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Registered Nurse Salary in Atlanta, GA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Atlanta's cost of living (index: 113). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Atlanta β€” Key Numbers

$97,259
Median Salary
$77,846
25th Percentile
$121,690
75th Percentile
$149,928
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median+13.0%
Atlanta median household income$71,400
vs. City household income+36.2%

Cost of Living in Atlanta

Cost of Living Index
113(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,576/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.4%
Annual rent cost$18,912
Median Home Price$385,000
Home Price / Salary4.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$77,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Atlanta

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
6,230,000
Metro Population
31 min
Avg Commute
34.8
Median Age

Atlanta has a metro population of 6,230,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Registered Nurse Salary β€” Other Georgia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Atlanta, GA?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Atlanta is $97,259 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Atlanta's cost of living index (113). The typical salary range runs from $77,846 (25th percentile) to $121,690 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $149,928.

Is Atlanta affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $97,259 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Atlanta would spend approximately 19.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,576/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Atlanta relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $385,000 is 4.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Atlanta's overall income?

Atlanta's median household income is $71,400. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $97,259 earns 36.2% more than the typical Atlanta household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.