Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Augusta, GA: $79,825 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Augusta, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,825/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,858 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, the financial prospects for seasoned licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are particularly promising, with top earners in the field projected to receive annual salaries of around $79,825 in 2026. This figure indicates a substantial earning potential for experienced professionals, reflecting a notable gap between the median salary of $67,394 and the high end of the pay spectrum. For those looking to elevate their careers into the top tier, specialization and additional certifications are key. Pursuing advanced skills and excelling in areas such as wound care or hospice can be crucial in positioning oneself for this lucrative segment of the market, especially as Augusta approaches its competitive healthcare landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $77,351 and $79,825 per year (2026 est.). This $24,924 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $67,394 sits 0.99% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,394 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,351 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,825 | $88,196 |
In Augusta, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 18.45% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Augusta
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $67,394 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,351–$79,825 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Augusta with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Augusta
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta ranks #10 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $79,825).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Augusta ($79,825) is 1.39% below the Georgia average P90 ($80,951).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,240
2025 BLS Actual
$75,520
2026 Current Est.
$79,825
2019–2027 Growth
+47.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,825 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,375 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow 31.9% from $57,240 in 2019 to $75,520 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,375 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Augusta
Focusing on growth opportunities, specialized roles in Augusta's healthcare environment significantly influence compensation for senior licensed practical nurses. Areas like long-term care, which employs a vast portion of LPNs, and other sectors like hospice, IV therapy, and pediatric home care, often command a premium salary. Employer types also contribute to salary variation. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher compensation compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Those pursuing leadership positions—such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor—may find even more substantial pay and responsibilities, while advancing through LPN-to-RN bridge programs can further enhance salary potential. In addition, maintaining active credentials and seeking certifications in specialized areas not only aligns with Georgia's scope of practice but also boosts earning prospects, creating a pathway for experienced licensed practical nurses to achieve impressive pay in a dynamic healthcare market.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Augusta?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Augusta?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Augusta?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $75,520 for licensed practical nurses in the Augusta metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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