Georgia vs Tennessee: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Southeast healthcare giants. Atlanta's Emory vs. Nashville's HCA heartland.
Georgia
20
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $78,820
- Avg physician salary
- $380,000
- Cost of living
- 91.3
- Top state income tax
- 5.39%
Tennessee
12
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $75,130
- Avg physician salary
- $370,000
- Cost of living
- 90.3
- Top state income tax
- 0%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 20 | 12 |
| Cities served | 8 | 7 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $78,820 | $75,130 |
| Avg physician salary | $380,000 | $370,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 91.3 | 90.3 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 5.39% | 0% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Georgia
- Atlanta8
- Augusta4
- Savannah3
- Albany1
- Athens1
Tennessee
- Nashville6
- Alcoa1
- Chattanooga1
- Cleveland1
- Hendersonville1
Notable Health Systems
Georgia
- • Emory Healthcare
- • Piedmont Healthcare
- • Grady Health
Tennessee
- • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- • HCA Healthcare
- • Ballad Health
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Georgia or Tennessee?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Georgia earn an average of $78,820, compared to $75,130 in Tennessee. The gap is roughly $3,690 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Georgia or Tennessee?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Georgia earn approximately $380,000 on average, compared to $370,000 in Tennessee. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Georgia is 91.3 and Tennessee is 90.3. Tennessee (90.3) is the more affordable of the two, while Georgia (91.3) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many physicians practice in Georgia vs. Tennessee?
Ava Health tracks approximately 20 physicians in Georgia across 8 cities, and 12 physicians in Tennessee across 7 cities, plus nurses and therapists in both states. Figures are sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and refreshed regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.39%, while Tennessee's top rate is 0%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
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