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Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Georgia employs 21,060 LVNs, with a statewide median of $62,030 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Georgia (May 2025)

Georgia median pay: $62,030 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $46,010
Experienced (75th percentile): $70,690
Top earners (90th percentile): $76,690
Employed in Georgia: 21,060
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Georgia markets:

Atlanta metro: $65,060 (9,710 employed)
Augusta: $63,760 (1,220 employed)
Savannah: $62,810 (890 employed)
Macon: $60,990 (740 employed)
Columbus: $59,330 (690 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia

Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,030 median stretches to roughly $64,413 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)

Georgia is projected to grow LVNs employment +11.5%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,980 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Georgia License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available — regulated by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; Georgia technical colleges, often HOPE Career Grant eligible).
Submit fingerprints and pass the NCLEX-PN.
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — a multistate license works across compact states. Renew every 2 years.

Official requirements: Georgia Board of Nursing →

Training in Georgia

Georgia technical college LPN programs are among the country's cheapest thanks to HOPE funding, and compact membership makes the license portable. Long-term care and corrections hire continuously statewide.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:

Albany Technical College — Certificate
Athens Technical College — Certificate
Atlanta Technical College — Certificate
Augusta Technical College — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Georgia

Real Georgia nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

Crestview Health & Rehab Ctr — Atlanta
Riverview Health & Rehab Ctr — Savannah
Bostick Nursing Center — Milledgeville
Roswell Center for Nursing and Healing LLC — Roswell
Baptist Village, Inc. — Waycross
Pruitthealth - Palmyra — Albany

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.

Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.

Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

First Steps

Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do LVNs make in Georgia?

The median wage for LVNs in Georgia is $62,030 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,010, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,690. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available, overseen by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; Georgia technical colleges, often HOPE Career Grant eligible).

Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Georgia?

Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

Which Georgia metros pay LVNs the most?

Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $65,060, followed by Augusta ($63,760), Savannah ($62,810). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia?

Real Georgia options include Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College, Atlanta Technical College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Georgia?

Georgia projects LVNs employment to change +11.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,980 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia Board of Nursing (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Georgia wages · Georgia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.