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Military Enlisted Salary in Columbus, GA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbus's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Columbus β€” Key Numbers

$34,850
Median Salary
$25,075
25th Percentile
$48,280
75th Percentile
$62,900
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-15.0%
Columbus median household income$48,000
vs. City household income-27.4%

Cost of Living in Columbus

Cost of Living Index
85(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.0%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary5.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Columbus

4.1%
Unemployment Rate
330,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
32.4
Median Age

Columbus has a metro population of 330,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 4.1% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Georgia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Columbus, GA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Columbus is $34,850 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Columbus's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $25,075 (25th percentile) to $48,280 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,900.

Is Columbus affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $34,850 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Columbus would spend approximately 31.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $185,000 is 5.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Columbus's overall income?

Columbus's median household income is $48,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $34,850 earns 27.4% less than the typical Columbus household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Columbus has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.