Alpharetta vs Atlanta: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Alpharetta, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alpharetta, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,901 | $105,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.26 | $50.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,699 | $81,626▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,477 | $86,881▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,976 | $114,451▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,785 | $139,251▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 56,460▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alpharetta.
The salary gap between Alpharetta and Atlanta is $17,925 (20.39%). 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 Alpharetta spans $59,086,Atlanta spans $57,625. Alpharetta 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 12.02% more than Alpharetta ($94,416 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alpharetta if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Alpharetta grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.6% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Alpharetta, GA
$77,117 (2024) → $83,469 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$73,010 (2019) → $100,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alpharetta, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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