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Verified by GA Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Georgia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Georgia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Georgia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Georgia Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $86,560 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #22 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Georgia eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Georgia Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Georgia

With a median salary of $86,560, Registered Nurses in Georgia earn 8% below the national median of $93,600. Georgia ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,339

Median annual salary

$86,560

Hourly estimate

$41.62
8% below national median

Difference: -$7,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$66,110
  • P2525th percentile$76,600
  • P50Median$86,560
  • P7575th percentile$104,790
  • P9090th percentile$124,810

State vs National Median

State: $86,560
National: $93,600

Total employment: 97,410 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#22 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Georgia$86,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$79,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$81,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$79,900Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Florida$82,850Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$71,040Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
Florida68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Georgia Board of Nursing

237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858

Phone: 4782072440

Related Careers in Georgia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$61,790Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$101,920Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Georgia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Georgia?

Georgia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Georgia?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Registered Nurse licensure in Georgia.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Georgia?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Georgia is $86,560. Salaries range from $66,110 (10th percentile) to $124,810 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Georgia compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Georgia earn 8% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $86,560.

How many Registered Nurses work in Georgia?

Georgia employs approximately 97,410 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Georgia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Georgia?

The licensing agency is Georgia Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Georgia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.