Columbus vs Macon: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbus, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Macon, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,723▲ | $119,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.45▲ | $57.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,784 | $102,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,795 | $113,412▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,416 | $135,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,727▲ | $145,833 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Macon.
The salary gap between Columbus and Macon is $5,866 (4.89%). 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 Columbus spans $63,943,Macon spans $43,397. Columbus 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 3.99% more than Macon ($135,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,723/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,727)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,794)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Macon if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbus grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Macon over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$111,010 (2019) → $121,530 (2025)
Macon, GA
$101,650 (2019) → $115,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbus or Macon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Macon?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Macon as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbus vs Macon?
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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