Are you considering a career in software engineering in Georgia, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 1,091 software engineering positions across Georgia to provide insights into the software engineer salary landscape. This article details the software engineer salary in Georgia for 2025, exploring how much software engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data.
Average Software Engineer Salary in Georgia
The median Georgia software engineer salary is $130,000 USD per year or $62.50 USD per hour. This figure provides insight into software engineer earnings in Georgia and serves as a benchmark for the software engineering salary in the state. The cost of living is significantly lower than other tech hubs, allowing tech professionals to earn competitive six-figure salaries, especially in roles like AI architecture and cybersecurity.
Salary Range Overview
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 1,091 publicly available software engineering salaries in Georgia. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average salary for software engineers. The salary survey data analysis was completed in August 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on how much software engineers make in Georgia.
Factors Influencing Software Engineer Pay
- Educational Level
- Years of Experience
- Seniority Level
- Location within Georgia
- Company
- Remote Work Arrangement
Educational Level
Education Level Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Hourly Rate (USD)
Bachelor's Degree $132,914.80 $63.90
Master's Degree $139,714.80 $67.17
PhD $175,163.30 $84.21
Education Requirements Distribution
Education Level Number of Positions Percentage
Bachelor's Degree 506 76.67%
Master's Degree 133 20.15%
PhD 21 3.18%
Here’s where it gets interesting: While a bachelor’s degree dominates the job market, representing over three-quarters of all positions, the salary progression tells a compelling story. PhD holders earn 32% more than bachelor’s degree holders, but here’s the surprising part—the jump from bachelor’s to master’s is relatively modest at just 5%, while the leap to PhD adds another 25%.
This suggests that in Georgia’s software engineering market, practical experience and specialized skills often matter as much as advanced degrees. The relatively small premium for master’s degrees indicates that companies value hands-on expertise and proven results over additional academic credentials.
Remote Work
One of the most significant shifts in the software engineering landscape has been the embrace of flexible work arrangements. Here’s how different work arrangements affect compensation in Georgia:
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | $142,688.70 | 333 |
| Remote | $135,135.20 | 131 |
| Onsite | $131,664.40 | 627 |
The hybrid advantage is real. Companies are paying a premium for hybrid arrangements—about 8% more than fully onsite positions and 6% more than fully remote roles. This likely reflects the sweet spot between collaboration benefits and flexibility that both employers and employees value. Remote positions still command a slight premium over onsite work, reflecting the competitive landscape for distributed talent.
Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 5.04% | 37 |
| 1 year | 3.27% | 24 |
| 2 years | 14.99% | 110 |
| 3 years | 23.57% | 173 |
| 4 years | 8.86% | 65 |
| 5 years | 25.75% | 189 |
| 6 years | 6.68% | 49 |
| 8+ years | 8.31% | 61 |
Software Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (USD)
0 years $111,798.40
1 year $120,575.00
3 years $126,676.70
5 years $143,717.60
6 years $157,639.30
7+ years $176,291.90
The mid-career acceleration is striking. The data shows steady salary progression, but the most significant jumps occur between the 3-5 year mark (13% increase) and again at 6+ years (57% increase from the 5-year mark). This suggests that the transition from mid-level to senior positions around the 6-year experience mark represents the most critical career inflection point for software engineers in Georgia.
But what if you’re already at the median? If you’re currently earning around the state median with 3-5 years of experience, focusing on developing senior-level skills and leadership capabilities could position you for that substantial salary jump that typically occurs around year six.
Seniority Level
Seniority Level Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Hourly Rate (USD)
Internship $44,720 $21.50
Entry-Level $107,734.20 $51.79
Mid-Level $126,806.10 $60.96
Senior $153,026.30 $73.57
Lead $155,311.80 $74.67
Manager $169,061.10 $81.28
Principal $170,287.80 $81.87
The leadership premium is substantial. The progression from entry-level to principal level represents a 158% increase in compensation, highlighting the value of technical leadership and management capabilities in the software engineering field. Interestingly, the jump from senior to lead positions is modest (just 1.5%), but the transition to management roles brings a significant 10% salary boost.
We know career advancement can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide between technical leadership (Principal) and people management (Manager) tracks. The data suggests both paths offer similar financial rewards, so the choice often comes down to personal preference and long-term career goals.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Roswell | $184,616.70 | $88.76 |
| Riverdale | $173,925.00 | $83.62 |
| Fort Gordon | $162,000.00 | $77.88 |
| Macon | $160,000.00 | $76.92 |
| Augusta | $156,887.90 | $75.43 |
| Lilburn | $140,000.00 | $67.31 |
| Atlanta | $138,244.90 | $66.46 |
| Dunwoody | $135,200.00 | $65.00 |
| Alpharetta | $125,080.70 | $60.13 |
| Sandy Springs | $120,399.50 | $57.89 |
| Marietta | $119,600.00 | $57.50 |
| Suwanee | $117,981.20 | $56.72 |
| Johns Creek | $115,000.00 | $55.29 |
| Duluth | $112,250.00 | $53.97 |
| White | $109,280.00 | $52.54 |
Atlanta isn’t the highest-paying city for software engineers—and that’s actually great news. While Atlanta ranks as a growing tech hub ranked No. 5 on Forbes’ list, smaller cities like Roswell and Riverdale offer significantly higher software engineer salaries. This likely reflects concentrated demand in specialized industries or government contracts (particularly visible in Fort Gordon with its military presence).
In 2025, software engineers in Sandy Springs are earning an average salary of $123,103… with job growth projected at 17.9% and tech salaries hitting impressive heights. The geographic salary distribution suggests that while Atlanta provides the ecosystem and networking opportunities, surrounding suburbs and specialized locations often offer premium compensation packages.
Top Paying Companies in Georgia
Here is a list of the top companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for software engineers in Georgia, representing some of the highest paying software engineering jobs in the state:
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Salesforce | $273,050 | $131.27 |
| Slack | $273,050 | $131.27 |
| Saragossa | $249,600 | $120.00 |
| Quip | $230,050 | $110.60 |
| Amentum | $220,000 | $105.77 |
| Erias Ventures | $212,500 | $102.16 |
| Captivation | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Prolego | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Akina | $191,000 | $91.83 |
| Broad Reach Partners | $190,000 | $91.35 |
| Adobe | $187,950 | $90.36 |
| IBM | $185,799 | $89.33 |
| General Motors | $182,028.60 | $87.52 |
| Microsoft | $179,875 | $86.48 |
| Mitchell Martin | $177,500 | $85.34 |
The tech giants lead the pack, but specialized firms compete strongly. Major players like Google, Cisco, and Microsoft have set up shop here, creating a seriously dynamic ecosystem for both startups and established companies.
What’s fascinating is seeing defense contractors and specialized consulting firms like Amentum and Erias Ventures offering competitive packages that rival or exceed traditional tech companies.
Major Tech Players: Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Mailchimp, NCR, Honeywell. The presence of both established tech giants and specialized service providers creates a competitive landscape that benefits software engineers across different career stages and interests.
It’s worth noting that the average DevOps engineer salary in Georgia is also competitive, often ranging between $120,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience and specific company.
How to Maximize Your Software Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive salary survey data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your software engineer salary in Georgia:
Strategic Career Moves
- Target the 6-Year Experience Mark – The most significant salary jump occurs around 6+ years of experience, representing a 57% increase
- Consider Geographic Opportunities – Cities like Roswell and Riverdale offer 34% higher salaries than Atlanta
- Embrace Hybrid Work – Hybrid positions command 8% premium over onsite and 6% over remote roles
- Develop Leadership Skills – Progression to management roles offers substantial compensation increases
Educational Investment Strategy
- Bachelor’s Degree is Sufficient – 76.67% of positions require only a bachelor’s degree
- PhD for Specialized Roles – 32% salary premium for PhD holders, ideal for research or highly technical positions
- Practical Experience Trumps Advanced Degrees – The modest 5% premium for master’s degrees suggests hands-on skills matter more
Key Skills to Develop
In Atlanta’s 2025 tech job market, skills in JavaScript, Python, and data analysis are highly sought after. Employers also value communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Technical Competencies:
- Programming Languages: JavaScript, Python, Java, C++
- Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP
- Emerging Technologies: AI/ML, automation, cybersecurity
- DevOps Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines
Soft Skills:
- Communication: Technical documentation, stakeholder management
- Leadership: Team coordination, mentoring junior developers
- Problem-Solving: System design, debugging complex issues
- Adaptability: Learning new technologies, agile methodologies
For a general insight on software engineering salaries for the United States, you can checkout 2025 Software Engineer Salary in US
How to Maximize Your Software Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis and current market trends, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your software engineer salary in Georgia and avoid being underpaid:
- Master In-Demand Technologies: The fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analysis, data privacy, cloud computing, and cybersecurity will drive demand for software engineers.
- Focus on the 2-3 Year Experience Mark: The most significant salary increase occurs at this career stage
- Consider Geographic Opportunities: Cities like Macon and Fort Gordon offer premium compensation packages
- Develop Leadership Skills: Progression to senior and management roles offers the highest total compensation potential
Explore our article on the software engineering skills required in 2025
Future Trends in Software Engineering Salaries
The tech landscape here is packed with possibilities, from software development to cybersecurity, with jobs growing 50% faster than the national average over the past decade. The software engineering field in Georgia continues to evolve, with increasing focus on:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The cost of living is significantly lower than other tech hubs, allowing tech professionals to earn competitive six-figure salaries, especially in roles like AI architecture and cybersecurity.
- Cybersecurity: Growing demand for security-focused developers
- Cloud-Native Development: Microservices, serverless architectures
- Financial Technology: Sandy Springs is part of Atlanta’s back-to-back #1 ranked tech ecosystem, processing an incredible 70% of all U.S. financial transactions.
- Healthcare Technology: Digital health solutions and telemedicine platforms
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 1,091 publicly available software engineering salaries in Georgia. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was completed in 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on how much software engineers make in Georgia, including their total compensation packages.
Conclusion
The software engineering profession offers strong earning potential across Georgia, with the median software engineer salary reaching $130,000 USD annually. While education provides a foundation, experience progression and specialization significantly influence salary levels. Location choices, work arrangements, and company selection have equally important impacts on total compensation packages.
For software engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach combining technical skill development, geographic flexibility, and leadership capabilities is essential. The future’s looking bright for Atlanta tech! Understanding software engineering salaries trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively in various software engineering roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
