Atlanta vs Milton: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Atlanta, GA and Milton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Milton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,826▲ | $83,701 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.88▲ | $40.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,626▲ | $63,595 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,881▲ | $71,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,451▲ | $92,787 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,251▲ | $117,982 |
| Total Employed | 56,460▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milton.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Milton is $22,125 (26.43%). Atlanta's median is +3.01% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $57,625,Milton spans $54,387. 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, Atlanta ($105,765 effective) pays 17.64% more than Milton ($89,904 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 ($105,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,251)
- ✓Larger job market (56,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,765)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Milton if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Atlanta grew 37.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Milton over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$73,010 (2019) → $100,490 (2025)
Milton, GA
$73,433 (2024) → $79,481 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Milton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Atlanta or Milton?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov