Healthcare Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median registered nurse salary in Columbus, GA is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$69,849
vs State Avg
$-5,686
vs National
$-11,371
Cost of Living
86%

Registered Nurse Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $5,686 below the Georgia state average of $75,535. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Columbus spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $49,364
25th Percentile $57,448
Median (50th) $69,849
75th Percentile $86,946
90th Percentile $103,888

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$82,844
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$74,722
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$73,098
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$71,474
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Columbus

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbus and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Columbus

Browse open registered nurse positions in Columbus, GA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Columbus

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Columbus, Georgia is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Columbus earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Columbus's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $75,535. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Columbus? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Columbus require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.