Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Augusta, GA: $54,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,901 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,738 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,394) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

For new graduates entering the nursing field, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Augusta, GA, is set to begin at approximately $54,901 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city median salary of $67,394, it does present a solid platform for early-career nurses. Over the initial years, LPNs can expect to progress in their salaries, with projections suggesting an increase to around $61,560 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities. Given the 5.70% annual growth rate expected in this sector, Augusta appears to offer a favorable market for new graduates seeking LPN positions, making it an encouraging starting point in their nursing careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Augusta, GA typically start between $54,901 and $61,560 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,924 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,394 — 0.99% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $10,000 represents just 18.21% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($54,901/year) in Augusta. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $54,901 to $61,560, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Augusta is $24,924 ( 45.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,901, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,825.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,020
2025 BLS Actual
$51,940
2026 Current Est.
$54,901
2019–2027 Growth
+75.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,030 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew 57.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,020 in 2019 to $51,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,030. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Augusta
In the Augusta job market, various employers actively seek new grad licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are particularly noteworthy, as they typically provide on-the-job training and support for recent graduates, smoothing the transition into the workforce. Additionally, flexible opportunities in home health agencies are appealing for those seeking better work-life balance, while physician offices often prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience. Aspiring LPNs should ensure they meet necessary credentials, including holding an active LPN license in Georgia and passing the NCLEX-PN. To enhance starting pay, obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also provide an advantage. In navigating the first few years of their career, many will consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs due to the evolving healthcare environment that increasingly favors RN staffing, allowing for a clear pathway toward salary advancement beyond initial expectations.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Augusta in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Augusta?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov