Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Roswell, GA: $52,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Roswell, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,404 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roswell's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,288 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,208) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a licensed practical nurse in Roswell, GA, expectations for starting salaries can be significant. The entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Roswell is projected to begin at approximately $52,404 in 2026, providing a clear contrast against the city median salary of $67,208. Such a gap underscores the earning potential as one gains experience; new graduates can realistically expect to see their income rise to around $61,440 within a few years, eventually approaching the median as they develop their skills and professional network. Given the healthy projected growth rate of 5.70% annually, Roswell can be viewed as a favorable market for new nursing graduates, especially for those eager to establish their careers in a supportive healthcare environment.
About the Roswell Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roswell
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 Roswell
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Roswell, GA typically start between $52,404 and $61,440 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,208 — 1.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $10,000 represents just 19.08% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,404/year) in Roswell. 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 Roswell
- 1Research the Roswell market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,404 to $61,440, 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 Roswell, 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 Roswell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roswell'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 Roswell is $35,701 ( 68.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,404, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,105.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,447
2025 BLS Actual
$49,578
2026 Current Est.
$52,404
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Roswell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,454 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,358 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,578 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,391 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Roswell, GA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,447 in 2019 to $49,578 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,391. New graduates entering the Roswell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roswell 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 Roswell
Employers in Roswell play a pivotal role in shaping the opportunities available to new LPN graduates. The majority of entry-level positions tend to be found in skilled nursing facilities, which often provide on-the-job orientation tailored for recent graduates. Home health agencies are also hiring, providing roles that can offer flexible scheduling, appealing to newer nurses looking to balance work with further education or personal commitments. To command higher salaries, prospective LPNs should focus on attaining an active state board license and consider pursuing additional credentials such as IV therapy or wound care certifications. Career advancement in this field often entails moving into LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which can help LPNs expand their scope of practice and secure roles in more diverse settings like hospitals, addressing the national trend of shifting staffing models. Realistically, new nurses in Roswell can anticipate steady income growth as they acquire experience and enhance their qualifications in their first three years.
More salary data for Roswell, 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 Roswell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roswell 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