How does a Police Officer's salary in Atlanta compare to the rest of Georgia?

Atlanta's cost of living index is 113 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $81,676 earns $10,276 more than the median household income in Atlanta ($71,400).

Police Officer Salary in Atlanta, GA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Atlanta's cost of living (index: 113). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Atlanta — Key Numbers

$81,676

Median Salary

$61,958

25th Percentile

$110,311

75th Percentile

$140,911

90th Percentile

National median (Police Officer)$72,280

vs. National median+13.0%

Atlanta median household income$71,400

vs. City household income+14.4%

Cost of Living in Atlanta

Cost of Living Index

113(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,576/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio23.2%

Annual rent cost$18,912

Median Home Price$385,000

Home Price / Salary4.7×

20% Down Payment$77,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.7 yrs

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

Job Market in Atlanta

3.7%

Unemployment Rate

6,230,000

Metro Population

31 min

Avg Commute

34.8

Median Age

Atlanta has a metro population of 6,230,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Atlanta

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Cost of Living — Atlanta

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Police Officer Salary in Georgia

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Atlanta

Physician$259,109 Chief Executive Officer$237,300 Dentist$198,326 IT Manager$191,546 Marketing Manager$178,111 Lawyer$164,709

Police Officer Salary — Other Georgia Cities

Augusta, GA$63,606 Savannah, GA$72,280 Columbus, GA$61,438

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Atlanta, GA?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Atlanta is $81,676 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Atlanta's cost of living index (113). The typical salary range runs from $61,958 (25th percentile) to $110,311 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $140,911.

Is Atlanta affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $81,676 annual salary, a Police Officer in Atlanta would spend approximately 23.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,576/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Atlanta relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $385,000 is 4.7× the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Atlanta's overall income?

Atlanta's median household income is $71,400. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $81,676 earns 14.4% more than the typical Atlanta household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Police Officer — National Police Officer in Georgia All Salary Guides

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.