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Travel Nursing in Georgia
Georgia's travel nursing market is anchored by the massive Atlanta metropolitan area, one of the largest healthcare hubs in the Southeast. Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, Grady Memorial Hospital, Wellstar Health System, and Northside Hospital collectively operate dozens of facilities across the metro. Atlanta's Grady Memorial is one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the country, and Emory University Hospital is nationally ranked in multiple specialties. The demand for travel nurses in the Atlanta metro is substantial and year-round.
Beyond Atlanta, Georgia's healthcare landscape includes growing markets in Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Macon. The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is the state's flagship academic medical center, attracting travel nurses seeking specialized assignments. Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, making it easy for compact license holders to start working. The state's moderate cost of living outside of metro Atlanta, combined with Southern charm, mild winters, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast, makes Georgia an appealing destination for travel nurses.
Quick Stats
Agencies
55+
Avg Weekly Pay
$2,200-$3,400/wk
Compact License
Yes
Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Georgia immediately.
Top Cities
AtlantaSavannahAugustaColumbusMacon
Top Agencies for Georgia
These agencies are known for strong Georgia assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license from another compact state can practice in Georgia without additional licensing. If your home state is not a compact member, you must apply for a Georgia RN license through the Georgia Board of Nursing. Applications are submitted online through the Georgia Secretary of State portal and require license verification, proof of education, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 4 to 8 weeks. Compact license verification is instant through Nursys.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Verify your compact license status through Nursys before accepting a Georgia assignment.
- Non-compact nurses should begin the endorsement process at least 8 weeks before their start date.
- Georgia requires a criminal background check through the Georgia Crime Information Center.
- Keep your Georgia license active between assignments to avoid re-endorsement delays.
Popular Cities in Georgia
Atlanta
Metro Atlanta is the Southeast's premier healthcare market. Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Grady Memorial Hospital, and Northside Hospital create an enormous volume of travel nursing assignments across all specialties. Housing ranges from affordable in outer suburbs to moderately expensive in Midtown and Buckhead.
Savannah
Savannah's healthcare market is led by Memorial Health University Medical Center, part of HCA Healthcare. The historic city offers coastal charm, a walkable downtown, and a lower cost of living than Atlanta. Travel nurses enjoy the city's renowned dining and cultural scene.
Augusta
Augusta is home to the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, the state's largest academic medical center. The city offers high-acuity assignments in a teaching hospital setting with a very affordable cost of living. Augusta also has a significant military healthcare presence at Fort Eisenhower.
Columbus
Columbus sits on the Alabama border and is served by Piedmont Columbus Regional and St. Francis-Emory Healthcare. The city offers affordable housing and steady mid-volume travel nursing demand, particularly in med surg and ER specialties.
Macon
Atrium Health Navicent in Macon is a regional referral center serving Central Georgia. The city offers some of the lowest housing costs in the state with a moderate volume of travel assignments, making it a strong value play for nurses focused on savings.
Popular Specialties in Georgia
ICU
Grady Memorial's busy trauma ICU and Emory's complex critical care units drive strong demand for experienced ICU travel nurses in the Atlanta metro.
ER
Atlanta's Level I trauma centers and high patient volumes create year-round demand for ER travel nurses, with particularly heavy need at Grady Memorial.
Med Surg
The sheer number of hospital beds across Georgia's healthcare systems makes med surg the highest-volume travel specialty in the state.
L&D
Northside Hospital in Atlanta is one of the highest-volume birthing centers in the country, creating persistent demand for L&D travel nurses.
Housing Notes
Georgia housing is generally affordable, though metro Atlanta costs have risen. A one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta averages $1,400 to $1,800 per month, with more affordable options in suburbs like Marietta, Kennesaw, and Decatur. Savannah, Augusta, and Macon range from $900 to $1,300. Agency housing stipends of $1,400 to $2,000 per week typically exceed actual costs outside of central Atlanta. Extended-stay hotels and Furnished Finder listings are widely available in the Atlanta metro.
Nursing Schools in Georgia
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Atlanta, GA
BSNMSNDNPPhD
AccreditedCampus
Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing
Atlanta, GA
BSNMSNDNP
AccreditedOnline
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Georgia, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,600-$3,600/wk |
| ER | $2,400-$3,400/wk |
| OR | $2,500-$3,500/wk |
| Med Surg | $2,000-$2,800/wk |
| Telemetry | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| L&D | $2,400-$3,200/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Georgia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary state of residence is another compact state, your multistate license is valid in Georgia.
Atlanta consistently offers the highest pay packages in Georgia due to the volume and complexity of its healthcare systems. Augusta assignments at the Medical College of Georgia can also pay well for specialized roles.
Outside of central Atlanta, Georgia's cost of living is below the national average. Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus offer very affordable housing. Even metro Atlanta suburbs provide good value compared to other major metropolitan areas.
Yes. Georgia has a graduated state income tax with a top rate of 5.49%. While this is a consideration, the state's moderate cost of living and strong pay packages still make Georgia a good value for travel nurses.
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