Salary & Cost of Living in Augusta, GA
Augusta, GA: $48,500 median salary, cost of living index 86, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,500
$23/hr
Cost of Living
86
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
4%
rate
Augusta, GA Overview
Population
202,081
Median Salary
$48,500
Average Salary
$54,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$170,000
Median Rent
$900/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
8%
Augusta is located in Georgia with a population of 202,081. The median household salary is $48,500 per year ($23/hour), which is $10,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Augusta Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Augusta, GA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,394
$3,199.51/month · $1,476.70/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.8%
Gross Pay
$48,500
Federal Tax
-$3,782
State Tax
-$2,614
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,710
Net Pay
$38,394
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,041.67 | $48,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$315.13 | -$3,781.50 |
| Georgia State Tax (5.39%) | -$217.85 | -$2,614.15 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$250.58 | -$3,007.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.60 | -$703.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,199.51 | $38,394.10 |
Salary Comparison: Augusta vs Other Cities
See how Augusta's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta, GA | $48,500 | 86 | $56,395 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Fresno, CA | $48,500 | 100 | $48,500 |
| South Bend, IN | $48,500 | 84 | $57,738 |
| Springfield, MA | $48,500 | 98 | $49,490 |
| Dayton, OH | $48,500 | 82 | $59,146 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Augusta
Augusta's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100). Living in Augusta is 14% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$170,000
Median Monthly Rent
$900
Annual Rent Cost
$10,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,394 annual take-home pay in Augusta has the purchasing power of approximately $44,644 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Augusta
Augusta's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,500.
Salary Tips for Augusta Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Augusta has a cost of living 14% below the national average. A salary of $48,500 here has the purchasing power of about $56,395 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.39% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Augusta's top industries include Military, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,500 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Augusta, GA?
The median salary in Augusta, GA is $48,500 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,000. This is $10,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Augusta, GA?
Augusta's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $170,000 and the median monthly rent is $900.
What are the best industries in Augusta?
The top industries in Augusta, GA include Military, Healthcare, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,500.
How does Augusta's salary compare to other cities?
Augusta's median salary of $48,500 is 18.3% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 86), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,395.
What is the minimum wage in Augusta, GA?
The minimum wage in Augusta, GA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.