Columbus vs Smyrna: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Smyrna, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,712▲ | $61,550 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.16▲ | $29.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,929▲ | $48,031 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,417 | $56,298▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,136 | $72,373▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,595 | $78,492▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Columbus and Smyrna is $1,162 (1.89%). Columbus's median is -7.87% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $23,666,Smyrna spans $30,461. Smyrna 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, Columbus ($70,229 effective) pays 6.23% more than Smyrna ($66,112 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,712/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,229)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,492)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbus grew 48.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$39,870 (2019) → $59,330 (2025)
Smyrna, GA
$47,761 (2024) → $58,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Smyrna, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Smyrna as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus vs Smyrna?
Related Comparisons
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