Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $30.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Columbus, GA runs $30.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,635 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, licensed practical nurses enjoy a median hourly pay of $30.16, which falls slightly below the national median of $32.73. This hourly rate allows part-time nurses, such as those working three days a week, to earn a competitive wage while providing essential care in environments like skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and physician offices. For per-diem licensed practical nurses, who often have the flexibility to select shifts, the pay can range from $23.53 for entry-level positions to as high as $34.90 for top earners. The data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, highlights that these rates reflect the unique demands and settings of practical nursing in Columbus.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.53 | $188.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.20 | $201.59 |
| Median (P50) | $30.16 | $241.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.79 | $254.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.90 | $279.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.16/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $62,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,187. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.25 | $5,227 | $62,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.75 | $3,136 | $37,635 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.50 | $2,091 | $25,090 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Columbus) | $30.16 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbus, GA earn a median of $62,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.87% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the Georgia state average of $63,602.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.16/hr = $37,635/year (purchasing power: $42,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,725/year (purchasing power: $70,244).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+66.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbus grew 48.8% from $19.17/hr (2019) to $28.53/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Columbus
Analyzing the earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Columbus shows that part-time nurses working 24 hours a week can still take home a substantial income compared to full-time positions, offering a desirable work-life balance. Those pursuing per-diem roles might invoice anywhere from $28 to $42 per hour, with certain agency positions at understaffed facilities potentially yielding $45 to $60 per hour. Variability in hourly rates across employer types is notable; skilled nursing facilities might offer different rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies. While some LPNs may opt for lower hourly wages to access benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the higher pay of positions lacking such advantages. Those negotiating hourly wages in Columbus can strengthen their position by emphasizing relevant experience or specialized skills; knowing the local market demand can significantly enhance the conversation around pay rates.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Columbus?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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