Top 20 Highest Paying Jobs in Atalanta
Known as the “Hollywood of the South,” Atlanta, Georgia, has served as an ideal backdrop for those looking to build their American dream for decades. This fantastic city features a vibrant culture, a thriving job market, and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Boasting a rich and storied history, it’s no wonder that it continually lands at the top of many “best of” lists.
Another strong factor is Atlanta’s economy––many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters here, creating ample employment prospects across various industries. Economists also indicate that Georgia’s growth climbed high in 2023, and will likely continue to outpace the national GDP growth rate well into 2024.
But don’t just take our word for it. Atlanta is a veritable hotspot for all types of growth––personal and professional. If you’re looking to experience the best that this city has to offer, you should start by checking out the local Atlanta job market. This article will share the current job climate, as well as a list of some of the most in-demand job titles hiring right now.
What is the Atlanta Job Market Like Right Now?
The job market in Atlanta at the moment can be described as competitive but promising. With a population of over 480,000 and serving as a major economic hub in the U.S. South, Atlanta offers numerous employment opportunities across various industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and logistics. However, it is important to note that while the city boasts a large job market, it also attracts a considerable number of well-qualified professionals from both within and outside the state which significantly increases competition for entry-level job seekers. That being said, a city like Atlanta, with companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and Home Depot headquartered here, has ample entry-level roles that need filling.
What’s more, Atlanta’s highly educated workforce, bolstered by renowned universities and colleges in the area, contributes to its thriving job landscape. The city’s diverse business environment continues to attract startups and mega-corporations alike. With efficient networking skills, an impressive resume tailored to specific industries or positions sought-after in Atlanta’s job market, along with perseverance and determination for success––finding employment in this flourishing metropolis is certainly possible.
It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the job market; while some industries experienced setbacks or downsizing, others have adapted and continue to grow. Overall, individuals seeking entry-level or senior employment in Atlanta should keep themselves updated on industry trends and skill requirements to increase their chances of success in an evolving job market.
What are the Most In-Demand Jobs Right Now in Atlanta?
- Scope of work: Being able to resolve customer issues and complaints in real-time requires a great deal of comprehensive analytical and communication skills––not to mention the conversational skills and patience of a dedicated people-person. Customer Service Representatives are in high demand throughout Atlanta, and it is one of the most popular roles for entry-level job seekers.
- Customer Service Representative Average Salary: $29,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, teamwork
- Scope of work: Working as an independent agent, or for a dedicated company, these professionals sell insurance to customers who need protection against life’s most common and uncommon challenges. Insurance agents typically communicate directly with clients, proposing various insurance packages and prices. They are also likely the first point of contact for clients attempting to file home, auto, and/or life insurance claims, so knowledge of the industry is required.
- Insurance Sales Agent Average Salary: $42,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, financial
- Scope of work: Nurse practitioners and those working in Atlanta’s health industry have experienced countless setbacks since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Since then, the return to normality has been perpetually strained––but those with the skills remained undeterred. Being a nurse is one of the most noble and selfless professions available, and thankfully, they are in high demand throughout many areas of the country. From medical testing, emergency technicians, home healthcare specialists, and more.
- Registered Nurse Average Salary: $70,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, health/medical, teamwork
- Scope of work: In a world of constantly evolving technologies, being responsible for growth within the computing and digital sphere is a great opportunity for those with the right web-based skills and experience. Software developers create digital software and programs that meet the needs of users. Once built, the software is continually tested to ensure full functionality. If you’ve got the knowledge, you can make it big as a software developer in Atlanta.
- Software Developer Average Salary: $102,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, languages, coding/computing
- Scope of work: These technicians provide engineering and design support to engineers, scientists, and project managers working within the building and architectural industries. With a plethora of individual responsibilities that help grow companies from small-form to large, these types of roles are very popular in Atlanta.
- Engineering Technician Average Salary: $61,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, hands-on
- Scope of work: There is always a high demand for those working in Atlanta’s creative design industry. Businesses need marketing and advertising tools in order to sell their goods and services, and one of the simplest and most effective ways to communicate with the public is by utilizing effective artwork and promotional materials. These are created by graphic designers. Billboards, store signage, magazine and newspaper ads, and even television commercials…graphic designers are in high demand throughout Atlanta.
- Graphic Designer Average Salary: $52,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, design/creative
- Scope of work: The lifeblood of the US economy, drivers transport goods to and from warehouses and factories to retail stores and distribution centers, making it possible for consumers to buy things––one of America’s great pastimes. Due to the overwhelming demand of companies needing their shelves stocked, truck drivers are always required––especially in Atlanta, where many of the country’s biggest corporations have headquarters. In addition to basic driving skills, additional training is needed, but this can be taught with minimal cost and virtually no experience.
- Truck Driver Average Salary: $45,000 per year
- Skills required: Time management, observation, direction, driving/training
- Scope of work: In an industry that straddles the lines of creativity, computing, design, and anthropology, UX/UI Designers are responsible for the seamless creation of digital platforms, like mobile and website design. Using tools and programming know-how, they make user journeys as simplistic and straightforward as possible––a concept that is much harder than it sounds. As a result, they are in high demand within the tech industry, among others.
- UX/UI Designer Average Salary: $69,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, design/creative
- Scope of work: As a city continually on the rise, Atlanta is home to many self-made millionaires thanks to its robust economy and relatively low cost of living figures. That being said, when money is made, some Atlantans prefer to invest rather than save––and this is where a competent and experienced financial advisor comes in. These roles deal heavily with personal and business finances, including stocks, bonds, trading, and mortgages. Keeping clients satisfied is the bare minimum required of a reputable financial advisor. If you have the skills, you’ll be in big demand in Atlanta.
- Financial Advisor Average Salary: $81,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, financial
- Scope of work: As technologies continue to develop greater avenues for hackers and would-be hackers, the need for companies to hire Cyber Security Specialists has never been greater. Businesses need these types of professionals to protect against cyber-attacks and other forms of information and identify theft to keep their database of customers safe and their reputations intact. As one of the great up-and-coming tech centers in America, Atlanta is teeming with job opportunities for those with the required computer skills.
- Cyber Security Specialist Average Salary: $64,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, coding/computing
- Job description: Clinical social workers are professionals who help people to cope with physical, mental, and spiritual stressors and triggers involving many of life’s day-to-day challenges––and many other scenarios that are not common at all. Social work is a thankless job that touches on issues like homelessness, abuse, domestic violence, and poverty, however, these roles are heavily in-demand throughout post-COVID America, and it is a great platform for developing empathy and understanding
- Social Worker Average Salary: $41,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, teamwork
- Scope of work: As mentioned, there are a lot of big businesses headquartered in Atlanta. These businesses need tele-sales agents who can communicate with customers and vendors so that they can place orders, sell advertising, answer questions, and promote the company. These types of jobs are perfect for those with great communication skills and minimal experience because all you need is a telephone and a solid telemarketing script.
- Telemarketer Average Salary: $38,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation
- Scope of work: Atlanta’s real estate market is as resilient and robust as the job market itself. Given the city’s great local attractions and resources, living in Atlanta is a dream for many. And Atlanta’s best real estate agents are available to make those dreams come true. Selling and aiding in the purchase of properties in and around the city limits is an enviable and, luckily, in-demand job.
- Real Estate Agent Average Salary: $61,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, sales
- Scope of work: This entry-level position is part of a growing industry in Atlanta. It involved performing minor repairs of plant and warehouse equipment, including fixing belts, changing filters, preventing machine breakage, and so on.
- Plant Operator Average Salary: $49,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, mechanical
- Scope of work: Companies in Atlanta––both large and small––require the services of a skilled, on-hand accountant to keep track of spending that affects overall business costs. Some accountants even work with individuals to help them manage their finances. If you’ve got the right skills and training, finding work in Atlanta should be very easy.
- Accountant Average Salary: $59,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, finances
- Scope of work: Medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of animals, vets are an essential figure in the lives of so many people who own pets. Being able to assist in the betterment of creatures who cannot speak for themselves is a skill––and fortunately, those skills are in high demand in Atlanta.
- Veterinarian Average Salary: $102,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, medical
- Scope of work: Atlanta, like many US cities, has a lot of litigious citizens and entities that require the specialized skills of experienced lawyers. From wills and tort law to criminal, financial, and environmental cases, attorneys are in high demand throughout.
- Attorney Average Salary: $119,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, legal
- Scope of work: Atlanta’s education system is one of the best in the country. And this is due to many of the city’s dedicated teachers who live, and educate, by example, creating great and inquisitive minds in their students.
- Teacher Average Salary: $53,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, languages
- Scope of work: Another versatile role available in many of Atlanta’s top industries, data entry specialists or clerks are responsible for inputting pertinent sales and marketing data into digestible charts so that businesses can take action according to the latest figures. A good head for numbers and calculations will take any qualified candidate far.
- Data Entry Specialist Average Salary: $41,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, teamwork
- Scope of work: Content creators are performers who typically have extensive social media experience based on their expertise in any number of fields. These types of jobs are relatively easy to get––but harder to maintain without a solid audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. If you can develop the performance and business skills required to become a top-tier influencer and creator, you’ll do great.
- Content Creator Average Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills required: Communication, time management, observation, creative
The Top 20 Most In-Demand Jobs Right Now in Atlanta
There you have it! The state of the current job market, as well as the top 20 most in-demand jobs in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether you are looking for entry-level employment or more experienced (senior) career changes, this city has something to offer everyone. To experience the potential job opportunities available to you, check out GrabJobs for all your job search needs.
