Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $49,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Kennesaw, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,487 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennesaw's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,155 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,707) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing in Kennesaw, Georgia, can expect a starting salary around $49,487, placing them significantly below the city median salary of $60,707. This reflects a considerable gap that can be narrowed over time as early-career LPNs gain experience. Over the next three to five years, as new nurses advance in their roles, they can expect to see their earnings grow, potentially reaching the 25th percentile at $55,508 and close to the median. Given the projected growth rate of 5.70% annually for LPN positions, Kennesaw appears to be a promising market for new nursing graduates seeking to establish their careers.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennesaw
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 Kennesaw
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Kennesaw, GA typically start between $49,487 and $55,508 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,521 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,707 — 10.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $10,000 represents just 20.21% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($49,487/year) in Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw
- 1Research the Kennesaw market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $49,487 to $55,508, 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennesaw'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 Kennesaw is $26,521 ( 53.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,487, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,008.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,530
2025 BLS Actual
$46,818
2026 Current Est.
$49,487
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,307 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Kennesaw, GA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,530 in 2019 to $46,818 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,307. New graduates entering the Kennesaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
In Kennesaw, various healthcare settings are actively seeking recent graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities that provide structured on-the-job orientation programs. Home health agencies often feature flexible scheduling options that can accommodate new LPNs’ needs, while physician offices generally prefer candidates with specific clinical experience. For those aiming to increase their starting licensed practical nurse pay in Georgia, securing an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an approved institution, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential steps. Additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further enhance earning potential. As LPNs navigate their first few years, they should consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs to broaden their scope of practice and career advancement opportunities, especially in a market where long-term care facilities employ a significant portion of LPNs. Realistically, new graduates can expect a moderate salary increase as they gain experience, aligning with the broader industry trends in healthcare staffing.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Kennesaw. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw 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