Albany vs Columbus: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Albany, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,454 | $125,723▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.87 | $60.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,202▲ | $92,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,926 | $107,795▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,233▲ | $132,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,416 | $156,727▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Columbus is $3,269 (2.67%). 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 Albany spans $59,214,Columbus spans $63,943. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($140,794 effective) pays 0.80% more than Albany ($139,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,723/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,727)
- ✓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 Albany grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Albany, GA
$94,450 (2019) → $118,370 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$111,010 (2019) → $121,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albany or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Albany to Columbus as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Albany vs Columbus?
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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