Average Income in Atlanta GA 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Average Income in Atlanta 2025

Atlanta stands as Georgia’s economic powerhouse and continues to demonstrate robust income growth patterns that distinguish it from both state and national averages. The city’s position as home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola, combined with its thriving technology and business services sectors, creates a diverse economic landscape that significantly impacts earning potential across various demographics and industries. Understanding the average income in Atlanta GA requires examining multiple data points from verified government sources, including household income, per capita earnings, wage statistics, and demographic variations that paint a comprehensive picture of the city’s economic health.

The median household income in Atlanta reached $81,938 in 2023 according to U.S. Census Bureau data, representing a substantial 5.5% increase from the previous year. This figure positions Atlanta approximately 10% higher than Georgia’s statewide median income of $72,837, reflecting the city’s role as an economic hub with concentrated opportunities in high-paying industries. Meanwhile, the average household income stood at $135,218, marking a 4.8% year-over-year increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that workers in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area earned an average hourly wage of $33.73 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66, demonstrating the premium that Atlanta employers pay to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

Interesting Facts and Latest Statistics on Average Income in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024, BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages

The data reveals that Atlanta’s income landscape presents a tale of contrasts, with robust median and average household incomes coexisting alongside an elevated poverty rate of 18.1%, which exceeds both the Georgia state average of 13.6% and the national average of 12.4%. The per capita income of $61,617 demonstrates strong individual earning capacity, positioning Atlanta residents well above regional benchmarks. However, the median renter income of $50,972 combined with a rent-to-income ratio of 38.1% highlights affordability challenges, as renters allocate more than the recommended 30% of earnings toward housing costs. The average weekly wage of $1,533 in the fourth quarter of 2024 surpasses the national average of $1,507, while the metropolitan area’s stable employment base of over 3.1 million workers reflects sustained economic activity across diverse sectors including professional services, healthcare, and education.

The average hourly wage of $33.73 recorded in May 2024 represents approximately $70,158 in annual earnings for full-time workers, though actual compensation varies significantly by occupation and industry. Higher-paying occupational groups include management positions averaging $70.80 per hour and legal occupations at $69.79 per hour, while food preparation and serving roles average $15.38 per hour and personal care positions earn $16.88 per hour. This wage distribution underscores the importance of education, skills, and industry selection in determining earning potential within Atlanta’s economy. The 5.5% increase in median household income from the previous year signals positive momentum, though the persistent 18.1% poverty rate indicates that economic gains have not been uniformly distributed across all segments of the population, particularly affecting specific racial and demographic groups who face systemic barriers to wealth accumulation.

Median Household Income in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, Census Reporter 2023 Data

Atlanta’s median household income of $81,938 in 2023 positions the city as an economic leader within Georgia, exceeding the statewide median by approximately $9,101 or roughly 12.5%. This substantial differential reflects Atlanta’s concentration of high-value industries, corporate headquarters, and professional services that command premium compensation packages. The average household income of $135,218 notably exceeds the median by $53,280, indicating significant income inequality within the city, where high-earning households substantially elevate the average while many households earn below the median threshold. When compared to the national median household income of $74,606, Atlanta demonstrates strong earning power, surpassing the U.S. average by approximately $7,332 or nearly 10%, though the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area median of $86,505 slightly exceeds the city proper, suggesting that some suburban communities feature even higher income levels.

The 5.5% year-over-year increase in median household income represents robust growth that outpaces typical inflation rates, providing real purchasing power gains for Atlanta households. The 4.8% growth in average household income, while slightly lower than median growth, still demonstrates healthy economic expansion across income levels. County-level comparisons reveal that Fulton County’s median of $83,917 closely aligns with Atlanta’s figure, as the city comprises a significant portion of Fulton County, while DeKalb County’s median of $75,040 trails behind, reflecting differing economic compositions and demographic characteristics. These geographic income variations within the metropolitan region highlight how location, access to employment centers, and community resources significantly influence earning potential and household economic stability in the greater Atlanta area.

Per Capita Income in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: Census Reporter 2023, U.S. Census Bureau 2019-2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates

Atlanta’s per capita income of $61,617 stands as a testament to the city’s economic vitality and its residents’ strong individual earning capacity. This metric, which divides total income by total population including non-working residents, provides insight into the overall prosperity level across all age groups and employment statuses. The figure significantly exceeds both the broader metropolitan area average and statewide benchmarks, indicating that Atlanta city residents enjoy concentrated access to high-paying employment opportunities, investment income, and other revenue streams that elevate per-person economic resources. The median individual income of $59,160 for all workers in the Atlanta area closely aligns with the per capita figure, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution among working-age adults, though variations exist across industries and occupational categories.

Per capita income serves as a crucial indicator of economic development and quality of life potential, as it reflects the theoretical resources available to each resident for consumption, savings, and investment. Atlanta’s strong per capita figure of $61,617 enables higher consumer spending, supports robust local tax revenues for municipal services, and attracts businesses seeking markets with substantial purchasing power. However, this citywide average masks significant disparities, as the elevated 18.1% poverty rate indicates that many residents fall far below the per capita benchmark. The concentration of wealth among higher earners elevates the overall per capita figure, while low-income residents struggle with earnings well below this threshold, creating a bifurcated economic landscape where prosperity and financial hardship coexist within the same municipal boundaries.

Average Hourly Wage in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area’s average hourly wage of $33.73 in May 2024 translates to approximately $70,158 in annual earnings for full-time workers, assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. This figure exceeds the national average of $32.66 per hour by $1.07, representing a 3.3% premium that reflects Atlanta’s competitive labor market and the prevalence of higher-paying industries. Management occupations command the highest compensation at $70.80 per hour or approximately $147,264 annually, followed closely by legal occupations at $69.79 per hour or $145,163 annually. These premium wage rates attract highly skilled professionals to Atlanta and sustain the city’s reputation as a destination for career advancement and economic opportunity.

Business and financial operations roles, which account for 9.3% of local employment compared to 6.7% nationally, earn an average of $45.05 per hour or approximately $93,704 annually, demonstrating the robust demand for skilled financial and business professionals in Atlanta’s corporate environment. In contrast, service-oriented occupations face significantly lower compensation, with food preparation and serving positions averaging just $15.38 per hour or $31,990 annually, and personal care roles earning $16.88 per hour or $35,110 annually. This substantial wage gap between professional and service occupations contributes to income inequality within the region and underscores the critical importance of education, technical training, and professional development in accessing higher-paying career pathways. Office and administrative support occupations represent 11.9% of area employment, while transportation and material moving jobs account for 11.0%, reflecting Atlanta’s role as a major logistics and distribution hub.

Income by Age Group in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Age-based income analysis reveals distinct earning patterns that align with typical career progression and life stages in Atlanta. Households led by individuals under 25 years report a median income of $42,163, reflecting entry-level positions, part-time employment, and the early stages of career development when workers possess limited experience and credentials. This age group faces the dual challenges of establishing financial independence while often managing student loan debt and building professional networks. As householders transition into the 25 to 44 age bracket, median income surges to $96,149, representing the peak earning years when professionals have accumulated experience, advanced in their careers, secured higher-paying positions, and potentially benefited from dual-income households as partnerships form and stabilize.

The 45 to 64 age group maintains strong earning power with a median household income of $91,017, though slightly below the younger cohort, potentially reflecting career plateaus, industry shifts, or changing workforce participation patterns as some individuals transition toward retirement planning. Notably, households headed by individuals 65 years and older experience a significant income decline to $44,779, primarily due to retirement from full-time employment and reliance on fixed income sources including Social Security, pensions, and retirement savings distributions. This substantial reduction of approximately $46,238 or nearly 51% from peak earning years highlights the financial challenges facing Atlanta’s senior population and underscores the importance of retirement planning, adequate savings accumulation, and policies that protect elderly residents from poverty.

Income by Education Level in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, Census Reporter 2023

Educational attainment serves as one of the most significant determinants of income potential in Atlanta, with clear correlations between degree completion and earning capacity. The city demonstrates strong educational achievement, with 59.6% of adults aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, substantially exceeding the Atlanta metropolitan area rate of 42.6% and the statewide Georgia rate of 35.4%. This concentration of educated residents supports Atlanta’s knowledge-based economy and attracts employers seeking skilled talent pools. High school graduates, comprising 22.3% of the population, typically access entry-level positions in service industries, retail, hospitality, and administrative support, with limited advancement opportunities without additional credentials or specialized training.

Individuals with some college experience (18.4% of population) or an associate degree (4.6% of population) demonstrate commitment to post-secondary education and often qualify for technical positions, skilled trades, and para-professional roles that offer moderate income increases above high school-only credentials. However, the most substantial income gains accrue to bachelor’s degree holders (30.9% of population), who access professional careers in business, technology, healthcare, and education that command premium compensation. Graduate and professional degree holders achieve the highest earning potential, qualifying for executive positions, specialized professional roles, advanced healthcare positions, and academic careers that place them in the top income brackets. The strong correlation between educational attainment and income in Atlanta underscores the critical importance of accessible, affordable higher education and workforce development programs in promoting economic mobility and reducing income inequality.

Income by Gender in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates, Atlanta Regional Commission 2022 Analysis

Gender-based income disparities persist in Atlanta despite progress toward wage parity over recent decades. Among full-time, year-round workers aged 15 and older, males earned a median income of $83,645 in Atlanta, while females earned $75,541, resulting in a 10% gender pay gap. This translates to women earning approximately 90 cents for every dollar earned by men in full-time positions, which actually represents a narrower gap than the broader metropolitan area where women earned about 82 cents on the dollar as of 2022. While this demonstrates relative progress within city limits, the persistent income differential of approximately $8,104 annually accumulates to significant lifetime earnings losses for women, affecting retirement savings, wealth accumulation, and long-term financial security.

The gender pay gap in Atlanta stems from multiple factors including occupational segregation, where women are overrepresented in lower-paying fields such as education, healthcare support, and service roles while underrepresented in high-paying sectors like technology and finance. Additional contributing factors include caregiving responsibilities that disproportionately impact women’s workforce participation and career advancement, negotiation patterns, discrimination in hiring and promotion, and the “motherhood penalty” where women with children face wage penalties while men with children often experience wage premiums. Analysis from the Atlanta Regional Commission indicates that the pay gap varies significantly by occupation, ranging from relatively narrow disparities in protective services (93.3 cents on the dollar) to substantial gaps in health practitioner roles where women earn only 65.6 cents compared to male counterparts, revealing systemic challenges in achieving equal pay even within the same occupational categories.

Income by Race and Ethnicity in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2019-2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates, WelfareInfo.org 2023 Analysis

Stark racial and ethnic income disparities define Atlanta’s economic landscape, with profound implications for wealth accumulation, housing access, educational opportunities, and intergenerational mobility. The Black/African American community, comprising 48.3% of Atlanta’s population, faces a poverty rate of 26.57%, meaning more than one in four Black residents lives below the federal poverty line. This rate stands in dramatic contrast to the White poverty rate of 7.3%, creating a disparity ratio where Black residents experience poverty at more than 3.6 times the rate of White residents. These income gaps extend beyond current earnings to historical wealth disparities, with data from the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative revealing that Black households represent 48% of city households but control only 17% of housing wealth, while the median household income for Black families measures approximately $28,105 compared to $83,722 for White families.

The Hispanic/Latino community experiences a 13.7% poverty rate, falling between the extremes of Black and White residents but still indicating significant economic challenges for a substantial portion of this growing demographic group. Asian residents face a 15.5% poverty rate, demonstrating that even within the Asian community, substantial economic vulnerability exists despite stereotypes of universal prosperity. Research from Harvard University and UC Berkeley found that children born into poverty in Atlanta have only a 4% chance of escaping poverty in their lifetime, one of the lowest mobility rates among major American cities. These persistent racial income gaps stem from historical discrimination, residential segregation, educational opportunity gaps, employment discrimination, differential access to capital and business networks, and systemic barriers that compound across generations, demanding comprehensive policy interventions to dismantle structural inequities and create pathways to economic opportunity for all Atlanta residents regardless of racial or ethnic background.

Income by Industry Sector in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 OEWS, DataUSA.io 2023 Analysis

Atlanta’s diverse industry composition creates varied income opportunities depending on sector selection and occupational roles. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services employs 51,384 Atlanta residents, representing the largest employment sector for city residents and typically commanding the highest wages due to the specialized knowledge, advanced credentials, and technical skills required. This sector includes engineering firms, consulting companies, technology service providers, architectural practices, and research organizations that drive innovation and economic growth. Educational Services provides employment for 28,659 residents, encompassing primary, secondary, and higher education institutions that offer stable employment with moderate income levels, strong benefits packages, and meaningful work, though compensation typically lags behind private sector professional roles requiring similar educational credentials.

Health Care & Social Assistance employs 25,899 Atlanta residents across a wide spectrum of roles ranging from highly compensated physicians, surgeons, and specialized practitioners to lower-paid nursing assistants, home health aides, and support staff, creating significant income variation within the sector. The Business and Financial Operations category demonstrates Atlanta’s strength as a corporate hub, with 266,100 positions across the metropolitan area earning an average of $45.05 per hour or approximately $93,704 annually. Notably, Atlanta employs insurance underwriters at 2.41 times the national rate and management analysts at 1.79 times the national average, reflecting industry specializations that leverage the city’s role as a southeastern regional headquarters location. Office and Administrative Support positions account for 11.9% of area employment, providing essential business functions at below-average wage rates, while Transportation and Material Moving occupations comprise 11.0% of employment, supporting Atlanta’s critical role as a logistics and distribution nexus served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, multiple interstate highways, and rail infrastructure.

Average Salary Ranges in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: ZipRecruiter 2024 Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau Estimates

Atlanta’s income distribution reveals a stratified economic structure where 80% of salaries fall between $27,144 and $130,500 annually, with the median salary estimated at approximately $59,160 for all workers in the Atlanta area. The 25th percentile income threshold of $54,072 represents the point where one-quarter of workers earn less, typically encompassing entry-level professionals, service workers, retail employees, and those in part-time or seasonal positions. Workers earning below $27,144 annually (20% of the workforce) face significant economic challenges, as this income level falls near or below poverty thresholds for families and creates barriers to accessing adequate housing, healthcare, and other essential needs without supplemental assistance or multiple income sources.

The median range between $59,160 and $87,750 captures middle-class Atlanta workers including experienced tradespeople, mid-level professionals, government employees, educators, healthcare workers, and administrative staff who form the economic backbone of the city. The 75th percentile threshold of $87,750 marks the point where the top quarter of earners begin, including senior professionals, managers, technical specialists, and established business owners who enjoy comfortable lifestyles with discretionary income for savings, investments, and quality-of-life expenditures. Workers earning above $130,500 annually comprise approximately 20% of the workforce and include corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, successful entrepreneurs, and senior technology professionals who drive high-end residential real estate demand, luxury retail spending, and philanthropic activities that shape Atlanta’s social and cultural landscape.

Employment and Workforce Statistics in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics June 2025 Report, U.S. Census Bureau 2019-2023 ACS

The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area maintained total nonfarm employment of 3,136,200 positions in June 2025, reflecting a stable labor market with diverse opportunities across multiple sectors. While year-over-year employment change was not statistically significant, indicating steady-state employment rather than dramatic expansion or contraction, the metropolitan area continues to serve as a major employment hub for the southeastern United States. Within the city of Atlanta proper, 268,973 residents actively participate in the workforce, with a notable 90.2% employed in professional or administrative positions, demonstrating the city’s orientation toward knowledge-based, service-oriented, and white-collar occupations that typically command higher compensation than manual labor roles.

The relatively small proportion of hands-on or service-based workers (9.8%) within city limits suggests that manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and similar blue-collar occupations are more concentrated in suburban and exurban areas surrounding Atlanta, though these workers remain essential to the metropolitan economy. Education and health services experienced the only statistically significant employment gain in the June 2025 report, adding 23,500 positions with health care and social assistance accounting for 22,100 or 94% of jobs gained within this supersector. This 5.3% growth rate exceeded the national increase of 3.3%, reflecting Atlanta’s expanding healthcare infrastructure, aging population demands, and the region’s role as a major medical services hub. The Atlanta metropolitan area’s employment composition includes substantial representation in office and administrative support (11.9%), transportation and material moving (11.0%), and business and financial operations (9.3%), with location quotients indicating above-average concentrations in insurance underwriting, management analysis, and other specialized professional services compared to national employment patterns.

Cost of Living and Housing Affordability in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2019-2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates, Point2Homes 2023 Analysis

Housing affordability presents significant challenges for Atlanta residents, with the median home value of $395,600 positioning homeownership beyond reach for many households earning median incomes. The homeownership rate of 45.7% falls below the national average, indicating that more than half of Atlanta residents rent rather than own their homes, a pattern that limits wealth accumulation through home equity and leaves renters vulnerable to market rate increases. The median gross rent of $1,617 per month translates to approximately $19,404 annually, which represents a substantial burden for renters earning the median renter income of $50,972, as these housing costs consume approximately 38.1% of annual earnings, well above the recommended threshold of 30% for housing affordability.

The distribution of housing tenure reveals that 46.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, while 53.7% are renter-occupied, with an additional 10.7% of all housing units sitting vacant, potentially including investment properties, vacation homes, properties awaiting sale or renovation, and seasonal residences. The elevated rent-to-income ratio of 38.1% leaves renters with limited financial flexibility for other essential expenses including transportation, healthcare, childcare, food, and emergency savings, creating economic stress that compounds for lower-income households. High housing costs relative to income contribute to the 18.1% poverty rate and create barriers to upward mobility, as families struggling with housing affordability face difficult trade-offs between housing quality, location proximity to employment, and other household needs. The combination of elevated home values and high rental costs relative to median incomes suggests that Atlanta’s strong job market and economic growth have attracted population inflows that exceed housing supply expansion, driving competition for limited housing inventory and creating affordability pressures across the income spectrum.

Occupational Income Variations in Atlanta 2025

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024

Occupational income variations in Atlanta demonstrate how career selection and specialization dramatically impact earning potential. Management occupations, commanding an average hourly wage of $70.80 or approximately $147,264 annually, represent the highest-paying broad occupational category in the metropolitan area, encompassing chief executives, general managers, operations managers, and specialized management roles across industries. Legal occupations follow closely at $69.79 per hour or approximately $145,163 annually, including attorneys, judges, magistrates, and legal support professionals who serve Atlanta’s substantial legal market driven by corporate headquarters, government entities, and diverse litigation needs.

Healthcare practitioners span a wide income spectrum, with physicians, surgeons, and dentists earning well into six-figure incomes while nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals earn moderate to high wages depending on specialization and experience. Computer and mathematical occupations command premium wages in Atlanta’s growing technology sector, with software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and systems architects earning competitive salaries that attract talent from across the nation.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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