๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 101 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in South Fulton, GA

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 39 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$53,714
across 39 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$53,235
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$127,603
1BR Rent
$1,362
median monthly

South Fulton is one of those places where the numbers on paper donโ€™t quite tell the whole story. Youโ€™ve got a median income pushing $80k, but the real surprise is how that money actually feels in your pocket here. Itโ€™s not Atlanta proper, but itโ€™s got its own quiet economic engine humming along.

Letโ€™s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 100.9, youโ€™re paying a smidge more than the national average, but thatโ€™s almost entirely in housing. A one-bedroom runs about $1,362 a month. The magic happens when you look at the top-paying jobs. A software developerโ€™s $127k salary adjusts to a still-impressive $126k after factoring in that slight premium. Itโ€™s not a steal, but youโ€™re not getting gouged either. For most other roles, that COL adjustment is barely a rounding error. The real story here is that your paycheck doesnโ€™t get hollowed out by living expenses the way it does in other booming suburbs.

So whoโ€™s actually thriving here? The data points to a classic split. Youโ€™ve got the tech-adjacent roles like software developers pulling in the big numbers, but you also see strong, stable earnings for accountants and the trades. Electricians are pulling in over $61k, which is solid money anywhere. I suspect a lot of that is tied to the residential and commercial growth on the cityโ€™s west side, near the airport corridor. You canโ€™t ignore the role of education, eitherโ€”with over 43% of residents holding a bachelorโ€™s degree, thereโ€™s a built-in demand for roles in public administration and, of course, the school system, which is a major employer in its own right.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages are holding steady, but they arenโ€™t exactly sprinting ahead of costs. The unemployment rate is a healthy 3.4%, so the job market is stable. But if youโ€™re in a field thatโ€™s not in the top five, you might feel like youโ€™re treading water. This city works best for skilled professionals and tradespeople whose salaries have enough cushion to absorb the slight cost premium without stress. Itโ€™s less of a bargain and more of a fair trade.

The numbers below will break down exactly what you can expect to earn in the cityโ€™s most common jobs, both before and after that cost-of-living adjustment.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in South Fulton

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +0% vs national

Software Developer

$127,603
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $126,465
โฑ Hourly $61.35/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ +0% vs national

Accountant

$86,312
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $85,542
โฑ Hourly $41.50/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ +0% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$63,841
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $63,272
โฑ Hourly $30.69/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ +0% vs national

Electrician

$61,716
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $61,166
โฑ Hourly $29.67/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ +0% vs national

Real Estate Agent

$61,645
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $61,095
โฑ Hourly $29.64/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 39 Occupations in South Fulton

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (101/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Software Developer $127,603
2 Accountant $86,312
3 Elementary School Teacher $63,841
4 Electrician $61,716
5 Real Estate Agent $61,645
6 Heavy Truck Driver $53,233
7 Data Analyst $50,134
8 Plumber $50,134
9 Paralegal $50,134
10 Carpenter $50,134
11 Human Resources Specialist $50,134
12 Financial Analyst $50,134
13 Physical Therapist $50,134
14 HVAC Technician $50,134
15 Pharmacist $50,134
16 Loan Officer $50,134
17 Nail Technician $50,134
18 Cosmetologist $50,134
19 Construction Manager $50,134
20 Personal Trainer $50,134
21 Chef/Head Cook $50,134
22 Firefighter $50,134
23 Social Worker $50,134
24 Auto Mechanic $50,134
25 Veterinary Technician $50,134
26 Web Developer $50,134
27 Dental Assistant $50,134
28 Pharmacy Technician $50,134
29 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $50,134
30 Marketing Manager $50,134
31 Dental Hygienist $50,134
32 Medical Assistant $50,134
33 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $50,134
34 Insurance Agent $50,134
35 Welder $50,134
36 Police Officer $50,134
37 Project Manager $50,134
38 Graphic Designer $50,134
39 Security Guard $36,237

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in South Fulton

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,362/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,702/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$322,995
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.4%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$79,871
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
43%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
101
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in South Fulton?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in South Fulton. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ South Fulton Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in South Fulton, GA?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in South Fulton is $53,714. This figure is slightly above the national average cost of living index of 100.9. Insight: Salaries in the area are moderate relative to living costs.

What jobs pay the most in South Fulton?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in South Fulton is Software Developer at $127,603. Other high-paying jobs include roles in tech and healthcare, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Insight: Tech and professional services dominate top earnings.

Is South Fulton affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Software Developer salary of $127,603 is well above the average of $53,714 and median household income of $79,871. With a 1BR rent of $1,362/month, housing costs are manageable. Insight: High earners in tech have significant affordability in South Fulton.

How does South Fulton's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
South Fulton's COL index of 100.9 is slightly above the U.S. average, meaning expenses are marginally higher. A $53,714 salary translates to about $4,476/month pre-tax, covering rent ($1,362) and other costs. Insight: Paychecks stretch further than in high-cost cities but require budgeting for essentials.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in South Fulton?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably, aim for a salary around $70,000โ€“$80,000, aligning with the median household income of $79,871. This covers 1BR rent ($1,362/month) plus savings and discretionary spending. Insight: Comfortable living is achievable at median income levels due to moderate COL.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is South Fulton Worth It?

After running the numbers, Iโ€™m convinced South Fulton is a solid middle-ground: not a gold rush, but not a grind either. With an average salary of $53,714, rent at $1,362/month, and a COL index of 100.9, itโ€™s slightly above the national average, yet manageable. The standout is Software Developer, earning $127,603 and $126,465 adjustedโ€”proof tech thrives here. Healthcare and trades can do well, but this city clearly favors tech workers. My verdict: South Fulton is worth it financially if youโ€™re in tech or have a remote role with coastal pay. If youโ€™re in lower-wage sectors, the math gets tight. One piece of advice: before moving, secure the job firstโ€”local salaries wonโ€™t stretch like big-city ones, and you want to lock in that tech premium before you pack.

Explore South Fulton Further