Licensed Practical Nurse.
Atlanta.
$53,000
median salary, 4% above the national average
$44,000 to $65,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Licensed Practical Nurse offer in Atlanta, GA, here is the reality: $44,000 to $65,000, with $53,000 as the midpoint. 4% above the national average. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $48,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
to $42,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$45,000
to $56,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$58,000
to $69,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$66,000
to $82,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$53,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $67,000
How Atlanta compares
Atlanta, GA
$53,000
Cost of living: 2% above average
National Average
$51,000
Atlanta is $2,000 above
Licensed Practical Nurse salary by city
Salary by role in Atlanta
What you should know
Here is what the Licensed Practical Nurse market actually looks like in Atlanta. Atlanta is a logistics and corporate powerhouse, home to Coca Cola, Delta, Home Depot, and UPS. The city's tech scene has expanded rapidly with major investments from Google, Microsoft, and a thriving fintech community. Atlanta offers strong salaries relative to its moderate cost of living, making it one of the best value metros for professionals. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. States with nurse licensure compacts offer more flexibility and often higher pay for travel assignments. Shift differentials for evenings and weekends and IV therapy certification also contribute to higher earnings.
New LPNs start at $40,000 to $45,000 in most settings. With five years of experience and specialty skills, pay reaches $52,000 to $60,000. Charge LPNs or unit supervisors can earn $62,000 to $72,000, and many LPNs use the role as a bridge to RN licensure. In Atlanta, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. LPNs receive standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and retirement contributions. Overtime is common and can add $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 in high-demand areas. And on the tax side: georgia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.49%. Atlanta does not impose a separate city income tax, keeping the combined burden below most northeastern cities. When someone quotes you $53,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Mention Atlanta's role as a regional tech capital. Employers are investing heavily to retain talent against poaching from coastal firms offering remote positions. The range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Atlanta runs from $44,000 to $65,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A IT Support Specialist in Atlanta earns $54,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Atlanta is Chief AI Officer at $310,000
Common questions.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in other cities
Other salaries in Atlanta
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