Athens vs Augusta: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Athens, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,880 | $62,053▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.46 | $29.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,263 | $35,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,482 | $49,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,344 | $81,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,784▲ | $99,599 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Augusta is $11,173 (21.96%). Augusta's median is -22.81% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $71,521,Augusta spans $64,561. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($67,520 effective) pays 23.87% more than Athens ($54,509 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,784)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,053/year)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,520)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Athens grew -50.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -18.1% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$99,240 (2022) → $48,698 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$72,500 (2021) → $59,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Athens or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Augusta as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Athens vs Augusta?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov