonough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and McDonough?
Should I relocate from Augusta to McDonough as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Augusta vs McDonough?
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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