Jobs · Georgia

Jobs and Salaries in Atlanta, GA

Estimated salaries for 70 common jobs in Atlanta, with cost-of-living adjusted figures (1.02× US national average).

Working in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia has a cost-of-living index of 1.02× US national average — meaning typical wages adjust accordingly. Salaries shown above represent the population median for each role; entry-level positions often pay 25–35% below median, and senior or specialized roles can earn 40–60%+ more.

Top earners in Atlanta cluster in: Anesthesiologist, Surgeon, Psychiatrist. These tend to require advanced credentials or significant experience, but they also drive competition for talent — meaning recruiters in these fields are often willing to negotiate above-median offers.

Real take-home pay in Atlanta

The salaries above are gross — before federal income tax (~14% effective at typical incomes), FICA (7.65%), Georgia state tax (varies), and any city local tax. For a precise after-tax calculation in Atlanta, use our Atlanta Paycheck Calculator with your specific filing status, 401(k), and deductions.

Compare with other cities

Considering relocating? Use our Atlanta cost of living comparison to see how Atlanta stacks up against 49 other US metros. Higher-cost cities pay more nominal salary but cost-of-living often offsets the gain — sometimes a lower-COL city delivers better real purchasing power.

Related pages

Atlanta Cost of Living Atlanta Paycheck Calculator Salary Calculator Best Cities for Software Engineers Income Tax Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-paying job in Atlanta?
Based on our cost-of-living-adjusted estimates, Anesthesiologists earn the most among the 70 roles we track in Atlanta — approximately $357,000/year. Top 5: Anesthesiologist ($357,000); Surgeon ($285,600); Psychiatrist ($255,000); Physician (Doctor) ($234,600); Investment Banker ($204,000).
What's a typical professional salary in Atlanta?
For a representative mid-tier role like Data Analyst, the estimated median in Atlanta is approximately $85,700/year — about 2.0% above the US national equivalent. Real salaries vary significantly by experience, employer, and specific role.
How accurate are these salary estimates?
These are population-level estimates: US BLS national medians × Atlanta's cost-of-living multiplier from BEA Regional Price Parities. Real wages vary 30%+ by experience, employer, and specific specialization. Cross-reference with Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and BLS OEWS for your specific role.
Is Atlanta a good place to work?
Depends on the role and your priorities. Atlanta ranks higher for jobs in industries concentrated locally, and lower-COL cities often deliver better real purchasing power than nominal-pay-leading metros. See our Atlanta cost of living page for context.
What about taxes in Atlanta?
Federal tax + FICA apply nationwide. Georgia state tax depends on the state's structure. Some major metros (NYC, Philadelphia, Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Baltimore, etc.) also levy a city income tax which reduces take-home further. Use our paycheck calculator for the city-specific calculation.