Many new Registered Nurses (RNs) begin their careers hoping for a six-figure salary. Unfortunately, finding what that salary is can be a tricky question to answer. Since every state has their own idea of how much an RN should make, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the most accurate estimate.
Getting hired in the healthcare industry as an Rn fresh out of school is certainly a challenge. That is why it is crucial to build up your resume with experience and certifications. First let’s look at the averages—
Entry Level Rn Salary In Ga
Registered Nurse Salary in Georgia + Job Outlook – 2022
The nursing shortage in Georgia continues to create problems for millions of people seeking care, particularly in inner cities and metro areas. Though the registered nurse salary in Georgia of $58,400 a year falls well below the national average of $82,750, employers across the state have begun offering higher salaries in order to attract new talent and resolve the nursing shortage. Over the next five years, RN employment in the GA will increase by 14.20%, particularly in areas such as Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah. The following detailed information about RN salary in the state of in GA will help you make better decisions about your own career.
How Many Registered Nurses are Currently Employed in GA?
| 78,290 |
What is the Salary of an RN in Georgia?
Starting Salary
As a newly-licensed RN in Georgia, you will earn less than your more experienced counterparts no matter where in the state you work or the specialization you choose. The starting RN salary in Georgia is $58,400 a year on average, or $28.08 an hour.
| Type | Average Salary |
| Hourly | $28.08 |
| Monthly | $4,870 |
| Annual | $58,400 |
Average Salary
The RN average salary in GA, regardless of experience, education, location, specialization, or employer is $75,380 a year, which is equal to roughly $36.24 an hour. Your average salary is expected to rise with each passing year, as well.
| Type | Average Salary |
| Hourly | $36.24 |
| Monthly | $6,280 |
| Annual | $75,380 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Estimated Total Annual Compensation (Salary + Benefits)
In addition to the average annual salary of $75,146, you can expect other benefits including insurance, paid leave, and retirement contributions (among others) totaling $31,747 a year, bringing your total compensation as an RN in GA to $106,894 annually.
| Component | Amount |
| Paid Leave | $7,910 |
| Supplemental Pay | $3,741 |
| Insurance | $8,338 |
| Retirement and Savings | $3,634 |
| Legally Required | $8,124 |
| Total Benefits | $31,747 |
| Average Annual Salary | $75,146 |
| Total Compensation | $106,894 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Percentile Wage Estimates of all RN Workers in GA & Factors That Play a Role
Understanding the factors that can affect your RN pay in Georgia is important. Some of the things that can help you earn a higher income include your specialization of choice, your level of education, the city in which you work, and even the employer you choose. Half of all registered nurses earn salaries between $61,140 and $81,210 a year, which means that some RNs earn less while others earn a great deal more. As a newly-licensed RN working in a rural area, you may earn less than $58,400; however, with 20 or more years of experience and employment in a major metro area like Atlanta or Augusta, you can earn well above $98,000 a year.
| Percent of RN’s | Number of RN’s | Annual Salary |
| 10% | 7,829 | Under $58,400 |
| 15% | 11,744 | $58,400 – $61,140 |
| 25% | 19,573 | $61,140 – $75,040 |
| 25% | 19,573 | $75,040 – $81,210 |
| 15% | 11,744 | $81,210 – $98,410 |
| 10% | 7,829 | Above $98,410 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Salary Trend (2017-2021)
Due in part to employers’ desire to reduce the nursing shortage in GA and attract more nurses to the state, the salary trend over the last five years has been positive. In 2016, the average annual salary was $64,750, but by 2021, it was 75,380. The difference of 10,630 represents growth of 16.42% across Georgia within that five years.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2017 | 66,750 | 2,000 | 3.09% |
| 2018 | 68,950 | 2,200 | 3.30% |
| 2019 | 69,590 | 640 | 0.93% |
| 2020 | 71,510 | 1,920 | 2.76% |
| 2021 | 75,380 | 3,870 | 5.41% |
| Overall Growth in Last Five Years | 10,630 | 16.42% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Projection (2022-2026)
Over the course of the next five years, the average registered nurse income in GA will follow the same trend as the previous five years. As of 2021, the average salary was $75,380, but by 2026, that salary will climb to $88,140. The difference of $12,760 represents growth of 16.93% and will be driven by increases in cost of living across Georgia and employers’ attempts to compensate. It will also be driven by the state’s desire to attract new talent from other states.
| Year | Annual Salary | Growth | |
| Number | % | ||
| 2022 | $77,260 | $1,880 | 2.49% |
| 2023 | $79,340 | $2,080 | 2.69% |
| 2024 | $81,860 | $2,520 | 3.18% |
| 2025 | $84,840 | $2,980 | 3.64% |
| 2026 | $88,140 | $3,300 | 3.89% |
| Overall Growth in Next Five Years | $12,760 | 16.93% | |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Georgia BSN Degree Holders vs ADN Degree Holders – Who Earns More?
You will earn more as a BSN-educated RN in Georgia due to the additional skills and knowledge the bachelor’s degree program can offer. In fact, you will earn $6,430 more than RNs who have ADN degrees in GA.
| ADN | BSN | How Much More Does an RN with BSN Earn |
| $72,920 | $79,350 | +$6,430 |
| (Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Georgia RN vs National RN
The average annual salary for RNs in GA is significantly lower than the national average RN salary, but this is expected to change in the coming years as employers work hard to solve the growing nursing shortage.
| Type | Georgia | United States | Difference | |
| Number | % | |||
| Average Hourly Wage | $36.24 | $39.78 | -$3.54 | -8.90% |
| Average Annual Salary | $75,380 | $82,750 | -$7,370 | – 8.69% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
RN Salary vs All Occupations in GA
| Type | Georgia | Georgia All Occupations | Difference | |
| Number | % | |||
| Average Hourly Wage | $36.24 | 32.94 | $3.30 | 10.02% |
| Average Annual Salary | $75,380 | $68,510 | $6,870 | 10.03% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
RN Salary vs All Nursing Occupations in GA
$0$40,000$80,000$120,000$160,000$200,000(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018)Nursing AsstantLicensed Practical NurseRegistered NurseNursing InstructorNurse PractitionerNurse MidwiveNurse Anesthetist$25,870$41,690$68,950$71,470$106,750$109,640$1
