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Nurse practitioners play a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system, Georgia included. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in Georgia the 10th percentile of nurse practitioner salary is $82,590, and their annual mean salary is $115,440.
Georgia Nurse Practitioner Salaries – Visualized
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in urban areas of Georgia
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 140 | $106,750 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 190 | $116,330 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 4,200 | $115,750 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 440 | $111,660 |
| Brunswick, GA | 40 | $115,590 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 240 | $115,910 |
| Dalton, GA | 110 | $99,940 |
| Gainesville, GA | 220 | $111,020 |
| Macon, GA | 320 | $110,470 |
| Rome, GA | 120 | $110,290 |
| Savannah, GA | 340 | $109,730 |
| Valdosta, GA | 100 | $108,020 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 140 | $106,290 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022 |
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in rural areas of Georgia
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 270 | $115,510 |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 320 | $130,220 |
| East Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 190 | $106,130 |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 520 | $124,700 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022 |
Increasing Nurse Practitioner Salary in Georgia
Working as a nurse practitioner in Georgia is a demanding yet fulfilling job. You play a vital role in patient care and earn a nice living in the process. However, nurse practitioners make less in Georgia than in many other states, making you feel as if you aren’t maximizing your earning potential. Fortunately, you can take some steps to increase your salary both inside and outside of the state. Find out how to add to your value and make more money as an NP.
Expand Your Earning Potential With Education
The Georgia Board of Nursing offers nurse practitioners four ways to meet its continuing competency requirement, including completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. You will find continuing education classes that cover various topics, from substance abuse and suicide prevention to psychiatric mental health care. Find topics that will help you become a more well-rounded NP and add them to your resume. This can give you a competitive advantage in your field.
Additionally, consider pursuing a post-master’s certificate in another nursing specialty. For instance, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are in high demand and often get higher salaries.
If you are unsure which certificate to pursue, consult with your supervisor. He or she can fill you in on higher-paying specialties.
Relocate to the Middle Georgia Nonmetropolitan Area
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners in Georgia earn an annual mean wage of $115,440. However, as you can see from above, urban areas in Georgia pay significantly better than the average through the state.
If you relocate to a more urban area, you will not have to reapply for a new license. However, you will enjoy the same salary that people do in other areas of the country.
Consider Moving Out of State
As a nurse practitioner in Georgia, doctors can give you the authority to prescribe medications, including schedule III-V controlled substances. However, you cannot prescribe schedule II-controlled substances, even under the authority of a physician.
The need for oversight impacts your pay, explaining why Georgia NPs earn less on average than NPs in many other states. Thus, you can make more money by relocating to Alaska, Arizona, or another state that does not require physician involvement.
While it will cost a bit to move, it can pay off in dividends. For instance, the mean annual wage for nurse practitioners in Alaska is $116,390 and $121,410 in Arizona.
Whether you decide to move or remain in Georgia, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the average NP salary by state and industry. Then, you’ll be ready to negotiate a fair wage at your current job or your next one.