Atlanta vs South Fulton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Atlanta, GA and South Fulton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | South Fulton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,314▲ | $84,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.42▲ | $40.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,488▲ | $53,143 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,185▲ | $68,731 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,492▲ | $108,795 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,362▲ | $131,744 |
| Total Employed | 6,270▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Fulton.
The salary gap between Atlanta and South Fulton is $5,318 (6.26%). Atlanta's median is -12.73% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $98,874,South Fulton spans $78,601. Atlanta 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, South Fulton ($91,295 effective) pays 1.15% more than Atlanta ($90,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,362)
- ✓Larger job market (6,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose South Fulton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,295)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Atlanta grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.2% growth in South Fulton over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$75,910 (2019) → $88,000 (2025)
South Fulton, GA
$89,240 (2024) → $82,818 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
South Fulton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Atlanta or South Fulton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and South Fulton?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to South Fulton as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Atlanta vs South Fulton?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov