Financial Analyst in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.

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The Salary Picture: Where Augusta-Richmond County Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Augusta isn't a typical financial hub like Atlanta or Charlotte. It’s a healthcare and military economy with a unique, stable rhythm. For a Financial Analyst, this means the salary landscape is solid but not explosive. You won't see the sky-high bonuses of Wall Street, but your cost of living will be dramatically lower, which is the real math that matters.

The Median Salary for a Financial Analyst in the Augusta-Richmond County metro area is $98,029/year. That breaks down to an Hourly Rate of $47.13/hour. This positions Augusta favorably, especially when you compare it to the National Average of $99,010/year. You’re earning almost the same as the national average, but in a city where your money goes further.

The job market isn't massive, with approximately 405 jobs in the metro area, but the 10-Year Job Growth is a healthy 9%. This indicates steady, sustainable demand rather than volatile boom-bust cycles.

Here’s how experience plays into your earning potential in Augusta:

Experience Level	Typical Augusta Salary Range	Key Local Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $82,000	Supporting budgeting, data entry, basic variance analysis for a hospital system or manufacturing plant.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Leading FP&A for a department, building financial models for capital projects, interacting with operational managers.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Managing a team of analysts, strategic planning for a large employer, M&A support (more common in corporate HQs).
Expert (15+ yrs)	$135,000 - $160,000+	Director/VP level, overseeing all financial planning, acting as a strategic advisor to C-suite at major local employers.

How does this compare to other GA cities?

• Atlanta: Salaries are 10-15% higher, but cost of living is 30-40% higher. You net less in Atlanta.
• Savannah: Similar cost of living to Augusta, but salaries can be slightly lower due to a tourism/ports economy with fewer corporate HQs.
• Columbus: Generally lower salaries and a smaller job market.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary lever in Augusta isn't your title—it's your industry. A Financial Analyst at Augusta University Health or Philips has a different pay scale and bonus structure than one at Club Car or the Georgia Power regional office.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the monthly budget for a mid-level Financial Analyst earning the median salary of $98,029.

First, the take-home pay. After federal taxes, FICA, and Georgia state taxes (which are progressive, starting at 1%), a single filer with no dependents and standard deductions can expect to take home approximately $72,500 - $75,000 annually, or about $6,100 - $6,250 per month.

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for Augusta is 96.7 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly below the national average. A critical data point is the Average 1BR Rent: $961/month. This is a realistic figure for a decent apartment in a safe, convenient area—not a brand-new luxury high-rise, but a solid, clean place.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single analyst:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,200	Based on $98,029 salary
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$961	Average for the metro area
Utilities (Elec/Water/Wi-Fi)	$200	Higher in summer due to AC
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Augusta is a driving city; public transit is limited
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Average commute is 20-25 mins
Groceries & Household	$400	Publix, Kroger, and local markets like the Downtown Farmers Market
Health Insurance	$350	If employer covers 70% of premium
Retirement Savings (10%)	$816	Pre-tax contribution to 401(k)
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,823	Dining out, activities, travel, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With that discretionary budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in the Augusta area hovers around $230,000 - $250,000. A 20% down payment is $46k-$50k. Given the savings potential outlined above, a mid-level analyst could realistically save this in 2-3 years without extreme frugality. A 15-year mortgage on a $240,000 home would be roughly $1,400/month, which is manageable on a $98,029 salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Augusta-Richmond County's Major Employers

Augusta’s economy is anchored by the federal government, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Financial Analyst roles are concentrated in these sectors. You won’t find a "Wall Street" branch here, but you will find stable, well-paying corporate roles.

1. Augusta University Health / Medical College of Georgia: The largest employer in the region. They have a massive need for financial analysts to manage budgets for a sprawling hospital system, research grants, and clinical operations. Hiring is constant.

2. Philips (formerly Savi Technology): A major tech and healthcare company with a significant Augusta presence. They need analysts for product cost accounting, forecasting for medical device lines, and corporate finance.

3. Club Car: The global golf cart and utility vehicle manufacturer has its worldwide headquarters in Augusta. This is a prime spot for a financial analyst looking to work in a corporate FP&A role for a manufacturing firm.

4. Georgia Power (Southern Company): The regional utility company has a large office in Augusta. Financial analysts here work on rate case analysis, capital project finance, and long-term planning.

5. Textron (Bell Helicopter & Textron Systems): With a major facility at Augusta Regional Airport, this defense contractor employs financial analysts for program costing, government contract compliance, and financial planning.

6. Augusta National Golf Club (The Masters): While not a year-round corporate office, The Masters tournament and the club's operations require skilled financial analysts for event budgeting, hospitality revenue management, and long-term asset planning. It's a niche but prestigious local employer.

7. U.S. Army Cyber Command (Fort Gordon): While technically federal civilian employees, the economic ripple effect is massive. Contractors supporting Fort Gordon (like GDIT, Leidos, and General Dynamics) are constantly hiring financial analysts to manage government contracts and security clearance-related budgets.

Hiring Trends: There is a strong trend toward analysts who can bridge finance and operations. Knowing SQL or Python for data analysis is a huge plus, as is experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, which are common at Philips, Club Car, and Textron.

Getting Licensed in GA

For the title "Financial Analyst," Georgia does not have a state-specific license. The primary credentials come from national certifications. However, if you want to advance to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you must meet Georgia State Board of Accountancy or Georgia Secretary of State requirements.

For a Financial Analyst (no state license needed):

• Cost: $0 (for the job title itself).
• Timeline: You can start applying immediately with a bachelor's degree.

If you pursue a CPA (common advancement path):

• Requirements:
  1. Education: 150 semester hours, including 24 hours of accounting and 24 hours of business.
  2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
  3. Experience: 2 years of qualifying work experience under a licensed CPA.
• Costs:
  • Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (varies by state/section).
  • Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger).
  • Application/License Fee: ~$150.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for the exam as soon as you meet the educational requirements. The process from starting study to holding the license typically takes 12-18 months.

Insider Tip: In Augusta, a CPA is highly valued even in corporate roles (like at Club Car or Philips) because it signals a deep understanding of financial controls and reporting, which is critical when dealing with government contracts or public company standards.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Augusta is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on commute time, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown / Summerville:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to the medical district and Augusta University. Mix of old homes and renovated apartments.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most major employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
   • Best for: Analysts who want an urban feel without Atlanta's price tag. Great for networking with hospital and university staff.

2. North Augusta, SC (just across the river):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quieter, with excellent schools. A popular choice for professionals at Fort Gordon or Club Car.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Augusta employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Best for: Those who prioritize space and safety. Note: SC income tax is slightly lower than GA's.

3. Mount Air / West Augusta:

   • Vibe: Suburban, commercial, with lots of shopping (Target, Costco) and new apartment complexes.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
   • Best for: Analysts who want modern amenities and a quick commute to Philips or Georgia Power.

4. Augusta National Area:

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, and upscale. Close to the golf club and the airport.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
   • Best for: Those who value tranquility and are working for aerospace/defense companies.

5. Hephzibah / Blythe (Southwest):

   • Vibe: Rural, more affordable, with a small-town feel.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR or small house.
   • Best for: Analysts who want to maximize savings and don't mind a longer drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Augusta, the "long game" is about specialization and internal mobility. The 10-Year Job Growth of 9% is steady, but advancement beyond senior analyst requires strategic choices.

Specialty Premiums:

• Government Contracting (FAR/DFARS): If you work for a defense contractor (Textron, GDIT), expertise in Federal Acquisition Regulations can command a 10-15% salary premium.
• Healthcare Finance: With Augusta University Health and Doctors Hospital, specialization in healthcare reimbursement (DRGs, RVUs) is a lucrative niche.
• Data Analytics: Proficiency in Power BI, Tableau, or Python for financial modeling is increasingly non-negotiable and separates you from candidates who only know Excel.

Advancement Paths:

1. Corporate Ladder: Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of FP&A (common at Club Car, Philips, Georgia Power).
2. Consulting/Contracting: Move from a corporate role to a consulting firm supporting multiple clients (e.g., a local firm that serves the defense and healthcare sectors).
3. Government/Federal: Transition to a higher-grade GS position at Fort Gordon or the VA Hospital, which offers excellent benefits and job security.

10-Year Outlook: Augusta's economy is insulated from major shocks due to its government and healthcare anchors. A Financial Analyst who builds expertise in a core sector (healthcare, defense, manufacturing) and commutes from a low-cost neighborhood like Hephzibah could see their net worth increase significantly faster than in a high-cost coastal city, even with slightly slower salary growth.

The Verdict: Is Augusta-Richmond County Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $98,029 salary buys a lifestyle that would require $130,000+ in Atlanta.	Limited Networking: Smaller finance community; fewer industry events than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, military, and government. Low unemployment.	Insular Culture: The city can feel "closed-off" to newcomers; building a social circle takes effort.
Easy Commutes: 15-20 minutes is standard, freeing up personal time.	Fewer "Prestige" Employers: No Fortune 500 HQs (outside of Club Car's ownership).
Outdoor Amenities: Riverwalk, golf, parks, and a low-stress pace of life.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer museums, theaters, and major concerts compared to Atlanta.
No State Income Tax on Social Security: A perk for retirees, but GA's overall tax burden is moderate.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable car; public transit is not viable for most.

Final Recommendation: Augusta is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who values work-life balance, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary in a high-cost, high-stress environment. It's ideal for those in the 5-15 year experience range looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing a professional career. If you're an early-career analyst seeking the fastest possible growth and a vibrant, competitive social scene, you might find Augusta limiting. For everyone else, it’s a hidden gem where the math of life works in your favor.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for Financial Analysts in Augusta competitive?
It’s competitive for the limited number of roles, but not cutthroat. With the right experience (especially in healthcare, defense, or manufacturing) and a polished resume, you will get interviews. Many employers struggle to attract talent from outside the region, so being a local or showing a clear intent to relocate is an advantage.

2. How does the cost of living in Augusta really compare to a major city?
A $98,029 salary in Augusta feels like earning $135,000 in Atlanta when you account for rent, home prices, and daily expenses. You can live in a safe, central neighborhood and own a home within a few years, which is a distant dream for many analysts in larger metros.

3. What's the commute like from the suburbs?
Generally excellent. From North Augusta, it's a 10-minute drive to downtown. From the outer parts of Columbia County (Evans, Martinez), it's a 20-25 minute drive on I-20 or I-520. Traffic is minimal compared to Atlanta's gridlock.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, but it's not the default. Many local employers (hospitals, manufacturers) prefer on-site work for collaboration. However, since the pandemic, hybrid schedules (2-3 days in office) are becoming more common. Some analysts work fully remote for companies based in other cities but reside in Augusta for the low cost of living.

5. What's the best way to network in Augusta's finance community?
Join the Augusta Chapter of the Finance Professionals Society (if active) or the local CFA Society. Attend events at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. Also, consider volunteering for organizations like the United Way of the CSRA—it's a fantastic way to meet senior business leaders across different industries.