What Salary Is Considered Good in Atlanta?

What constitutes a “good salary” in Atlanta is subjective, influenced by personal financial comfort and circumstances. Sufficiency depends on evaluating income against local cost of living, lifestyle aspirations, and financial objectives. Understanding Atlanta’s economic landscape, including typical expenses and earning potentials, provides a foundational perspective. This information helps individuals gauge if their income supports their desired quality of life.

Cost of Living in Atlanta

Atlanta’s cost of living is a significant factor in defining a comfortable salary, with housing as the largest expense. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment generally falls between $1,538 and $1,773 per month; a two-bedroom ranges from $1,929 to $2,463. For homeownership, the median home sale price is around $388,000 to $440,000, with the average home value at $396,813. These figures vary considerably based on neighborhood, property type, and market conditions.

Beyond housing, essential utilities typically range from $204.89 to $209.47 monthly, including fuel, water, gas, and electricity. Internet services add $64 to $68.43 monthly, and phone plans cost $53.07 to $197.44. Monthly grocery bills for an individual or household range from $312.95 to $500, depending on shopping habits and household size.

Transportation expenses are a notable consideration. Average annual car insurance in Atlanta can be $2,748, with some analyses showing higher averages up to $4,082 per year. Gas prices are typically $2.91 to $2.93 per gallon. Healthcare costs are another substantial component, with average monthly health insurance premiums for an individual ranging from $400 to $600. Employer-sponsored plans may involve an average annual employee contribution of $1,637 to $1,714.

Average Salary Landscape

Atlanta’s diverse economy shapes its salary landscape, with various industries contributing to earning potential. The median household income in Atlanta is approximately $81,938 to $83,251 annually. For individuals, the average annual salary typically ranges from $71,620 to $82,000, while the median is around $59,160. These figures provide a general benchmark for city earnings.

Certain Atlanta sectors and roles offer compensation significantly exceeding these averages. For instance, Pediatric Radiologists, Transplant Surgeons, and Vice Presidents are among the highest-paying occupations. Professional services, technology, healthcare, and real estate are major Atlanta industries often providing competitive salaries. The average hourly wage for workers in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metropolitan Statistical Area was $33.73 in May 2024.

Factors Influencing Salary Levels

Several factors contribute to salary variations in Atlanta. Educational attainment plays a significant role, with higher degrees and specialized certifications often leading to increased earning potential. For example, individuals with advanced degrees in technology or healthcare typically secure more lucrative positions. Specific skills, particularly those in high demand like advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, or specialized medical procedures, can also command higher compensation.

Years of professional experience are another determinant; seasoned professionals often earn more than entry-level employees. Industry sector also influences salary, with high-growth or specialized industries generally offering more competitive pay scales.

Company size and type affect compensation; larger corporations or firms in financial or technology sectors might offer more robust salary and benefits. The specific job role and seniority within an organization directly impact earning capacity, with management and executive positions typically offering the highest salaries.

Aligning Salary with Lifestyle Goals

Determining a “good” salary in Atlanta depends on personal lifestyle choices and financial aspirations. A comprehensive financial assessment involves creating a detailed budget accounting for all income streams and expenditure categories, including fixed costs like housing and variable expenses such as food and entertainment. This budgeting process helps individuals understand their financial flow and identify potential savings. Considering personal saving goals is also important.

Goals like accumulating funds for a home down payment, building an emergency fund, or contributing to retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA) directly influence the necessary income. Discretionary spending on dining out, travel, and leisure also shapes the required salary for a desired lifestyle.

Family size and dependents introduce additional financial considerations, including childcare, education, and healthcare coverage. Evaluating these personal factors against objective cost of living data allows for a tailored determination of a good and sustainable salary in Atlanta.