Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Georgia 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Georgia (2026): City-by-City Pay Data
The average registered nurse salary in Georgia in 2026 is $69,300/year ($33.32/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, and other major Georgia health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in Georgia
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $78,000 | Emory Healthcare + Grady + Piedmont, largest medical hub in Southeast |
| Augusta | $66,500 | Augusta University Health + Doctors Hospital — medical education hub |
| Savannah | $64,000 | Memorial Health + St. Joseph's / Candler — coastal market |
| Columbus | $62,500 | Piedmont Columbus Regional |
| Macon | $61,000 | Navicent Health (Atrium), rural-adjacent demand |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Georgia
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $207,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $85,000 |
| Pediatric / NICU RN | $82,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $81,000 |
| Emergency RN | $78,000 |
| L&D RN | $76,000 |
Top Georgia Healthcare Employers for RNs
- Emory Healthcare
- Grady Health System
- Piedmont Healthcare
- Northside Hospital
- WellStar Health
- Augusta University Health
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Compact License Status
Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Georgia without obtaining an additional state license.
Georgia RN Job Market Outlook
Georgia is a compact state. Atlanta is a major nursing hub with some of the highest pediatric nursing wages in the South (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta). The state faces rural nursing shortages with active HRSA-designated shortage areas in South Georgia. Travel rates: $1,900–$2,300/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Georgia
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR) — each adds $6,000–$15,000 at major Georgia health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3–$7/hr, translating to $6,000–$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2–$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Georgia RNs earn 30–50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major Georgia systems pay $1–$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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