Finding accurate data on accounting salaries can be challenging, especially on a state-by-state basis.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of accounting salaries specifically in Georgia, including a breakdown by position, industry, location, major companies, and more.
You'll get a clear picture of the accounting landscape in the Peach State - from entry-level accountant salaries to experienced management pay scales. Whether you're considering an accounting career in Georgia or just curious about the profession's earning potential, this guide has the details you need.
Peaches, Progress, and Paychecks – Accounting Salaries in Georgia
Accounting is a thriving profession in Georgia, fueled by the state's business-friendly environment and economic growth. As companies large and small continue to expand operations throughout the Peach State, demand for qualified accounting talent also increases. This section explores factors influencing accounting salaries in Georgia and opportunities for accountants.
The Landscape of Accounting Salaries in Georgia
Accounting salaries in Georgia reflect the state's low cost of living and ample job opportunities relative to other parts of the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an accountant in Georgia is $77,250, several percentage points below the national average. However, when adjusted for Georgia's affordability, real wages remain competitive.
Entry-level accounting roles like Staff Accountant and Accounting Clerk average between $45,000 to $55,000 annually. More experienced positions like Senior Accountant can reach $70,000 to $90,000, while management-level Controller and CFO titles progress well into six figures. Big Four accounting firms and large Atlanta corporations tend to set the ceiling for top-tier accounting wages in the state.
Accounting in the Peach State: A Thriving Profession
Rapid business growth and relocations to Georgia present expanding career opportunities for accountants. Major corporations like PulteGroup, Carter's, and Emory Healthcare have established headquarters or major regional offices in the Atlanta metro area. Atlanta also serves as a hub for accounting firms like Deloitte, PwC, and Aprio that require extensive finance and accounting staff to serve clients.
Coupled with a low cost of living, Georgia provides a promising outlook for accountants at all stages of their career. Numerous colleges and universities like Georgia State offer accounting programs that funnel graduates into open roles across the state. With industry giants leading business expansion and new graduates entering the job market, compensation for qualified accountants in Georgia should continue trending upward.
How much do accountants make in Georgia per hour?
As of Jan 9, 2024, the average hourly pay for an Entry Level Accountant in Georgia is $21.49 per hour. While salaries can range from $12.38 to $35.72 per hour, most Entry Level Accountants in Georgia earn between $17.88 (25th percentile) and $24.95 (75th percentile) per hour.
Some key factors that influence accounting salaries in Georgia include:
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Location - Accountants in major metro areas like Atlanta tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities and rural areas. Atlanta offers abundant job opportunities with major companies.
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Industry - Accountants working in certain industries like finance and insurance tend to earn higher pay than those in sectors like retail. Industries concentrated in Georgia like logistics and healthcare also impact salaries.
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Experience level - More years on the job generally lead to higher earnings. Senior and managerial accountants make significantly more than entry level roles.
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Education - Accountants with bachelor's and advanced degrees tend to command higher salaries than those without degrees. Getting a CPA license also boosts pay.
So in summary, an entry level accountant in Georgia can expect to earn around $21.49 per hour on average. Those with experience, credentials, and jobs in fields like finance in major metro areas will land on the higher end of the pay scale.
What is the average salary for a staff accountant in Georgia?
The average salary for a staff accountant in Georgia is $54,236 per year or $26 per hour according to recent data. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like location, experience, education, and company size.
Here's a breakdown of common staff accountant salary ranges in Georgia:
- Top Earners (75th Percentile) - $74,305 per year or $36 per hour
- Average Salary - $54,236 per year or $26 per hour
- Entry-Level (25th Percentile) - $46,400 per year or $22 per hour
Staff accountants in Atlanta and other major Georgia cities tend to earn higher salaries given the increased cost of living and abundance of large corporations with complex accounting needs. Those working for prestigious companies like Coca-Cola, UPS, and Home Depot can expect to be on the higher end as well.
The job outlook for staff accountants also remains strong in Georgia. With a steady stream of graduates from programs like Georgia State University and Emory University, local companies have access to young talent. Growing industries such as healthcare, logistics, and technology are also fueling demand.
Overall, Georgia provides solid career opportunities for accountants given its business-friendly tax policies, educated workforce, and position as a major transportation hub in the Southeast U.S. Those willing to take on leadership roles and pursue CPA certification can quickly advance to higher salaries over time.
How much do payroll accountants make in Atlanta?
Payroll accountants in Atlanta earn competitive salaries compared to other major cities in Georgia. As seen in the table below, the average annual salary for a payroll accountant in Atlanta is $59,515, which works out to $4,959 per month.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $59,515 | $4,959 |
| Augusta | $58,176 | $4,848 |
| Athens | $57,927 | $4,827 |
| Warner Robins | $57,394 | $4,782 |
The salaries largely depend on factors like:
- Years of experience
- Certifications held
- Company size and industry
For example, a payroll accountant with 5+ years of experience at a large corporation could earn $70,000+ in Atlanta. While an entry-level payroll accountant at a small business may start around $45,000.
Major companies in Atlanta like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot tend to pay above-average salaries. And demand for accounting talent remains high in the city, especially as Atlanta continues attracting corporate headquarters and fostering a strong business environment.
So in summary, Atlanta provides competitive salaries for payroll accountants compared to other cities in Georgia. And experienced professionals at large corporations can potentially earn $70,000+ annually.
What is the best accounting pay?
The highest paying accounting jobs typically require significant education and experience. Some of the top positions include:
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial operations and strategy for an organization. With 10+ years of experience, CFOs can earn $141,000 to $400,000 per year.
Audit Partner
Audit partners manage teams that review companies' financial statements. They must have a CPA license and 7+ years of experience. Salaries range from $215,000 to $360,000 annually.
Chief Accounting Officer
CAOs manage all accounting functions and financial reporting. With 10+ years of experience, they earn $131,000 to $278,000 per year.
Vice President of Finance
VPs of Finance oversee financial planning and analysis. With 5-10 years of experience, they can earn well over $200,000 per year.
The highest salaries require deep accounting expertise coupled with leadership and management capabilities. Major companies in Georgia like Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot need financial talent in these high-level roles to guide business growth and strategy.
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Accounting Salary Breakdown by Position in Georgia
Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Georgia. Salaries vary based on location, experience, education, and employer. Here is a breakdown of common accounting roles and salary ranges in Georgia.
Accounting Bachelor Degree Starting Salary in Georgia
Recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in accounting can expect an average starting salary around $50,000 in Georgia. However, salaries range from $45,000 at smaller companies to over $60,000 at large national firms. The job market is strong, especially in metro Atlanta.
Senior Accountant Salary Averages in Georgia
The average salary for a senior accountant with 5-10 years of experience in Georgia is approximately $75,000. Senior accountants at large companies like Coca-Cola or Deloitte can earn over $95,000 on average. The highest salaries are found in Atlanta where senior accountants average $81,500 annually.
Accounting Major Salary Progression in Georgia
Accounting salaries grow quickly with experience. Entry-level accountants see average pay increases of 5-10% annually. It's common to double your initial salary within 10 years as an accounting major. Senior managers can eventually earn $150,000+ at large corporations or as partners in accounting firms.
Accountant-Entry Level Pay in Atlanta and Beyond
In metro Atlanta, entry-level accountants straight out of college earn approximately $52,000 on average. Salary ranges are $48,000 - $58,000 for most beginning roles. Smaller Georgia cities offer competitive salaries around $46,000 for recent graduates.
Accounting Clerk Salaries Across Georgia's Industries
Accounting clerks in Georgia earn average wages of $38,500 per year across industries. Top paying sectors include finance ($42,000 avg) and manufacturing ($40,500). Government and education offer lower accounting clerk salaries closer to $36,000 on average.
Accountant Salaries in Georgia's Economic Hubs
Accountant Salary 2023: Atlanta's Competitive Market
The job market for accountants in Atlanta is highly competitive, driving salaries upward. As a major economic hub and home to over a dozen Fortune 500 company headquarters, demand for accounting talent is strong.
The average salary for an accountant in Atlanta is currently $68,930 per year. Entry level positions start around $55,000, while more experienced senior accountants can earn $90,000 or more.
Some notable companies hiring accountants in Atlanta include:
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- Home Depot
- UPS
The city also has a sizable presence from major accounting firms like Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG. Public accounting salaries in Atlanta trend about 10-15% higher than industry positions.
Accounting Pay in Fulton County and Its Impact
As home to the city of Atlanta, Fulton County holds enormous economic influence in Georgia. Major corporations are concentrated here, along with much of the state’s business, finance, and technology sectors.
This drives up accounting salaries, as companies compete for the area's high concentration of talent. Fulton County accountants earn a median salary of $73,210 - about 12% higher than statewide median pay.
Large employers like Cox Enterprises, First Data, and Intercontinental Exchange offer lucrative compensation packages to recruit skilled accountants. This pulls salaries upward across industries.
The proximity to Atlanta also provides abundant job opportunities and accounting career advancement potential.
The Salary Spectrum for Junior Accountants in Savannah
Savannah has a fast-growing economy centered around shipping, manufacturing, tourism and the Gulfstream aerospace company. Starting salaries for junior accountants generally fall between $47,000 to $55,000 in the area.
Entry-level accounting clerk roles have lower pay of around $36,000 annually. Over time, Savannah accountants can advance to senior positions earning $68,000 to $85,000 or higher.
The cost of living is about 15% lower in Savannah compared to Atlanta. Adjusted for this, pay is reasonably competitive. But accounting salaries still trend 10-20% lower overall than the state's bigger cities.
Influential Georgia Companies and Accounting Salaries
Georgia is home to several major companies that offer competitive salaries and career opportunities for accountants. As a hub for business in the Southeast, accounting professionals have access to well-paying jobs across various industries.
Southern Company and Accounting Career Opportunities
Southern Company, an Atlanta-based gas and electric utility giant, employs over 26,000 people and provides stable accounting jobs with good salaries. Entry-level staff accountants earn approximately $55,000 on average, while senior accountants make around $75,000 per year. With solid job security and advancement potential to managerial roles, Southern Company attracts accounting talent looking for long-term careers.
The Coca-Cola Company's Finance Department Pay Scales
Known globally for its soda brands, The Coca-Cola Company also offers lucrative accounting salaries in Georgia. On average, a financial analyst at Coca-Cola earns $65,000, while accounting managers take home $90,000+ per year. Coca-Cola's strong financial performance and growth enables higher than average compensation for its finance team.
Deloitte and PwC: Big Four Salaries in Georgia
As two of the Big Four accounting firms with major regional offices in Atlanta, Deloitte and PwC also influence local salaries. The average base pay for a senior accountant at Deloitte in Atlanta is approximately $77,000. Meanwhile, PwC offers higher salaries on average, with experienced managers earning $115,000+ per year.
Georgia-Pacific's Contribution to Accounting Employment
With its headquarters in Atlanta, consumer goods leader Georgia-Pacific employs over 30,000 people nationwide. In accounting alone, Georgia-Pacific maintains hundreds of steady jobs for financial analysts, accountants, auditors, and controllers located in the state. This concentration of accounting professionals at one major company impacts the job market and benchmarks compensation across the industry.
Educational Pathways to Accounting Success in Georgia
Georgia offers excellent educational opportunities to prepare students for successful accounting careers. Two of the top schools are Georgia State University and Emory University.
Georgia State University's Accounting Graduates' Earning Power
Georgia State University (GSU) has a highly-ranked accounting program that prepares graduates for good jobs. Key points about GSU accounting graduates include:
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GSU accounting grads had a 94% job placement rate for full-time positions after graduation. The average starting salary was over $57,000.
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Major employers hiring GSU accounting graduates include Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Southern Company, and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
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The GSU accounting program has specializations in areas like audit and assurance, taxation, and managerial accounting. These provide the skills needed for well-paying accounting jobs.
Overall, a GSU accounting degree leads to good job prospects with competitive salaries at major companies in Georgia.
Emory University's Accounting Curriculum and Career Outcomes
Emory University also has an excellent accounting program that equips students for success. Details on Emory's accounting program include:
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Emory accounting students can specialize in financial reporting or assurance services. This focused training aligns with employer needs.
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The accounting program emphasizes ethics, analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills. These prepare students for leadership roles.
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Emory accounting grads have a 95% full-time job placement rate after graduation. Top employers include Deloitte, KPMG, EY, and PwC.
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Starting salaries for Emory accounting graduates average nearly $60,000, with high earnings potential over their careers.
Overall, Emory's accounting program provides the real-world skills and knowledge to set graduates up for rewarding, high-paying careers with major accounting firms and corporations.
Accountant Job Description and Salary Correlation in Georgia
Accounting is a stable and lucrative career path in Georgia. As a business hub in the American South, the state provides ample job opportunities for qualified accountants. Salaries often correlate with job titles and responsibilities.
Staff Accountant Roles and Rewards in Georgia
Staff accountants perform essential accounting functions like preparing financial statements, recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and supporting audits.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Recording day-to-day financial transactions
- Preparing balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
- Reviewing data for accuracy and completeness
- Supporting internal and external audits
The average staff accountant salary in Georgia is $52,930 per year, or $25.45 per hour. Those working in Atlanta earn a median salary closer to $58,000 annually.
Senior Accountant Expertise and Earnings in Georgia
Senior accountants have more specialized expertise and take on supervisory duties. Responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing and reviewing staff accountants' work
- Preparing complex financial reports
- Assessing internal controls and business processes
- Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations
The increased responsibilities of senior accountants translate to higher pay. The average salary for a senior accountant in Georgia is $72,500 per year, or $34.86 per hour. Senior accountants in Atlanta earn closer to $80,000 on average.
The job outlook for accountants in Georgia is strong. Opportunities abound in corporate accounting departments, public accounting firms, government agencies, and more. Salary levels typically rise with job titles and duties. Both staff and senior accountants are well-compensated for their financial expertise.
Conclusion: The Sweet Spot for Accounting Careers in Georgia
Recapping Georgia's Accounting Salary Landscape
Accounting salaries in Georgia offer competitive pay at all levels. Entry-level accountants can expect to earn around $45,000, while more experienced staff accountants make closer to $60,000 on average. Senior accountants take home over $75,000 per year. These salaries align with national trends, while the cost of living in Georgia remains below the national average.
Major employers like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot provide ample job opportunities for accountants in the state. Top accounting programs at schools like Georgia State University and Emory University also feed talent into Georgia's accounting job market each year.
Future Outlook: Accounting Salaries and Opportunities in Georgia
The future looks bright for accounting professionals in Georgia. Accounting and auditing roles are projected to grow by over 11% in the state through 2026, faster than the national average. This job growth will open up many new positions and advancement potential.
As technology continues influencing the work accountants do, salaries may shift as well. Automation of routine tasks could compress wages for entry-level roles but increase pay for accountants skilled in areas like data analytics. Either way, accountants who stay up-to-date on the latest innovations and best practices should find plentiful openings in Georgia.
With strong corporate presence combined with an affordable cost of living, Georgia seems poised to remain a top state for accountants. Salaries should hold steady or gradually rise, especially for certified and specialized accountants contributing to business growth and strategy.
