Alpharetta vs Columbus: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Alpharetta, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alpharetta, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,683 | $125,723▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.43 | $60.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,668▲ | $92,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,792▲ | $107,795 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,059▲ | $132,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,283▲ | $156,727 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alpharetta.
The salary gap between Alpharetta and Columbus is $40 (0.03%). Columbus's median is -8.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alpharetta spans $65,615,Columbus spans $63,943. Alpharetta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($140,794 effective) pays 4.29% more than Alpharetta ($134,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alpharetta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,283)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,723/year)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,794)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Alpharetta grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Alpharetta, GA
$112,855 (2024) → $121,492 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$111,010 (2019) → $121,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alpharetta, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Alpharetta or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alpharetta and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Alpharetta to Columbus as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Alpharetta vs Columbus?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov