The Financial Analyst’s Guide to Roswell, GA: Salaries, Employers, and Local Insights

As a career analyst who’s spent years dissecting the Atlanta metro job market, I can tell you that Roswell offers a unique proposition for financial professionals. It’s not a downtown financial hub like Midtown Atlanta or a sprawling corporate center like Alpharetta. Instead, it’s a historic, affluent suburb with a strong anchor in healthcare, manufacturing, and a growing tech scene. This guide cuts through the fluff and provides a data-driven look at what it’s really like to be a Financial Analyst in Roswell.

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

Before you pack your bags, let’s talk numbers. The financial analyst role in Roswell is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for the role aligns closely with the national average, but the real value comes from the cost of living being just slightly above the U.S. average.

The Roswell market is robust but not as saturated as downtown Atlanta, meaning you might find less competition for mid-level roles but more emphasis on specialized skills. The 10-year job growth of 9% is a solid indicator of stability, suggesting that while explosive growth isn’t the norm, the demand for analytical talent is steadily increasing.

Here’s how the salary breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$68,000 - $85,000	Data aggregation, basic modeling, monthly reporting, assisting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	$85,000 - $110,000	Building complex financial models, budgeting/forecasting, presenting to department heads, process improvement.
Senior	$110,000 - $140,000	Leading modeling projects, mentoring junior staff, strategic planning, cross-functional analysis.
Expert/Manager	$140,000+	Team management, executive-level reporting, long-range financial planning, M&A support.

Median Salary: $99,277/year | Hourly Rate: $47.73/hour | National Average: $99,010/year | Jobs in Metro: 183

Insider Tip: The slight edge Roswell has over the national average ($99,277 vs. $99,010) is meaningful in this market. Because the metro population is only 91,708, you won't see the tiered salary structures of a major city. Your negotiation power is higher if you have niche skills in healthcare finance, ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), or data visualization (Tableau, Power BI).

Comparison to Other GA Cities:

• Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown): Salaries are roughly 5-10% higher ($104k - $109k median), but cost of living is 15-20% higher, and commutes are brutal. You trade salary for time and rent.
• Alpharetta: A direct competitor, with a similar cost of living and slightly higher salaries due to the concentration of tech companies ($101k - $103k median). Roswell is often seen as the more "laid-back" alternative.
• Johns Creek: Very similar to Roswell, with a nearly identical demographic and salary structure. The choice often comes down to specific employer location.
• Downtown Decatur: Smaller job market, but with a unique blend of government and non-profit finance roles. Salaries can be slightly lower, but the lifestyle is highly walkable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $99,277 median salary in reality. Georgia has a progressive income tax system ranging from 1% to 5.75%. For a single filer with no dependents, you're looking at an effective tax rate of about 4.5%. Federal taxes (FICA, income tax) will take another 20-25%. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown:

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Financial Analyst Earning $99,277:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,273
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State): ~$2,068
• Net Take-Home Pay: $6,205

Living Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,643/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $500 - $700 (Roswell is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (Employer-subsidized): $200 - $400
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Gym): $500

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,443 - $3,693

Savings & Discretionary Income: You’re left with $2,512 - $2,762 per month. This is a healthy margin for savings, debt repayment, or investments. The Cost of Living Index of 100.9 means you’re paying a negligible premium over the U.S. average, which is easily covered by your take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Roswell is over $550,000. With a 20% down payment, you’re looking at a mortgage of around $440,000. At current interest rates (approx. 7%), your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $3,500. This would consume over 50% of your take-home pay, which is not recommended. A more realistic scenario is to wait for a mid-career salary bump (into the $115k+ range) or consider a condo/townhome in the $350k - $450k range.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell's job market is anchored by a mix of legacy manufacturing, top-tier healthcare, and a growing professional services sector. You won't find a Wall Street-style trading floor, but you'll find stable, well-paid financial roles in these organizations.

1. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite Campus): A massive employer and a key source of financial analyst roles. They need analysts for budgeting, grant accounting, and operational efficiency. Hiring is consistent due to their non-profit status and expansion. Insider Tip: Understanding healthcare revenue cycles and non-profit financial reporting (FASB standards) is a huge advantage here.
2. Mohawk Industries (Headquartered in Calhoun, but major operations in the area): A Fortune 500 flooring manufacturer. Their finance teams are deeply involved in supply chain cost analysis, plant-level P&L management, and ERP system optimization. They value analysts who can work with large datasets from manufacturing facilities.
3. Genuine Parts Company (NAPA Auto Parts - Global HQ in Atlanta): While headquartered in Midtown, their sprawling campus near the North Fulton area (just south of Roswell) pulls talent from Roswell. They have extensive needs in inventory finance, global treasury, and corporate FP&A.
4. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital: As one of the region's major hospital systems, Wellstar has a significant presence. Financial analyst roles here are focused on departmental budgeting, cost accounting, and financial modeling for new service lines. Insider Tip: Salaries here can be slightly lower than in the private sector but come with excellent benefits and job stability.
5. Aerotek & Professional Staffing Firms: While not an employer per se, Roswell is a hub for staffing firms that serve the industrial and tech sectors. Many financial analyst positions here start as 6-12 month contracts with the potential for conversion. This is a great way to get your foot in the door.
6. Local Banking & Credit Unions: Institutions like Ameris Bank (regional HQ in Atlanta) and Delta Community Credit Union have branches and back-office operations in the area. They hire for commercial loan analysis and internal financial reporting.
7. Tech & Software Services: A growing number of small to mid-sized tech companies (often in the "Roswell Technology Park" area) hire financial analysts for SaaS metrics, burn rate analysis, and investor reporting.

Hiring Trend: The market is stable. Most hiring is for replacement and controlled growth, not mass expansion. The 183 jobs in the metro is a realistic number—active, but not flooded. Networking on LinkedIn with recruiters from these specific companies is more effective than applying for generic "Financial Analyst" roles.

Getting Licensed in GA

For most corporate financial analyst roles, you are not required to hold a state license. However, certain certifications dramatically boost your salary and prospects. The exception is if you move into a regulated field like insurance or securities.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard for investment analysis. While not required for most corporate roles, it signals deep expertise. The CFA Institute is your resource. Cost: ~$3,000 - $5,000 for all three levels (exam fees, study materials). Timeline: 18-24 months of dedicated study.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If your role leans toward accounting, budgeting, or internal audit, a CPA is invaluable. In Georgia, you must apply through the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. Requirements: 150 semester hours of education, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of experience under a CPA. Cost: Exam fees (~$1,000), review course ($1,500 - $3,000), licensing fees. Timeline: 12-18 months post-education.
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner): Relevant only if you pivot to wealth management or financial advising, which is a distinct career path from corporate analysis.

Insider Tip: For Roswell's market, a CPA is often more directly valuable than a CFA, given the strong presence of manufacturing, healthcare, and non-profits where financial reporting and compliance are paramount.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Your choice of neighborhood in Roswell dictates your commute, lifestyle, and rent. All commute times are to the major employer hubs (e.g., North Fulton Hospital, Scottish Rite, or the industrial zones).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Historic Roswell (Downtown)	Walkable, charming, with cafes and boutiques. Commute to local employers is <10 mins by car.	$1,750 - $1,950	Those who want a lively, historic feel and don't mind older apartment layouts.
East Roswell (near Hwy 9/400)	More suburban, family-oriented. Easy access to Alpharetta job centers. Commute to Atlanta is 30-45 mins.	$1,550 - $1,750	Analysts who prioritize space, newer amenities, and a quieter setting.
The Falls / Holcomb Bridge	Established, wooded suburbs. Close to the Chattahoochee River. Mid-range rents. Commutes are straightforward.	$1,450 - $1,650	A balanced choice for professionals who want a suburban feel without being too far from the action.
Mimosa / Crabapple	Upscale, with larger single-family homes and townhomes. Excellent schools. Commute to 400 is easy.	$1,600 - $1,800 (for townhomes)	Ideal for analysts with families or those who want a more residential, upscale environment.
Brookfield / Rivercliff	Gated communities and apartment complexes. Very quiet and safe. Commute is good to all major Roswell employers.	$1,500 - $1,700	Those seeking a secure, low-key environment with easy parking and modern amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Roswell is not as bad as Atlanta proper, but SR-400 is a major bottleneck. If you work in Alpharetta or commute to Atlanta, living east of 400 (like in East Roswell) can save you 15-20 minutes on your evening commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Roswell, career growth for a Financial Analyst is often lateral (to a different company) or vertical (within a larger corporate structure). The 10-year job growth of 9% indicates a stable, not explosive, market.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Finance: +10-15% salary premium over general corporate roles. Deep knowledge of DRGs, revenue cycles, and value-based care models is key.
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain: +8-12% premium. Expertise in cost accounting, inventory valuation, and lean manufacturing metrics is highly sought after.
  • Data Analytics & Automation: +5-10% premium. Analysts who can build Power BI dashboards, automate reports via SQL/Python, and work with ERP data are invaluable.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Vertical: Senior Financial Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of FP&A. This path is most common in larger employers like Children's or Genuine Parts.
  2. Lateral: Move from a manufacturer (Mohawk) to a healthcare provider (Wellstar) to broaden experience. This is a common strategy in the Roswell market to break the $130k ceiling.
  3. Geographic Expansion: Use Roswell as a launchpad. After 3-5 years, your experience is highly transferable. Many analysts use their Roswell/Tier-2 city experience to jump to higher-paying roles in Atlanta's Midtown or Buckhead districts.

• 10-Year Outlook: The financial analyst role in Roswell will evolve. Pure spreadsheet work will be automated. The future analysts will be storytellers—using data to guide strategic decisions. The 9% growth will likely be in roles that blend finance with data science.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

This table summarizes the core trade-offs of choosing Roswell for your financial analyst career.

Pros	Cons
Strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. The $99,277 median goes further here than in Atlanta.	Limited high-end job market. You won't find investment banking or private equity roles.
Stable, diverse employers (Healthcare, Manufacturing). Less recession-vulnerable than pure tech.	Car-dependent. You need a vehicle for everything. Public transit is minimal.
High quality of life. Top-tier parks, schools, and a charming historic district.	Competitive housing market. Rent and home prices are rising, squeezing affordability.
Proximity to Atlanta. Easy access to the city's amenities and a larger job pool if needed.	Slower career progression. Fewer rungs on the corporate ladder compared to a major metro.
Manageable commute. Within Roswell, traffic is tolerable.	Smaller network. Fewer professional meetups and finance-focused events than in Atlanta.

Final Recommendation: Roswell is an excellent choice for mid-career financial analysts (5-10 years of experience) who prioritize work-life balance, want to live in a family-friendly community, and are seeking stability over high-risk, high-reward roles. It’s also ideal for those who want to transition into specialties like healthcare or manufacturing finance. For entry-level analysts, it’s a solid launchpad, but be prepared to consider an Atlanta move after 3-5 years for a broader range of opportunities. For experts, it’s a comfortable landing spot with good compensation, but you’ll need to be proactive about seeking leadership roles at the few large employers available.

FAQs

1. What is the typical commute like from Roswell to downtown Atlanta?
From most Roswell neighborhoods, the commute to downtown Atlanta (I-75/I-85 corridor) is 35-55 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic. During rush hour, it can extend to over an hour. Many professionals in Roswell work in the North Fulton area (Alpharetta, Sandy Springs) to avoid this, with commutes under 30 minutes.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary in Roswell?
Yes. Roswell is a classic suburban city designed around the automobile. Public transportation (MARTA) is limited to a few bus routes and does not provide efficient access to most major employers. Rideshare services are available, but for daily commuting and errands, a personal vehicle is essential.

3. How competitive is the job market for financial analysts in Roswell?
The market is moderately competitive. With 183 jobs in the metro, it's not a hiring frenzy like a major tech hub, but it's also not barren. Success comes from targeting your applications to the specific employers listed above and tailoring your resume to their industries (e.g., highlighting cost accounting for manufacturing roles).

4. Are there opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many of the employers listed, particularly in tech services and corporate offices of larger companies, offer hybrid schedules (2-3 days in office). However, many healthcare and manufacturing roles require an on-site presence for collaboration with operational teams. Always clarify the work model in the interview.

5. What’s the best way to network in Roswell for finance professionals?
While there isn’t a "Wall Street" club scene, the CFA Society Atlanta has regular events in the North Fulton area that are well-attended by Roswell professionals. Also, look