Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dunwoody, GA: $48,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Dunwoody, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dunwoody's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,756 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,616) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Dunwoody, Georgia, is set to start at around $48,185, marking a significant entry point for new graduates. This figure presents a gap from the city’s median annual salary of $61,616, highlighting the potential growth trajectory for fresh LPNs as they gain experience. Over the first few years, new grads can realistically expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $55,086, and with diligence and skill, work toward the median salary as their careers progress. Given Dunwoody's job market and the growing demand for healthcare professionals, this could be an advantageous location for new LPNs looking to establish themselves professionally in what appears to be a supportive landscape for early-career nurses.
About the Dunwoody Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dunwoody
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 Dunwoody
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Dunwoody, GA typically start between $48,185 and $55,086 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,677 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,616 — 9.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $10,000 represents just 20.75% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,185/year) in Dunwoody. 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 Dunwoody
- 1Research the Dunwoody market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,185 to $55,086, 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 Dunwoody, 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 Dunwoody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dunwoody'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 Dunwoody is $30,677 ( 63.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,862.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,674
2025 BLS Actual
$45,587
2026 Current Est.
$48,185
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,048 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,857 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,932 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Dunwoody, GA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,674 in 2019 to $45,587 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,932. New graduates entering the Dunwoody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody
A variety of employers in Dunwoody are poised to hire recently licensed practical nurses, with skilled nursing facilities being a primary option for new grads who typically provide on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies offer flexible scheduling, making them appealing choices for those seeking a balance between work and personal life. Additionally, physician offices prefer candidates with specific clinic experience; thus, pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities can be beneficial. To boost starting pay in Georgia, newly minted LPNs should ensure they hold a valid license, complete an accredited practical nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Furthermore, certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also enhance salary potential. In the first three years of their careers, LPNs in Dunwoody can realistically anticipate gradual salary increases as they navigate the varying scope of practice and consider pathways such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs to expand their opportunities in the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Dunwoody, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dunwoody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dunwoody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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