Average Accountants and Auditors Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, GA earn an average annual salary of $81,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,430, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand for specialized accounting roles influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants careful consideration for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,720.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 520 Accountants and Auditors, Athens-Clarke County presents a moderately sized professional pool. The Location Quotient of 0.58 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, implying a potentially stable but not exceptionally robust demand. The rate of 5.476 jobs per 1,000 workers further suggests a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-13.6%below the national average.
$39.2
$1,570
$6,803
Accountants and Auditors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Accountants and Auditors have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for financial expertise, and the evolving complexity of accounting regulations. Professionals in Athens-Clarke County can likely expect a gradual upward trend in their earning potential, aligning with broader economic and industry developments.
Accountants and Auditors Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Salary progression for Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement, with senior roles offering substantial increases over mid-level and junior positions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $45,550 | $21.9 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $61,223 | $29.4 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $73,940 | $35.5 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $102,038 | $49.1 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $129,720 | $62.4 |
Detailed Accountants and Auditors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $81,630 in Athens-Clarke County, GA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Accountant's or Auditor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard. While this indicates financial stability relative to the cost of goods and services, it also means that the nominal salary advantage seen in higher cost-of-living areas is absent here.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
5.476
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 0.58x the national average concentration of Accountants and Auditors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.58 for Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. An LQ below 1.0 suggests that the job market for these professionals is not as saturated as in many other regions. This could translate to a more competitive environment for job seekers if demand is also lower, or potentially better opportunities for skilled individuals if local businesses are actively seeking specialized talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Accountants and Auditors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $84,300↑ 3% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Accountants and Auditors Salary | $96,100↑ 18% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $87,240↑ 7% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $81,570↓ 0% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Accountants and Auditors Salary | $90,590↑ 11% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Accountants and Auditors make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $81,630. This typically ranges from $45,550 for entry-level positions to $129,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 13.6% lower than the national median of $94,430.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Accountants and Auditors?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $81,630 is significantly lower than the national average of $94,430, despite a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Accountants and Auditors?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($84,300) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $81,630, which is $12,790 less than the national average of $94,430.
What is the concentration of Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County?
The Location Quotient of 0.58 indicates that Accountants and Auditors are less concentrated in Athens-Clarke County compared to the national average, suggesting a smaller relative presence in the local workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Athens-Clarke County?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $81,630 salary in Athens-Clarke County has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the job density for Accountants and Auditors in this area?
There are approximately 5.476 jobs per 1,000 workers for Accountants and Auditors in Athens-Clarke County, GA, indicating a moderate level of job availability relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 5.476 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Accountants and Auditors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA