Atlanta vs Augusta: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,774▲ | $60,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.19▲ | $28.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,190▲ | $45,264 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,745▲ | $50,262 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,966▲ | $65,422 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,706▲ | $77,996 |
| Total Employed | 11,310▲ | 1,120 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Augusta is $2,597 (4.32%). Atlanta's median is -20.08% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $31,516,Augusta spans $32,732. Augusta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($65,479 effective) pays 4.37% more than Atlanta ($62,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,706)
- ✓Larger job market (11,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,479)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Atlanta grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.9% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$47,830 (2019) → $60,910 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$41,430 (2019) → $58,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Atlanta or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Augusta as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Atlanta vs Augusta?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov