Augusta vs Rome: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Augusta, GA and Rome, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Rome, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,420▲ | $88,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.43▲ | $42.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,464 | $74,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,878 | $86,723▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,784 | $106,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,834▲ | $106,216 |
| Total Employed | 6,880▲ | 1,740 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rome.
The salary gap between Augusta and Rome is $4,086 (4.63%). Augusta's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $49,370,Rome spans $31,235. Augusta 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, Augusta ($100,563 effective) pays 2.64% more than Rome ($97,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,420/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,834)
- ✓Larger job market (6,880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,563)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Rome if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Augusta grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Rome over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$69,160 (2019) → $87,760 (2025)
Rome, GA
$67,500 (2019) → $83,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Augusta or Rome?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Rome?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Rome as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Augusta vs Rome?
Related Comparisons
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