Embarking on a business administration career in Georgia offers a unique blend of professional growth and a dynamic living environment. This guide explores the salaries of CEO, entrepreneur, operations and general managers and supply chain managers in the Peach State.
Leveraging data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we look at specific places that hire the most, median salaries, the economic climate, cost of living, professional associations, labor laws and fair compensation and the educational requirements you'll need to meet to have one of these business careers.
There are roughly 104,200 people employed as general and operations managers in Georgia says the BLS. The median wage per hour is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 5.8%.
Some of the biggest employers of business administration operations managers, supply chain managers and leaders in the state are located in the Atlanta area and are, not surprisingly, focused on transportation, tech and home repair:
CEO positions:
Major corporations in cities like Atlanta and Alpharetta are prime hubs for CEOs. Companies such as The Coca-Cola Company (Atlanta), Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), and Fiserv (Alpharetta) offer executive leadership opportunities.
Entrepreneurial ventures:
Atlanta, as Georgia's economic and cultural hub, fosters a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Co-working spaces, incubators and accelerators in areas like Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta attract innovative startups.
Operations and general managers:
Atlanta, with its diverse business landscape, hosts opportunities in various sectors. Companies like Home Depot (Atlanta) and UPS (Atlanta) frequently seek operations and general managers.
Supply chain managers:
With a robust logistics and transportation sector, cities such as Savannah and Alpharetta have a demand for supply chain expertise. Corporations like Gulfstream Aerospace (Savannah), PepsiCo (Tucker) and Amazon (Atlanta) value skilled supply chain managers.
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Business administration salary Georgia statistics
The median salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and several other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the BLS.
Salaries for different business admin roles in Georgia
Median salary figures provide insights into the earning potential across these business administration roles in Georgia. It's essential to note that individual salaries may vary based on factors such as experience, education, industry and the specific company. Georgia's diverse economic landscape offers opportunities for professionals in various sectors to contribute to and benefit from the state's growing business environment.
Entrepreneurs:
Salaries for entrepreneurs can vary significantly based on the success and scale of their ventures. The median is not easily applicable in this context, as entrepreneurs often derive income directly from the profitability of their businesses. Many entrepreneurs in Georgia thrive across sectors like technology, healthcare and hospitality.
Leadership roles:
Median salary:$201,750 CEOs in Georgia command a substantial median salary, reflective of their executive leadership responsibilities. This figure encompasses a range of industries, including finance, manufacturing and technology, where CEOs play a pivotal role in steering major corporations.
Operations and general managers:
Median salary: $99,800 Operations and general managers in Georgia earn a competitive median salary. These professionals oversee day-to-day business operations, ensuring efficiency and strategic execution. With Atlanta as a major business hub, companies like Home Depot and UPS contribute to the demand for skilled managers.
Supply chain managers:
Median salary: $95,090 Supply chain managers in Georgia play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation sectors. The median salary reflects the importance of effective supply chain management in industries such as aerospace and package delivery. Companies like Gulfstream Aerospace and UPS contribute to the demand for these skills.
Median business administration salary in Georgia
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Georgia is $99,800. Even as a dominant transportation industry hub, Georgia does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. for general and operations managers. However, it's important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education and location within the state.
General and Operations Managers
10%$43,620
25%$62,400
50%$99,800Median
75%$160,030
90%$224,830
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth5.8%
Total Employment111,240
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
$105,760
$47,010
N/A
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
$97,010
$44,180
$206,490
Gainesville, GA
$92,810
$42,410
$211,950
Dalton, GA
$89,990
$38,030
$206,420
Warner Robins, GA
$83,340
$37,470
$190,080
Savannah, GA
$83,090
$39,530
$227,380
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$81,710
$42,440
$201,410
Rome, GA
$80,520
$36,760
$186,430
Albany, GA
$79,520
$37,190
$180,530
Columbus, GA-AL
$77,670
$37,570
$198,710
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2033. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
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Salary range for a business administration career in Georgia
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Georgia typically spans from $43,620 to well over $224,830 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Georgia
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in business and you live in Atlanta, pay may be more competitive.
Georgia and its cities don't rank in the top 10 for pay for business administration careers but the BLS does rank the Atlanta–Roswell–Sandy Springs area in the top 10 for metropolitan areas with the highest employment level for general and operations managers in the U.S.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$162,480
Trenton-Princeton, NJ
$160,460
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$152,090
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$151,420
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$149,260
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$141,280
Sioux Falls, SD-MN
$138,940
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT
$135,210
Huntsville, AL
$133,750
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
$132,880
Factors affecting business administration salaries in Georgia
Several factors influence what your business administration salary may be in Georgia. As we've previously touched on, these primary factors may include:
Experience:
More experienced professionals often command higher salaries.
Education and professional certifications:
Advanced degrees and certifications may positively impact salary levels. Since business is generally competitive in nature, master's degrees and MBAs are usually the norm.
Industry and company size:
Salaries can vary significantly across industries, with technology and healthcare often offering higher compensation. The size of the company can also impact salary levels. Larger companies generally offer higher salaries, especially for leadership roles.
Geographic location and cost of living:
Salaries may vary between cities in Georgia, with areas such as Atlanta and Savannah typically offering higher pay.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a business administrator in Georgia?
Georgia labor laws cover areas such as minimum wage, overtime and workplace safety. To assess fair compensation, individuals can refer to the BLS, industry reports and social or networking platforms. If concerns arise, employees can seek guidance from the Georgia Department of Labor.
Here are some steps you can take to assess whether your compensation aligns with industry standards:
Research industry standards: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports to understand average compensation for your role.
Discuss your concerns: Connect with other professionals in your industry through networking events, online forums or professional associations. Engage in conversations about compensation to understand what others with similar roles and experience are earning.
Consider where you live: Salaries can vary within Georgia based on the cost of living and dominant industries in different regions.
Know your company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on compensation and benefits. Understand how performance reviews and salary adjustments are handled within the organization.
Ask questions: Ask your supervisor or HR department to discuss your performance and compensation.
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Education and training for GA
While most entry-level positions may require a bachelor's degree, many business administration professionals pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA or master's degree for career advancement. Here is a general guide for different business admin careers in GA:
CEO or leadership:
Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, are common. Georgia universities offering MBA programs include Emory University (Goizueta Business School) and Georgia Tech (Scheller College of Business).
Entrepreneur:
Entrepreneurs come from varied educational backgrounds. Universities like Georgia State University offer programs supporting entrepreneurship.
Operations and general managers:
A bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field is often required. Georgia State University and the University of Georgia are notable institutions.
Supply chain managers:
A bachelor's degree in supply chain management or a related field is typical. Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University offer relevant programs.
Cost of living considerations for Georgia
Georgia boasts a diverse economy, with strengths in logistics, finance, technology and manufacturing. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
More specifically, the cost of living in GA is, on average 10% lower than the national average—with housing around 20% lower than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe lists the cost of living for some of the major cities in Georgia. Here's where they fall as far as ranking against the national average:
Georgia city
Cost of living % to national average
Athens
6% lower
Atlanta
1% higher
Macon
12% lower
Savannah
10% lower
Valdosta
8% lower
Marietta
7% lower
Georgia professional associations and networking
Professional associations provide valuable networking opportunities, development resources and a platform for industry professionals to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in their field of business administration. Here are just a couple of associations you could consider joining:
Technology Association of Georgia (TAG): TAG brings together major tech players across multiple industry verticals through events, professional societies and mentorships.
Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM): The Georgia Association of Manufacturers is the only trade group in the state exclusively dedicated to manufacturers.
Georgia Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (GAHIMSS): Provides statewide leadership for the advancement and management of healthcare information and technology.
Business administration careers in Georgia may open doors to a professional landscape nestled within a community feel. From the bustling cities to the historic landscapes, the Peach State provides a unique backdrop for success in CEO roles, entrepreneurial ventures, operations and general management and supply chain expertise. Aspiring professionals can find opportunities enhanced by healthy salaries, supported by a robust economy and a high quality of life.
Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
