๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 101 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Sandy Springs, GA

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$69,647
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$69,025
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$158,045
1BR Rent
$1,643
median monthly

Hereโ€™s the thing about Sandy Springs: itโ€™s not just a wealthy suburb with good schools. In 2026, itโ€™s one of the few places where a median household income of $110,401 actually feelsโ€ฆ manageable. With a cost of living barely a whisper above the national averageโ€”100.9, to be exactโ€”itโ€™s a rare spot where six figures doesnโ€™t automatically mean youโ€™re house-poor.

Letโ€™s talk purchasing power. That median income buys you more here than in, say, Atlanta proper or any coastal city. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,643 a month. Thatโ€™s not cheap, but itโ€™s not soul-crushing either. Youโ€™re not spending half your paycheck on rent, which means thereโ€™s room for savings, a car payment, maybe even a vacation. Itโ€™s not a financial bargain, but for what you earn, itโ€™s a pretty fair trade.

So whoโ€™s thriving here? The cityโ€™s economic engine is a mix of corporate HQs, healthcare, and professional services. Youโ€™ve got big names like Coca-Cola, UPS, and Newell Brands just down the road, and the city itself is a hub for marketing managers and project managers. The presence of Northside Hospital and a strong pharmaceutical sector explains why pharmacists are among the top earners. Itโ€™s a white-collar town, and the data shows it: nearly 44% of residents hold a bachelorโ€™s degree or higher.

Now, the honest take: wages are solid, but are they keeping pace with the slow creep of inflation? Itโ€™s a fair question. The average salary here is $69,647, which feels comfortable but not lavish. This city works best for dual-income households or skilled professionals in those top-paying fields. If youโ€™re in marketing, tech, or healthcare management, Sandy Springs offers a pretty sweet spot.

The data below will break down exactly which roles command the highest pay and how far your dollar really goes in this specific Atlanta suburb.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Sandy Springs

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +0% vs national

Marketing Manager

$158,045
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $156,635
โฑ Hourly $75.98/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 211
๐Ÿฅˆ +0% vs national

Pharmacist

$136,397
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $135,180
โฑ Hourly $65.58/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 211
๐Ÿฅ‰ +0% vs national

Software Developer

$127,603
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $126,465
โฑ Hourly $61.35/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 634
4๏ธโƒฃ +0% vs national

Construction Manager

$108,502
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $107,534
โฑ Hourly $52.16/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 211
5๏ธโƒฃ +0% vs national

Project Manager

$101,553
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $100,647
โฑ Hourly $48.82/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 211

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Sandy Springs

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (101/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $158,045
2 Pharmacist $136,397
3 Software Developer $127,603
4 Construction Manager $108,502
5 Project Manager $101,553
6 Physical Therapist $99,979
7 Financial Analyst $99,277
8 Web Developer $93,000
9 Dental Hygienist $87,766
10 Accountant $86,312
11 Registered Nurse $86,302
12 Data Analyst $83,585
13 Police Officer $75,112
14 Human Resources Specialist $67,832
15 Elementary School Teacher $63,841
16 Plumber $63,521
17 Paralegal $62,919
18 Electrician $61,716
19 Real Estate Agent $61,645
20 Graphic Designer $61,505
21 Firefighter $57,274
22 Carpenter $57,073
23 HVAC Technician $55,820
24 Heavy Truck Driver $53,233
25 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $50,134
26 Insurance Agent $50,134
27 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $50,134
28 Veterinary Technician $50,134
29 Dental Assistant $50,134
30 Loan Officer $50,134
31 Nail Technician $50,134
32 Cosmetologist $50,134
33 Personal Trainer $50,134
34 Chef/Head Cook $50,134
35 Auto Mechanic $50,134
36 Social Worker $50,134
37 Pharmacy Technician $50,134
38 Welder $49,723
39 Medical Assistant $38,373
40 Security Guard $36,237

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Sandy Springs

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,643/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,844/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$638,750
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.4%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$110,401
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
44%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
101
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Sandy Springs?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Sandy Springs. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Sandy Springs Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Sandy Springs, GA?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in 2026 is $69,647. This is slightly above the national average due to the city's high cost of living. Notably, this average masks significant variation, with top roles earning over twice this figure.

What jobs pay the most in Sandy Springs?

โ–ผ
The highest-paying role is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $158,045. This role is common in the area's corporate and tech sectors. Other high-paying jobs typically include executive and specialized tech positions, but Marketing Manager leads the data.

Is Sandy Springs affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $158,045 is more than sufficient for Sandy Springs. The cost of living index is 100.9, and median household income is $110,401, both indicating a high-income area. With a 1BR rent of $1,643/month, this salary allows for comfortable living and significant savings.

How does Sandy Springs's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Sandy Springs has a cost of living index of 100.9, meaning it is about 0.9% more expensive than the national average. This slightly reduces the purchasing power of your paycheck compared to a lower-cost area. For context, a $69,647 salary here has slightly less buying power than the same salary nationally.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Sandy Springs?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably, a single person should aim for a salary above the median household income of $110,401. This accounts for the high 1BR rent of $1,643/month and a cost of living index of 100.9. A salary of $110,000+ allows for housing, savings, and discretionary spending without financial strain.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Sandy Springs Worth It?

As an editor whoโ€™s watched these numbers evolve, hereโ€™s my honest verdict: Sandy Springs is viable financially, but only if youโ€™re strategic. At a $69,647 average salary and a 100.9 cost-of-living index, youโ€™re not getting a bargain, especially with rent at $1,643 a month. The Marketing Manager numbers ($158k, COL-adjusted $157k) are the exception, not the rule.

Who wins here? Tech and healthcare professionals with in-demand skills, and specialized trades who can command project rates. Generalists will feel the squeeze.

My advice? Before you move, secure a job offer thatโ€™s at least 10% above the average, or be prepared to hustle for side income. Sandy Springs can work, but it wonโ€™t coddle you.

Explore Sandy Springs Further