Georgia vs Tennessee: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Southeast healthcare giants. Atlanta's Emory vs. Nashville's HCA heartland.
Georgia
12,098
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $78,820
- Avg physician salary
- $380,000
- Cost of living
- 91.3
- Top state income tax
- 5.39%
Tennessee
6,187
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $75,130
- Avg physician salary
- $370,000
- Cost of living
- 90.3
- Top state income tax
- 0%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Providers in directory | 12,098 | 6,187 |
| Cities served | 351 | 249 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $78,820 | $75,130 |
| Avg physician salary | $380,000 | $370,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 91.3 | 90.3 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 5.39% | 0% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Tennessee
- Nashville1,238
- Memphis587
- Knoxville545
- Chattanooga373
- Johnson City275
Notable Health Systems
Georgia
- • Emory Healthcare
- • Piedmont Healthcare
- • Grady Health
Tennessee
- • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- • HCA Healthcare
- • Ballad Health
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Georgia or Tennessee?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Georgia earn an average of $78,820, compared to $75,130 in Tennessee. The gap is roughly $3,690 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Georgia or Tennessee?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Georgia earn approximately $380,000 on average, compared to $370,000 in Tennessee. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Georgia is 91.3 and Tennessee is 90.3. Tennessee (90.3) is the more affordable of the two, while Georgia (91.3) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many healthcare providers practice in Georgia vs. Tennessee?
The Ava Health directory lists 12,098 providers in Georgia across 351 cities, and 6,187 providers in Tennessee across 249 cities. All data is sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and updated regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.39%, while Tennessee's top rate is 0%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision — states with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary; Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most; Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide — the decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.