Atlanta, Georgia is a vibrant city with a diverse economy, numerous job opportunities, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. The median household income in Atlanta was $72,418 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, what constitutes a good salary in Atlanta can vary depending on a variety of factors, including occupation, education level, and lifestyle.
Occupation
The type of job and industry can have a significant impact on what constitutes a good salary in Atlanta. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations in Atlanta was $93,300 as of May 2020. In contrast, the median annual wage for food preparation and serving occupations was $22,330.
Education Level
A person’s level of education can also play a significant role in determining what a good salary in Atlanta is. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher had median weekly earnings of $1,412 in the first quarter of 2021. This is significantly higher than the median weekly earnings of $788 for workers with only a high school diploma.
Lifestyle
A person’s lifestyle can also impact what constitutes a good salary in Atlanta. The cost of living in Atlanta is lower than other major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, but it is still higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, a website that collects and analyzes data on the cost of living, the cost of living index in Atlanta is 82.58, which is lower than the national average of 100.
To determine what constitutes a good salary in Atlanta based on lifestyle, one should consider factors such as housing costs, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. For example, according to Zillow, the median home value in Atlanta is $346,500 as of December 2021. A good salary for someone who wants to own a home in Atlanta may need to be higher than someone who is content with renting or sharing a living space.
In conclusion, what constitutes a good salary in Atlanta can vary depending on several factors, including occupation, education level, and lifestyle. While the median household income in Atlanta is $72,418, individuals may need to earn more or less than this amount based on their unique circumstances. Job seekers should research salaries for their desired occupation and industry to get a better understanding of what they can expect to earn. Additionally, it’s important to consider one’s lifestyle and the cost of living in Atlanta when determining what a good salary is. With careful consideration, job seekers can determine what salary will allow them to live comfortably and achieve their financial goals in Atlanta.