Software Engineer Salary in Athens, Georgia
The median software engineer salary in Athens, GA is $115,506 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Georgia state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)
Athens offers a median software engineer salary of $115,506, which is $3,726 below the Georgia state average of $119,232. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for software engineers in Athens spans from $69,378 at the 10th percentile to $184,679 at the 90th percentile — a $115,301 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,540, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,050. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Athens by Experience
In Athens, an entry-level software engineer earns around $72,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA
| Percentile | Athens |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $69,378 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,326 |
| Median (50th) | $115,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,126 |
| 90th Percentile | $184,679 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Georgia Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Athens
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Athens
Browse open software engineer positions in Athens, GA: