With the rising cost of living, salaries are one of the most important aspects considered when deciding on a career. Whether you already live in the state or are planning on moving there, knowing what the highest-paying jobs in Georgia are can help you plan for your future. If you’re seeking to work in the highest-paying occupation in the state, it’s good to know how to prepare.
High salaries can impact work morale and are a good indicator of career growth potential. In this article, we’ll go over the best jobs in Georgia to earn a high average salary, the job outlook, and what kind of college education or graduate education you need. We’ll also give you a list of jobs that don’t require a university or professional degree.
Georgia Economic Outlook
Georgia’s overall economic activity has increased by around three percent since 2019. The state has also seen a two percent job growth in the last year, according to US News & World Report. Georgia boasts a wide range of well-performing industries, with real estate, manufacturing, finance and insurance, and information being its highest-grossing industries.
Meanwhile, the highest-growing employment sectors were in the transportation, management, construction, and arts sectors. More specifically, this means that high-paying jobs such as operations managers, environmental engineers, systems analysts, and marketing managers saw a high employment rate. That being said, those were not necessarily the highest-paying jobs.
The Highest-Paying Jobs in Georgia
| Job Title | Average Salary in Georgia | Average Salary in the US |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $353,745 | $353,673 |
| Orthodontist | $303,730 | $304,842 |
| Psychiatrist | $221,187 | $270,087 |
| Physician | $210,911 | $214,290 |
| Pediatrician | $181,354 | $180,910 |
| Chief Technology Officer | $170,806 | $170,363 |
| Chief Architect | $161,724 | $166,412 |
| Vice President of Marketing | $145,399 | $142,020 |
| Dentist | $123,098 | $172,606 |
| Sales Manager | $94,963 | $71,036 |
The Best Jobs in Georgia: Explained
The best jobs in Georgia are primarily within the healthcare, tech, and financial sectors. Some of these require only a professional degree, while others require at least a graduate education, if not more. Here are the ten best jobs in Georgia:
1. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are medical specialists that administer anesthesia prior to, during, or after surgical operations, to reduce or block the sensations of a patient’s pain. They also check the patient’s vitals during surgery and monitor their recovery afterward. An anesthesiologist teams up with surgeons, nurse practitioners, and other doctors during surgical procedures.
2. Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dental specialist that corrects teeth and jaw irregularities to prevent dental issues like gum diseases or tooth decay. They use devices like braces and aligners to bridge gaps between teeth and align them properly. Patients with chewing and speech problems visit orthodontists to improve their oral health.
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are health practitioners whose primary duties are to diagnose and treat behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. They prescribe medications and perform psychotherapy to improve mental health. Some of the conditions psychiatrists treat are insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists collaborate with different professionals like nurses and psychologists.
4. Physician
Physicians focus on restoring health by diagnosing and providing medical treatment to manage or eliminate diseases. A family medicine physician prescribes medication to their patients to control health conditions or refers them to other medical professionals if their conditions are severe.
Physicians work with physical therapists and physician assistants to meet a patient’s healthcare needs. These health practitioners work within a healthcare team applying their knowledge of biomedical and clinical sciences to promote patients’ health. A bachelor’s degree and a medical degree are required for this role.
5. Pediatrician
Pediatricians are specialist doctors who focus on improving the well-being of babies and children until they are teenagers. They manage children’s emotional, mental, and physical challenges, providing treatment for minor injuries and sometimes more severe complications. Pediatricians can also identify a child’s nutritional needs and discuss how to meet them with parents.
6. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
A chief technology officer is a technical executive within a company that oversees the activities of the technology department, making crucial decisions to keep it in line with business goals. They focus on improving the company’s technology resources and implementing policies that increase product/service quality. A bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree is typically required.
7. Chief Architect
Chief architects create applicable digital architectural designs that match business procedures, targets, and standards. A chief architect selects relevant technologies to implement quality designs within an organization. They direct junior and mid-level and senior software architects in designing solution-based architecture.
8. Vice President of Marketing
A vice president (VP) of marketing is a marketing professional that ensures the marketing team meets targets and delivers impressive results. They’re responsible for defining effective marketing strategies and implementing them to successfully execute marketing campaigns. The VP of marketing collaborates with the sales department to meet business goals.
9. Dentist
Dentists, also called dental surgeons, are medical professionals that focus on improving the oral health of their patients and encouraging good dental hygiene. They treat diseases that affect the gum, teeth, jaw, and mouth using scalpels, brushes, lasers, and x-ray machines. Dentists also work with their assistants and lab technicians to deliver quality dental care.
10. Sales Manager
Sales managers lead a team of salespeople within a company’s business development department. They are responsible for developing sales strategies and targets for the sales team and supporting the salespeople in achieving those sales goals.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Georgia Without a Degree
You don’t need a professional degree or college education to land a well-paying job in Georgia. Here are the five best-paying jobs in Georgia without a degree:
- Web developer | $94,370. Web developers build and maintain websites. This in-demand career can work in multiple industries as well as as a freelancer or contractor. To become a web developer, professionals can self-study or take a coding bootcamp.
- Rail project manager | $77,122. Rail project managers plan and oversee projects that result in effective and improved rail transportation. They manage project activities to install and maintain rail tracks and trains. No college degree is needed for this role.
- Transport manager | $69,072. A transport manager is responsible for coordinating transportation activities within an organization. They plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee various operations including the shipment of finished goods to end-users. For this role, no college degree is required.
- First-line supervisor of firefighting and protection workers | $59,560. These supervisors coordinate fire prevention, firefighting, and fire control activities. They ensure the effective use of fire extinguishing agents to facilitate the saving of lives. Only a high school diploma is required for educational credentials, though there is extensive training in the workplace.
- Electronics technician | $50,407. Electronics technicians install, repair, and manage electronic components. They source quality replacement parts for electronic devices and operate power tools in-line with standard guidelines. Electronics technicians often work with electronics engineers on complex electronics systems.
What Is the Cost of Living in Georgia?
The average cost of living in Georgia is $38,165, which is lower than the national average. The average price of a house in Georgia is $327,568 while the average rent goes for $1,026 per month. Gas costs $2.64 per gallon while the monthly cost of energy and phone bill is $143.01 and $152.45, respectively.
Is Georgia a Good Place to Work?
Yes, Georgia is an excellent place to work and live. Thanks to its low cost of living, growing economy, and the wide variety of jobs with a high rate of employment like database administrators, financial advisors, and system managers, Georgia is a great place to start a new career or seek higher pay for your current career.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Georgia FAQ
Mechanical engineers, software developers, maintenance technicians, machinists, CNC operators, and computer programmers are some of the most in-demand jobs in Georgia.
Yes, relocating to Georgia can help you tap into the state’s growing job opportunities. Housing is affordable, property taxes are below the national average, and the cost of living is among the lowest in the country.
Some of the best-paid entry-level jobs in Georgia include network engineer, utility technician, communication officer, machine operator, and supply chain specialist. Some of these position only require a high school diploma.
Some of the highest-paying skilled trade jobs you can get in Georgia are working as a respiratory therapist, HVAC technician, plumber, boilermaker, construction manager, dental hygienist, home inspector, and licensed practical nurse.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
