TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Software Engineer Salary
in Athens, GA

Design, develop, and maintain software systems. One of the highest-demand roles in the US labor market. Median salary in Athens: $120K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$120K
per year
Take-home: $78K

Salary range in Athens

Entry level (25th)$87,000
Median (50th)$120,000
Senior (75th)$152,000
Top earner (90th)$193,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Athens, Georgia.

Key facts for Athens

Median salary
$120K
annual
Take-home pay
$78K
after fed/state tax
COL index
92
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Athens Software Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $145K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Athens

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Software Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$100K$113K$126K$139K$152K201920212023202520272029
2026
$126K
projected
2027
$132K
projected
2028
$138K
projected
2029
$145K
projected
2030
$152K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$126,000+$6,000
2028 projected$132,000+$12,000
2029 projected$138,000+$18,000
2030 projected$145,000+$25,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Software Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Software Engineer salary in Athens, GA is $120,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Athens–GA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Software Engineer in Athens

Entry-level Software Engineers in Athens with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $87,000 and $120,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $120,000 to $152,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $152,000 to $193,000 or more.

Cost of living in Athens for Software Engineers

Athens has a cost of living index of 92 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 8% further in Athens than the national average. Georgia has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Software Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Athens-based professionals.

Software Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Athens (current)$120K92
Atlanta$143K99
Columbus$107K82
Augusta$107K82
Savannah$114K92
Macon$104K80