Augusta vs Sandy Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Augusta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,177 | $64,001▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.93 | $30.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,264▲ | $38,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,262▲ | $48,587 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,422 | $81,790▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,996 | $96,215▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Sandy Springs is $3,824 (6.35%). Sandy Springs's median is -18.51% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $32,732,Sandy Springs spans $57,480. Sandy Springs 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, Sandy Springs ($68,744 effective) pays 4.99% more than Augusta ($65,479 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,215)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,744)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Augusta grew 40.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$41,430 (2019) → $58,390 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$52,729 (2024) → $62,101 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Augusta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Sandy Springs as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Augusta vs Sandy Springs?
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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