Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Columbus, GA: $62,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Columbus, GA earns a median $62,712/year (≈ $30.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $70,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Columbus, GA can expect a median annual salary of $62,712, which reflects a slight variation compared to the national median of $68,071, indicating a difference of about 7.87%. The salary range is broad, with entry-level positions starting at $48,929 and experienced LPNs earning up to $72,595. These figures, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, showcase the city's competitive landscape as LPNs are often tasked with critical responsibilities, including IV therapy and patient assessments, which can directly influence compensation. This specialty and scope of practice in Georgia gives LPNs advantageous opportunities within various healthcare settings within Columbus, highlighting the increasing demand for skilled nurses in this region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,929 | $23.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,417 | $25.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,712 | $30.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,136 | $31.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,595 | $34.90 |
Median Salary Position
7.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, GA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,666 (2026 est.). At $62,712, the local median is 7.87% below the national median of $68,071.
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How Columbus Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Columbus median: $62,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,602 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -7.87% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, GA has a cost-of-living index of 89.296 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $62,712 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,229 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,870
2025 BLS Actual
$59,330
2026 Current Est.
$62,712
2019–2027 Growth
+66.3%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 48.8% from $39,870 (2019) to $59,330 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,416 (66.26%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,929 – $52,417 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,417 – $62,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,712 – $66,136 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,136 – $72,595 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Columbus
The job market in Columbus supports approximately 690 licensed practical nurses, reflecting a solid demand for healthcare professionals in this area. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 89.296, nearly 11% below the national average, the purchasing power for LPNs is relatively favorable compared to many regions. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care environments typically offer the highest salaries due to the complexity of care required. Conversely, home health agencies and physician offices tend to pay less. Factors contributing to salary disparities include setting-specific pay scales, shift differentials, and availability of bonuses for certifications like IV therapy. For LPNs looking to maximize their pay in Columbus, pursuing specialized training, seeking employment in high-demand sectors, and being flexible with shifts can significantly enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Columbus?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,330 for licensed practical nursesin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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