Atlanta vs Valdosta: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Atlanta, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,071▲ | $121,450 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.90▲ | $58.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,571▲ | $91,977 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,026▲ | $101,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,151▲ | $128,237 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,068▲ | $139,502 |
| Total Employed | 5,950▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valdosta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Valdosta is $15,621 (12.86%). Atlanta's median is +0.15% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $69,497,Valdosta spans $47,525. Atlanta 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, Valdosta ($137,588 effective) pays 0.44% more than Atlanta ($136,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,068)
- ✓Larger job market (5,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,588)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Atlanta grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.0% growth in Valdosta over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$105,950 (2019) → $132,500 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$96,240 (2019) → $117,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Valdosta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Atlanta or Valdosta?
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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