Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Valdosta, GA: $52,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Valdosta, GA earns a median $52,702/year (≈ $25.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Valdosta's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $59,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.1% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the effective compensation landscape for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) reflects both regional factors and the demand for skilled professionals. With a projected median annual salary of $52,702 in 2026, salaries for LPNs in this area range from $40,515 at the 10th percentile to $69,212 for the top 90th percentile, according to data derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. While these figures indicate a lower salary average compared to the national median of $68,071, factors such as shift differentials and weekend pay can significantly enhance overall earnings for those willing to work non-traditional hours. The competitive environment in Valdosta underscores the need for skilled nursing, making it an attractive option for those entering this vital field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,515 | $19.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,337 | $23.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,702 | $25.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,792 | $29.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,212 | $33.27 |
Median Salary Position
22.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valdosta
In Valdosta, GA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,697 (2026 est.). At $52,702, the local median is 22.58% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Valdosta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Valdosta Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Valdosta median: $52,702/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valdosta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,573 | -17.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -22.58% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Valdosta, GA earn a median of $52,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.58% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 17.10% below the Georgia state average of $63,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valdosta has a cost of living 11.73% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Valdosta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 88.271 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $52,702 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,705 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,930
2025 BLS Actual
$49,860
2026 Current Est.
$52,702
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valdosta metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 28.1% from $38,930 (2019) to $49,860 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,776 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valdosta 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) | $40,515 – $48,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,337 – $52,702 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,702 – $61,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,792 – $69,212 |
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 Valdosta
Valdosta's healthcare market employs approximately 400 licensed practical nurses, contributing significantly to the local economy. The cost of living in Valdosta is indexed at 88.271, making it relatively affordable compared to the national average, which enhances the take-home purchasing power of LPNs. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages compared to home health agencies or physician offices, often complemented by premiums for weekend and holiday shifts. To maximize pay in Valdosta, LPNs might consider pursuing additional credentials that lead to higher pay scales, such as IV therapy certification or ensuring they are prepared for charge nurse roles. As the demand continues to grow at a rate of 5.70% annually, those who strategically navigate their career pathways—considering options like LPN-to-RN programs—can position themselves for enhanced job opportunities and financial rewards in the long term.
More salary data for Valdosta, 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
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 $49,860 for licensed practical nursesin the Valdosta 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