Georgia Nurses Association (GNA): This is the professional association for registered nurses in Georgia. It provides advocacy, education and professional development opportunities for nurses in the state.
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
What are salaries like for ADN-prepared RNs in Georgia?
With its growing healthcare sector, nurse-friendly legislation and unparalleled career mobility, Georgia stands out as a prime location for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students and practicing nurses alike. As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Georgia opens the door to multi-state job opportunities, while local demand for skilled nurses may create a pipeline of employment prospects. Bolstered by protective nurse practice laws and ongoing efforts to improve working conditions, Georgia offers a supportive, forward-thinking environment where ADN nurses can thrive both personally and professionally.
The following factors make Georgia an attractive destination for ADN nurses to study, gain licensure and practice.
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) membership:
- Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in 40+ other states with a single multistate license. This provides greater career flexibility and more job opportunities.
- Job demand and competitive wages:
- Georgia faces a growing demand for registered nurses, particularly in rural and underserved areas. ADN nurses may benefit from numerous job openings, competitive wages and sign-on bonuses offered by healthcare employers seeking to fill critical nursing roles.
- Supportive legislation and nurse protections:
- Georgia’s legislature has implemented nurse-friendly policies, such as safe staffing requirements and whistleblower protections under the Georgia Nurse Practice Act. This act regulates nursing scope of practice, ensuring a safe environment for nurses and patients. Additionally, ongoing advocacy for nurse-patient ratio laws aims to improve working conditions.
In this Article
Quick view | Salary statistics | Factors affecting salaries in Georgia | Earning an ADN | Cost of living considerations | Professional resources in Georgia
Snapshot of ADN registered nurses in Georgia
Georgia has roughly 93,730 people employed as RNs says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and amounts to approximately 20 people working as RNs in Georgia for every 1,000 people that live in the state. The median wage per hour is $42, just under the national average of $45. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
The following Georgia-based employers not only provide diverse settings for ADN-prepared RNs but may also offer pathways for career advancement:
- Emory Healthcare, Atlanta:
- ADN-prepared RNs at Emory Healthcare work in hospitals, clinics and specialty care centers. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, assist in diagnostic tests and support specialized areas like cardiology, oncology and surgical units.
- Piedmont Healthcare, Multiple locations including Atlanta, Athens and Columbus:
- Nurses at Piedmont play a critical role in bedside care, patient education and chronic disease management. ADN-prepared RNs work in emergency departments, medical-surgical units and outpatient facilities, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered care.
- Wellstar Health System, Marietta and other metro Atlanta locations):
- Wellstar employs ADN nurses in diverse roles, including emergency, labor and delivery and intensive care units (ICUs). Nurses leverage clinical skills to manage acute and chronic conditions, support surgical procedures and provide family education and discharge planning.
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta:
- ADN-prepared RNs at CHOA provide pediatric care in hospitals and outpatient clinics. They assist in managing acute childhood illnesses, offer emotional support to families and provide specialized care in areas such as neonatal intensive care (NICU) and oncology.
- Grady Health System, Atlanta:
- Grady Health System is a major trauma and safety-net hospital where ADN nurses engage in emergency and critical care. They utilize advanced clinical skills to stabilize patients in life-threatening conditions, assist in emergency surgeries and support social services for vulnerable populations.
ADN nurse salary stats for Georgia
The median annual salary for registered nurses with an ADN in Georgia is just below the national median of $93,600, however the cost of living in certain areas of Georgia—including some metro areas—is also lower. However, salaries may vary based on other factors such as experience, education and employer no matter where you live in the state.
Registered Nurses
10%$66,110
25%$76,600
50%$86,560Median
75%$104,790
90%$124,810
Median Hourly Wage$42
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment97,410
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $96,370 | $69,100 | $129,340 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $88,270 | $70,270 | $108,660 |
| Albany, GA | $86,560 | $65,120 | $109,280 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $84,690 | $68,050 | $95,060 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $84,130 | $64,500 | $115,030 |
| Savannah, GA | $83,720 | $63,770 | $106,620 |
| Rome, GA | $83,420 | $66,910 | $99,090 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $82,160 | $65,180 | $105,770 |
| Hinesville, GA | $81,730 | $67,510 | $100,030 |
| Dalton, GA | $80,120 | $63,790 | $99,980 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for ADN nurses in GA
The BLS reports that the salary range for ADN-prepared nurses in Georgia typically spans from $66,110 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $124,810 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This salary range includes entry-level positions as well as senior-level roles, such as nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists, and takes into account whether a nurse has earned a specialty credential.
Employment by Georgia metro areas
The BLS reports wages and employment by metropolitan areas and they note that large cities logically employ more nurses than smaller cities or towns. As an example, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area ranks ninth in the U.S. for highest employment of registered nurses. Here are metropolitan areas by highest employment level:
And the top 10 metro areas for ADN-prepared RN pay. As you can see, California dominates the list and no metro area in Georgia registers in the top 10:
Georgia’s salary growth and job outlook
The job market for ADN-prepared nurses in Georgia is promising. Employment for registered nurses is projected to grow at a rate of 4.9% through 2034 nationwide said the BLS, and Georgia is expected to mirror this growth due to its rapidly growing population and expansion of healthcare facilities.
Georgia’s healthcare sector is a key driver of its overall employment growth, especially in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, where healthcare jobs are a significant component of job market expansion.
Georgia offers diverse opportunities for ADN nurses in specialized fields like pediatrics, oncology and emergency care. The presence of world-renowned hospitals such as Emory University Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta provides unique career pathways. Additionally, rural and underserved areas in Georgia are eligible for federal loan repayment and grant programs for nurses, encouraging ADN-prepared nurses to work in these regions. This makes Georgia an appealing option for nurses looking to build careers in specialties while benefiting from financial incentives.
Factors affecting ADN RN salaries in GA
The following factors together shape the salary potential for ADN-prepared nurses in Georgia, with the highest-paying roles often found in urban hospitals, specialized care units and positions requiring advanced certifications or experience.
- Geographic location:
- Salaries for ADN-prepared nurses in Georgia vary significantly by location. Urban areas like Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah offer higher wages due to higher living costs and larger healthcare systems, whereas rural areas may offer financial incentives like loan repayment programs to attract nurses.
- Experience level:
- Entry-level ADN nurses typically earn less than those with several years of experience. Experienced nurses often have access to specialized roles or supervisory positions, which command higher salaries.
- Specialization and setting:
- Nurses working in specialized units like intensive care (ICU), emergency departments (ED) or pediatric care may earn higher wages compared to those in general medical-surgical roles. Specialized skills are in higher demand, driving up pay rates.
- Healthcare facility:
- Salaries are influenced by the type of healthcare facility. Hospitals and trauma centers, such as Grady Health System, may pay more than outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities or nursing homes, as they require more complex clinical skills.
- Overtime, shift differentials and bonuses:
- Nurses who work night shifts, weekends or holidays may receive shift differentials—hourly pay premiums for working outside standard hours. Some hospitals may offer sign-on bonuses to attract new hires, particularly in high-need areas.
- Union presence:
- While Georgia is a right-to-work state—meaning union membership is not required)—hospitals with union representation may offer higher wages, better benefits and structured pay raises.
- Demand and market conditions:
- As the demand for RNs increases, especially in regions with nursing shortages, healthcare providers may raise wages to attract new hires. Georgia has experienced a nursing shortage in recent years, particularly in rural areas, which has prompted wage increases.
- Education:
- While ADN-prepared nurses can earn competitive wages, those pursuing higher degrees, such as a BSN, may access higher-paying roles in management, leadership or advanced practice. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement to incentivize RNs to pursue further education.
Resources for pay disparity in Georgia
If you are an ADN-prepared RN in Georgia and want to address perceived pay disputes or wage disparity claims, these resources can help nurses file formal complaints, seek legal advice or pursue legal action if you believe you are being underpaid due to discrimination or when performing the same job at the same level as another, higher-paid employee.
State resources include:
- Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)
- Georgia Legal Aid, for low-income nurses
Federal/national resources include:
- U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), national or Atlanta office
- National Nurses United (NNU), provides advocacy and support
Georgia ADN education requirements and beyond
To become an ADN nurse in Georgia, students must follow a structured educational pathway that includes academic coursework, clinical practice and licensing requirements. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
Before entering an ADN program, students must meet general admission prerequisites, which can vary by school but typically include:
- Immunizations and proof of health clearance
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA requirement (usually 2.5 or higher)
- Entrance exams (like the TEAS–Test of Essential Academic Skills)
- Background check and drug screening
Prospective nurses must enroll in a state-approved and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)-accredited ADN program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges and some universities. Some ADN programs in Georgia include:
- Georgia State University Perimeter College, Atlanta
- Chattahoochee Technical College, Multiple locations
- Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville
The program generally takes two years of full-time study to complete. Some programs may offer part-time or accelerated options.
ADN programs in Georgia include a mix of general education and core nursing courses. Typical coursework includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Maternal-child health nursing
Students must also complete supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities to gain hands-on experience in real-world nursing environments.
After completing all coursework and clinical rotations, students are awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), depending on the school.
To practice as an RN in Georgia, ADN graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam is required nationwide, not just in Georgia. Students typically prepare for the NCLEX-RN with study guides, review courses, and practice exams.
To obtain a license, graduates must apply through the Georgia Board of Nursing. Key licensing requirements include:
- Proof of graduation from an accredited ADN program
- Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam
- Application fee payment
- Background check and fingerprinting
To maintain an active RN license in Georgia, nurses must renew it every two years. Renewal requirements include completing at least 30 continuing education (CE) hours or other qualifying activities like recertification or employer evaluations.
Is the BSN preferred over an ADN in Georgia?
While an ADN is still a valid pathway to becoming an RN in Georgia, a BSN is increasingly preferred by hospitals, particularly for jobs in larger health systems, specialized units, and leadership roles. The Magnet hospital push, higher salaries and better advancement opportunities make the BSN a more competitive and future-proof option for aspiring nurses.
Cost of living considerations in Georgia
While metro areas like Savannah, Alpharetta and Johns Creek have a higher cost of living due to tourism, technology hubs and access to amenities, many other parts of the state offer much more affordable living options.
In summary, Georgia provides a low-cost, high-quality lifestyle for residents, particularly in smaller cities and suburban areas, while still offering access to the economic opportunities of larger metro areas like Atlanta.
Places with higher costs:
- Johns Creek: Cost of living is about 98% of the U.S. average, driven by its proximity to Atlanta and strong family-oriented amenities.
- Alpharetta: Known for its tech hub and upscale living, Alpharetta has a higher cost of living than the U.S. average, making it one of the pricier areas in Georgia.
- Savannah: Savannah is more expensive than many areas in Georgia due to its tourist appeal and historic charm.
Places with lower costs:
- Augusta: Cost of living is 84.5% of the U.S. average, making it significantly less expensive than the national average.
- Dublin: Cost of living is 85% of the U.S. average. The home price-to-income ratio is relatively low.
- Dalton: Cost of living is 88% of the U.S. average. The area has seen declining rental prices, and home prices are relatively affordable.
Pros for Georgia
Cons for Georgia
Georgia professional groups for nurses
Joining a professional group in Georgia offers nurses valuable benefits, including access to networking opportunities, continuing education, career advancement resources and advocacy for the nursing profession. These organizations provide a unified voice to influence healthcare policies, offer support for professional development and connect nurses with peers, helping them stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Membership also ensures nurses have a platform to influence positive changes within the healthcare system at the state level.
Georgia Association of Occupational Health Nurses (GAOHN): While focused on nurses working in occupational health settings, this group may be beneficial for nurses who may be interested in transitioning to the OT field or seeking education and resources in that specialized area. It helps nurses in occupational health with professional development, certification and networking.
This guide to salaries for ADN-prepared RNs in Georgia is designed to give you a thorough overview of what to expect pay-wise in this important healthcare field. Consider it your starting point for making smart career choices, negotiating your salary and setting achievable goals for your education and professional journey.