High-Paying Jobs in Atlanta: Where the Top Salaries Are (and How to Get Them)

Atlanta’s job market is one of the strongest in the Southeast, with major employers in technology, healthcare, film, logistics, finance, and corporate headquarters. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re thinking about moving here—you have access to a wide range of high-paying careers across multiple industries.

Below is a practical guide to high-paying jobs in Atlanta, the skills they require, where people commonly work, and how to position yourself for these roles locally.

Atlanta’s Economy: Why High-Paying Jobs Are Growing

Atlanta is home to:

• Multiple Fortune 500 headquarters (especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter Center)
• A fast-growing tech and startup scene (Midtown’s “Tech Square,” West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward)
• A major film and television production hub
• One of the world’s busiest airports (Hartsfield-Jackson), supporting logistics and travel industries
• Large healthcare and academic medical centers, like Emory and Grady

This mix creates strong demand for skilled professionals, especially in:

• Tech and data
• Healthcare
• Engineering
• Corporate and finance
• Law
• Aviation and logistics
• Film and digital media

Snapshot: Examples of High-Paying Career Paths in Atlanta

(Typical salary ranges are approximate and can vary based on experience, employer, and specialization.)

1. High-Paying Tech and IT Jobs in Atlanta

Atlanta’s tech sector is centered around Midtown (Tech Square), Buckhead, Perimeter, and parts of Alpharetta (“Technology City of the South”). Many high-paying roles are with:

• Large corporations (Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, UPS, etc.)
• Consulting firms
• Fintech companies
• SaaS and cybersecurity startups

Common high-paying tech roles:

• Software Engineer / Software Developer
• Cloud Architect / Cloud Engineer
• Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer
• Cybersecurity Engineer / Security Architect
• Solutions Architect / Enterprise Architect
• DevOps Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

What helps you earn more in Atlanta tech:

• Strong skills in Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, or Go
• Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD tools
• Background in data analytics, machine learning, or cybersecurity
• Internships or work experience at local tech employers

Local resources to build or upgrade tech skills:

• Atlanta Technical College – 1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Georgia State University (Downtown Campus) – 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Georgia Tech (strong for engineering, CS) – North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30332

Atlanta also has frequent meetups and coding bootcamps around Midtown and Buckhead that can speed up your transition into tech.

2. High-Paying Healthcare Jobs in Atlanta

Healthcare is one of Atlanta’s most stable and well-paying sectors, with big employers like:

• Emory Healthcare (multiple hospitals and clinics)
• Grady Health System – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Piedmont Healthcare
• Wellstar Health System

High-paying healthcare roles:

• Physicians and Surgeons (specialists tend to earn the most)
• Dentists and Orthodontists
• Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Pharmacists
• Physician Assistants (PAs)
• Healthcare Executives / Administrators

Many of these roles require advanced degrees, licenses, and residencies, but they often offer some of the highest incomes in the city.

Pathways into healthcare in Atlanta:

• Emory University School of Medicine – 1648 Pierce Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Morehouse School of Medicine – 720 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health Professions

If you’re not ready for medical school, there are still high-paying healthcare-adjacent roles such as health IT, hospital finance, medical device sales, and clinical research management.

3. Engineering and Architecture Jobs in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a transportation, construction, and infrastructure hub, engineering and architecture roles are in steady demand.

Well-compensated engineering specialties:

• Civil Engineers (transportation, structural, water resources)
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Industrial and Systems Engineers
• Aerospace Engineers (especially around Delta and related suppliers)
• Software / Computer Engineers

Where engineers often work in Atlanta:

• Large engineering and construction firms (often based in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter)
• State and local government agencies overseeing transportation and infrastructure
• Corporate HQs with major operations and logistics needs
• Utility and energy companies
• Aviation-related businesses near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Credentials from Georgia Tech or similar engineering schools are widely recognized, but experience and professional licensure (such as PE – Professional Engineer) can be just as critical long-term.

4. Finance, Accounting, and Corporate Leadership Roles

As a major headquarters city, Atlanta offers many high-paying roles in finance, strategy, and management.

Common high-earning corporate roles:

• Finance Manager / Senior Financial Analyst
• Controller / Director of Finance
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Management Consultant
• Corporate Strategy Lead
• HR Director / VP of People
• Marketing Director or VP of Marketing

These positions are often concentrated in:

• Downtown Atlanta – central business and government offices
• Midtown – tech and innovation-focused companies
• Buckhead – finance and professional services
• Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area) – corporate campuses

Building toward six-figure corporate roles:

• Degrees in finance, accounting, economics, business, or analytics
• Professional credentials like CPA, CFA, or MBA
• Solid Excel, financial modeling, or data analysis skills
• Experience in Big Four accounting or consulting can accelerate earning potential

5. Legal Careers: Law Firms and In-House Counsel

Atlanta has a strong legal market, serving corporations, entertainment, real estate, and more.

High-earning legal paths in Atlanta:

• Law Firm Partner (especially in corporate, IP, tax, and complex litigation)
• Senior Associate at large firms
• In-House Counsel at corporate headquarters
• Specialized Attorneys (entertainment, real estate, employment, technology)

Legal professionals frequently work in and around:

• Downtown Atlanta – courthouses and many firms
• Midtown and Buckhead – firms and corporate offices

Typical pathway:

• Law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Passing the Georgia Bar Exam
• Starting at a law firm, government role, or corporate legal department

6. Aviation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Jobs

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and major distribution centers around the metro area create very high-paying roles tied to aviation and logistics.

High-paying roles include:

• Airline Pilots, First Officers, and Captains
• Air Traffic Controllers
• Aviation Maintenance Managers
• Logistics Managers and Directors
• Supply Chain Directors
• Operations and Terminal Managers

Many opportunities connect to Delta Air Lines and other carriers, logistics companies, and freight operations. These careers often involve shift work, travel, and federal or specialized certifications—but they can be financially rewarding.

7. Film, TV, and Digital Media Careers

Atlanta has become a major center for film and television production, with work concentrated in:

• Studios around Fayetteville, Trilith Studios, and other metro-area facilities
• On-location shoots in neighborhoods across the city
• Post-production, editing, and creative agencies in Midtown, West Midtown, and Inman Park

High-paying roles are typically:

• Producers and Executive Producers
• Directors and Directors of Photography (DPs)
• Senior Editors and Post-Production Supervisors
• Experienced Production Designers, Costume Designers, Makeup Heads
• Senior-level Animation, VFX, and Motion Graphics Artists

Many people start in entry-level production assistant (PA) or crew roles, then move up by building a strong portfolio and network within Atlanta’s production community.

8. Sales, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Some of Atlanta’s highest earners are in commission-based or entrepreneurial roles, where income is tied to performance rather than a fixed salary.

Sales roles:

• Enterprise Software Sales / Tech Sales (Account Executives, Sales Directors)
• Medical Device Sales
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales for logistics, marketing, or consulting services

Real estate roles:

• Residential and Commercial Real Estate Agents/Brokers
• Real Estate Developers
• Property and Asset Managers for large portfolios

Because income in these roles can be highly variable, they suit people who:

• Are comfortable with commission-based pay
• Network actively around Atlanta’s business and social communities
• Understand local neighborhoods, zoning, and development trends

9. Skills and Degrees That Pay Off in Atlanta

Certain skills and qualifications tend to lead to higher salaries across many Atlanta industries:

Technical and analytical skills:

• Programming (Python, SQL, Java, JavaScript, C#)
• Data analysis and visualization (Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Project management and process improvement

Professional credentials that can help:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• PE (Professional Engineer)
• SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP (for HR)
• Specialized healthcare licenses and board certifications

Local schools and training options:

• Georgia Tech – strong for engineering, computing, analytics
• Georgia State University – business, law, public policy, health programs
• Kennesaw State University – business, IT, engineering
• Atlanta Technical College – technical and healthcare programs
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College – affordable pathways and transfer options

10. How to Actually Land a High-Paying Job in Atlanta

Knowing what pays well is one thing; breaking into those roles is another. In Atlanta, networking and local experience matter as much as your resume.

Practical steps you can take

1. Target the right neighborhoods and business hubs

   • Midtown – tech, startups, engineering, consulting
   • Downtown – government, legal, corporate, hospitality
   • Buckhead – finance, professional services, high-end sales
   • Perimeter Center – large corporate and healthcare campuses
   • Airport area / South Atlanta – aviation and logistics

2. Use local job search resources

   • Georgia Department of Labor’s Career Center (148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
   • City of Atlanta and Fulton County job boards for public-sector roles
   • Local chapters of professional associations (e.g., for engineers, accountants, IT professionals)

3. Attend Atlanta-based networking events

   • Tech meetups in Midtown and Buckhead
   • Industry-specific conferences at local hotels and convention centers
   • Professional association meetings and happy hours

4. Leverage internships and entry-level roles

   • For students, seek internships at Atlanta companies instead of remote roles in other cities.
   • For career changers, look for apprenticeships, junior roles, or temp-to-perm positions to gain Atlanta-specific experience.

5. Polish your materials for the Atlanta market

   • Highlight any experience with large organizations, fast-paced environments, or high-growth teams.
   • Emphasize familiarity with Atlanta or the Southeast region if you have it (local knowledge can help in sales, real estate, and client-facing roles).

11. Where to Get Career Help in Atlanta

If you’re not sure where to start, there are local resources that can help you map out a path into higher-paying work.

Examples of helpful public resources:

• Atlanta Workforce Development Agency / WorkSource Atlanta
  • 818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
  • Provides job training, career counseling, and placement assistance.
• Georgia Department of Labor Career Center (Atlanta)
  • 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Offers job listings, resume assistance, and workshops.
• Goodwill Career Centers (various Atlanta locations)
  • Support with resumes, interviewing, and job search strategies.

These services can help you identify in-demand, higher-paying roles that match your background, then connect you with training or employers.

By focusing your efforts on Atlanta’s strongest industries—tech, healthcare, engineering, corporate finance, law, aviation, logistics, film, and high-level sales—you can position yourself for a well-paying, long-term career in the city. The keys are: build marketable skills, tap into local networks, and aim for employers and roles where Atlanta is already investing and growing.