The Complete Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

So, you’re an LPN looking at Augusta. As someone who’s watched this city’s healthcare scene for years—longer than the new skyline has been up—I can tell you it’s a town of two realities. There’s the vaunted world-class medicine of the Medical District, and then there’s the rest of the city, where community clinics and long-term care facilities form the true backbone of patient care. For an LPN, that means opportunity, but you need to know where to look.

This guide isn’t a brochure. It’s a roadmap, built on hard numbers and the kind of street-level insight you only get from driving the I-20/I-520 loop during rush hour. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

Let’s cut through the noise. The national average for an LPN is $54,620/year. Augusta-Richmond County sits almost identically at a median of $54,685/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $26.29/hour.

Here’s what that means in practice. With over 405 LPN jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, the market is stable, not explosive. You won’t find the rapid wage inflation of a tech boom, but you also won’t find the scarcity of rural counties. It’s a reliable, steady field.

Experience is the great differentiator. Here’s how it breaks down locally:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Augusta)	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Nursing homes, home health agencies, clinic float pools.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $59,000	Hospital med-surg units, specialties (oncology, rehab), case management.
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	Charge nurse roles, infection control, wound care clinics, supervisor tracks.
Expert (15+ years)	$68,000+	Education/training, management, specialized procedural roles (e.g., dialysis).

How does Augusta compare to other GA cities?

• Atlanta: Higher cost of living, higher salaries (often $58k+ median), but fierce competition and brutal commutes.
• Savannah: Slightly lower cost, slightly lower salary, but a unique coastal market with a strong tourism-driven healthcare need.
• Columbus: Similar to Augusta in scale and pay, but with a more military-influenced economy (Fort Moore).
• Macon: Lower cost of living, but also lower median salary (often $50k-$52k).

Augusta is the "just right" zone for many: a major metro's job density with a smaller city's cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. The median salary of $54,685 breaks down to roughly $4,557/month before taxes. Using a conservative tax estimate (federal, state, FICA), take-home pay falls to approximately $3,450/month.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget for an LPN living in Augusta:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$961	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper ($800) or pricier ($1,200+).
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, water, gas, internet. Summer AC bills can spike.
Groceries	$350	A single person, cooking at home.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Augusta is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate.
Fuel	$150	Average commute is 20-25 minutes.
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$100	Assuming employer-provided insurance.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Leisure)	$350	This is the "flex" category.
Total Expenses	$2,491
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$959

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it's a stretch for a single income. The median home price in Augusta-Richmond County is approximately $215,000. With a 20% down payment ($43,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be about $1,150/month (principal & interest), plus taxes and insurance. That’s $300-$400 more than the average rent. For a dual-income household or after a few years of saving and career advancement, it's very achievable. For a single LPN just starting, renting in an affordable neighborhood is the smarter, more flexible move.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

Augusta’s healthcare economy is a two-hospital town, but the opportunities go far beyond. Here are the major players:

1. Wellstar MCG Health (Formerly Augusta University Medical Center): The 581-bed academic flagship in the heart of the Medical District. As an LPN, you’ll find the most competitive and specialized roles here: inpatient rehab, dialysis, and specialty clinics. Hiring is often tied to state university jobs, offering great benefits but a more bureaucratic process. Insider Tip: Their "float pool" is a solid entry point for new grads to gain hospital experience.

2. Augusta University Medical Centers (AU Health): Now merged with Wellstar, but the patient care sites (like the Children's Hospital of Georgia) still operate distinctly. They are a major employer for LPNs in pediatric and maternal health.

3. Doctors Hospital: A 354-bed facility owned by HCA Healthcare. This is a community hospital with a strong reputation for cardiac and orthopedic care. It often has a more "private sector" feel and can be quicker to hire. LPNs are crucial here in med-surg, orthopedics, and same-day surgery.

4. Prisma Health (formerly University Medical Center): A 581-bed public safety-net hospital. It serves a large, diverse patient population and offers immense experience in managing complex cases. For an LPN, this means high patient volume and a fast-paced environment. It’s an excellent place to build robust clinical skills quickly.

5. Augusta VA Medical Center: A key federal employer with a 132-bed hospital and clinics. Veterans Affairs jobs are prized for their stability, federal benefits, and pension. Hiring can be slow, but the LPN roles in primary care, mental health, and long-term care are consistent. Insider Tip: USAJobs.gov is the only portal; check it weekly.

6. Community Care Network (CCN): A major local provider of home health and hospice services. This is a fantastic option for LPNs who want autonomy and hate hospital politics. You’ll drive across the CSRA, managing your own schedule. Pay is often hourly plus mileage.

7. Long-Term Care Facilities: There are dozens of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) like Augusta Nursing & Rehabilitation and Park Place. These are the steady employers. They are almost always hiring, especially for night and weekend shifts, which often come with a shift differential.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there’s a slight softening in hospital hiring due to budget constraints, but long-term care and home health are booming. The 10-year job growth of 5% is largely driven by an aging population needing long-term services.

Getting Licensed in GA

To work as an LPN in Georgia, you need a license from the Georgia Board of Nursing.

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. In the Augusta area, key programs are at Augusta Technical College (a fantastic, affordable option) and Helms College.
2. Examination: Pass the NCLEX-PN. You can apply for licensure by exam to the GA Board before you take the test.
3. Fees: The application fee is $100, and the NCLEX-PN registration fee is $200. Budget for $300 total in testing/licensing fees.
4. Timeline: From starting a program to holding a license can take 12-18 months. Once you graduate and pass the NCLEX, the Georgia Board typically processes a license in 2-4 weeks.
5. Compact State: Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like SC), you can work in GA without getting a new license. This is a huge benefit for those living in the CSRA who work across state lines.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for an LPN
North Augusta, SC	Quieter, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute to downtown Augusta hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Lower SC taxes. Easy access to I-20. Many LPNs live here.
Summerville	Historic, walkable, near Augusta University. 5-10 min commute.	$950 - $1,300	Close to the Medical District. Older homes, lots of character.
West Augusta / Harrisburg	Affordable, diverse, growing. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Best bang for your buck. Close to I-520 for quick access.
Downtown / Olde Town	Urban, artsy, walkable to restaurants. 5-8 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,400	For LPNs who want a vibrant social scene and low commute.
Grovetown / Columbia County	Suburban, family-oriented. 20-30 min commute (can be worse with traffic).	$850 - $1,100	Excellent schools, newer housing. A popular choice for those starting families.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-20 from the west (Grovetown) during shift change (7-8 AM, 4-5 PM) can add 15-20 minutes to your commute. If you work 7a-7p, this is a real factor.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license is a powerful foundation in Georgia. Here’s how to leverage it:

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal pay bump, specialties like dialysis, wound care, or oncology make you more valuable and can lead to faster promotions or bonuses. Home health and hospice also often pay slightly above base.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from LPN I to LPN II/III based on experience and certifications (e.g., WCC for wound care).
  2. Supervisory Roles: Charge nurse or unit manager in a SNF or clinic.
  3. Bridge to RN: Many employers (like Wellstar MCG) offer tuition assistance. The Augusta Tech LPN-to-RN bridge program is a direct, well-respected pathway. This is the single biggest career move you can make, increasing your salary potential by $20k-$30k.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is solid. Demand will be strongest in long-term care, home health, and community clinics. Hospitals will continue to rely on LPNs in specific units, but the trend is toward more complex care being handled by RNs. Specializing now will secure your position.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: 405 jobs and steady growth.	Stagnant Wages: Salaries are close to national average with little rapid growth.
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in Atlanta.	Car Dependent: You will need a reliable car. Public transit is limited.
Diverse Employers: Hospitals, VA, SNFs, home health.	Economic Pockets: Some areas have higher poverty; healthcare needs can be intense.
Cross-State Opportunity: Live in SC, work in GA (or vice versa).	Limited Nightlife: It’s a city that sleeps early.
"Big City" Medicine: Access to specialty care and teaching hospitals.	Heat & Humidity: Summers are long and can be brutal.

Final Recommendation:
Augusta-Richmond County is an excellent choice for LPNs who value stability, affordability, and a reasonable pace of life. It’s ideal for:

• New graduates looking for a wide range of entry-level jobs to cut their teeth.
• Experienced LPNs seeking a lower cost of living or a change from a more intense metro.
• Those considering an RN bridge program in a city with affordable education and jobs.

If you’re chasing the highest possible salary or a bustling, 24/7 urban environment, look to Atlanta. But if you want a solid career where you can afford a life outside of work, Augusta is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

Q: Is the NCLEX-PN hard to pass for GA licensure?
A: The pass rate for first-time test-takers in Georgia hovers around 85-90%, which is above the national average. It’s challenging, but with a good program (like Augusta Tech) and dedicated study, it’s very manageable.

Q: Are there many LPN jobs in the Medical District?
A: Yes, but competition is higher. Most LPN jobs in the core Medical District are in outpatient clinics, dialysis centers, and specialty units within the large hospitals. Community hospitals like Doctors and public hospitals like Prisma Health often have more openings.

Q: What’s the typical shift for an LPN here?
A: You’ll find 8-hour and 12-hour shifts. 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a) are common in hospitals and SNFs. Clinic jobs are typically Monday-Friday, 8a-5p. Weekend and night shifts almost always come with a $2-$4/hour shift differential.

Q: Do I need to live in Georgia to work there?
A: No. Many LPNs live in North Augusta, SC (just across the Savannah River) and commute. As long as you have a GA license (or a compact multi-state license), you can work in GA regardless of your residence.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job quickly?
A: Direct applications on hospital career sites are the fastest. Wellstar MCG, Doctors Hospital, and Prisma Health all have robust online portals. For long-term care and home health, Indeed and LinkedIn are very active. USAJobs.gov is mandatory for the VA. Networking with recent grads from your program is also highly effective—Augusta’s healthcare community is interconnected.

Data Sources: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Georgia Board of Nursing, Augusta-Richmond County planning data, local employer career pages, and rental market analyses. Salary figures are based on BLS Metro Area data and local job postings.