Georgia Salaries 2025
Atlanta-powered growth with Fortune 500 concentration
Median Household Income
Georgia Salary Overview 2025
Georgia has emerged as one of America's most dynamic states, with Atlanta serving as the economic engine of the Southeast. The state's median household income of $66,000 approaches the national median, while its cost of living (93 index, 7% below average) creates favorable purchasing power.
Atlanta hosts 18 Fortune 500 headquarters—third most of any U.S. metro—including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, and UPS. The city has become a major fintech hub (NCR, Global Payments, Fiserv), while film and television production rivals Los Angeles. Georgia Tech feeds a strong tech talent pipeline, attracting companies like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce to establish major offices.
Georgia's business-friendly environment, reasonable taxes, and lower costs than coastal metros have driven consistent corporate relocations and expansions. The state offers a compelling combination: major-metro career opportunities at significantly lower cost than New York, California, or even Texas metros. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Georgia Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Georgia | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $90,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,000 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 5.49% | Varies |
Salaries by Georgia Metro Area
Atlanta Metro – Southeast's Capital
Median Household Income: $77,000
Metro Atlanta (6 million people) drives Georgia's economy. The concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters creates exceptional corporate career opportunities. Tech salaries are competitive: software engineers $95,000-$155,000, data scientists $100,000-$145,000. Fintech is particularly strong with NCR, Global Payments, and numerous startups.
Neighborhoods vary dramatically in income and cost: Buckhead ($120,000+ median, $700,000 homes) versus more affordable suburbs like Marietta, Kennesaw, and Lawrenceville ($65,000-$85,000 median, $350,000-$450,000 homes).
Midtown & Tech Square
Average Tech Salary: $110,000
Georgia Tech's campus and surrounding Tech Square have become Atlanta's innovation hub. Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, NCR, and numerous startups cluster here. The tech ecosystem rivals Austin or Denver for startup activity. Entry engineers $80,000-$100,000, senior engineers $130,000-$170,000.
Savannah – Port & Tourism
Median Household Income: $55,000
Savannah's economy centers on the Port of Savannah (one of America's busiest), tourism, and Gulfstream Aerospace. Logistics and supply chain roles $50,000-$90,000, aerospace engineers $80,000-$130,000. The historic district attracts hospitality and tourism workers. Lower costs than Atlanta but fewer corporate opportunities.
Augusta – Cybersecurity Hub
Median Household Income: $52,000
Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) houses the U.S. Army Cyber Command, creating a cybersecurity cluster. Defense contractors and cyber firms employ thousands. Cybersecurity specialists $85,000-$140,000 with clearances. Very affordable housing ($225,000 median) compared to similar opportunities elsewhere.
Athens – University Town
Median Household Income: $42,000
University of Georgia anchors Athens with education and research employment. Faculty $70,000-$150,000, research positions $50,000-$100,000. College-town vibe with arts and music scene. Low median income reflects student population.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Metro | $77,000 | $380,000 | Fortune 500s, Tech, Fintech |
| Buckhead | $125,000 | $700,000 | Finance, Corporate HQs |
| Savannah | $55,000 | $320,000 | Port, Aerospace, Tourism |
| Augusta | $52,000 | $225,000 | Cybersecurity, Military |
| Athens | $42,000 | $290,000 | Education, Research |
Top Paying Industries in Georgia
Technology & Fintech
Atlanta has become a major tech hub, particularly in fintech. NCR, Global Payments, Fiserv, and dozens of startups drive the payments industry. Major tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Mailchimp/Intuit) maintain significant Atlanta operations. Software engineers $90,000-$160,000, product managers $100,000-$170,000, data scientists $95,000-$150,000.
Film & Entertainment
Georgia's generous tax credits have made Atlanta "Hollywood of the South." Marvel, Netflix, and major studios produce extensively in Georgia. Production crew $50,000-$150,000, directors/producers $100,000-$500,000+, specialized roles (cinematography, VFX) $80,000-$200,000. Work is project-based and can be inconsistent.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson (world's busiest airport), Norfolk Southern and CSX rail hubs, and Savannah's port make Georgia a logistics powerhouse. UPS, Delta, and numerous 3PLs employ tens of thousands. Supply chain managers $70,000-$130,000, logistics analysts $55,000-$90,000.
Healthcare
Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, WellStar, and the CDC provide substantial healthcare employment. Physicians $250,000-$450,000+, nurses $60,000-$85,000, CDC scientists $70,000-$150,000.
Fortune 500 Corporate
Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta, UPS, and 14 other Fortune 500s offer corporate career tracks. Finance, marketing, operations, and management roles range $60,000-$200,000+ depending on level. Executive compensation reaches $500,000-$5,000,000+.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | $80,000 | $115,000 | $160,000+ |
| Fintech | $70,000 | $110,000 | $170,000+ |
| Film Production | $45,000 | $85,000 | $150,000+ |
| Logistics/Supply Chain | $50,000 | $80,000 | $130,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $58,000 | $72,000 | $88,000+ |
Georgia Tax Analysis
State Income Tax (2025)
Georgia recently moved to a flat tax system:
| Status | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| All Income | 5.49% flat |
Georgia's shift to a flat 5.49% rate simplifies taxation. This is lower than California (up to 13.3%) but higher than Texas/Florida (0%).
Tax Comparison
| Salary | GA Tax | CA Tax | TX Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $4,120 | $4,800 | $0 |
| $100,000 | $5,490 | $7,100 | $0 |
| $150,000 | $8,235 | $12,500 | $0 |
Property Tax: Georgia property taxes average 0.87%—below national average. Combined with lower home prices, actual tax bills are very manageable.
Sales Tax: State rate 4% plus local additions = 7-8% typical total.
Georgia Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Georgia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 85 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,450 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 95 | 100 |
Housing by Atlanta Area
| Area | Median Home | Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhead | $700,000 | $2,400 |
| Midtown | $450,000 | $2,100 |
| Decatur | $480,000 | $1,800 |
| Marietta | $400,000 | $1,600 |
| Alpharetta | $520,000 | $1,850 |
| Kennesaw | $360,000 | $1,500 |
Atlanta offers strong value compared to other major tech metros. A $120,000 salary provides lifestyle equivalent to $160,000+ in San Francisco or $140,000 in Seattle.
Highest Paying Jobs in Georgia 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $290,000 | $450,000+ |
| IT Directors | $160,000 | $210,000+ |
| Software Architects | $150,000 | $195,000+ |
| Dentists | $175,000 | $275,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $135,000 | $200,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $125,000 | $150,000+ |
| Airline Pilots (Delta) | $200,000 | $350,000+ |
| Cybersecurity Directors | $165,000 | $220,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta a good tech city?
Increasingly yes. Georgia Tech produces excellent talent, and the fintech cluster is nationally significant. Major tech companies have established substantial offices. Salaries are 10-20% below Bay Area but costs are 40%+ lower. The startup scene is active and growing.
How does Atlanta compare to Austin or Denver?
All three are major tech destinations outside traditional coastal hubs. Atlanta has more Fortune 500 headquarters and stronger fintech. Austin has a stronger startup culture. Denver has better outdoor recreation. Atlanta offers the lowest cost of living among the three. All are legitimate career destinations.
What's the film industry really like?
Georgia's film industry is substantial and growing—Marvel, Netflix, and major studios produce extensively. Work is project-based and can be inconsistent. Crew members can earn well during production but face gaps between projects. Building a network is essential. Atlanta-based crew often work on multiple productions annually.
Is traffic really that bad?
Yes, Atlanta traffic is notoriously challenging. The metro's sprawl and car-dependent design create significant commutes. Many tech workers cluster near Midtown/Tech Square or work remotely to minimize driving. MARTA rail serves limited areas. Factor commute into neighborhood decisions.
How are schools in Georgia?
Highly variable. North Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, East Cobb) have excellent schools comparable to anywhere nationally. Atlanta city schools are improving but mixed. Private schools are popular among professionals. Research specific districts when choosing neighborhoods.