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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Georgia

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Georgia?

The minimum wage in Georgia is $7.25 per hour. Georgia's minimum wage applies to all hours worked within the state's borders, regardless of whether the employer is based within the state or not.

The minimum wage in Georgia refers to the legally mandated minimum hourly wage that employers must pay their employees within the state. It's important to note that Georgia's minimum wage may be subject to change, and employers should stay informed about any updates or revisions. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the minimum wage in Georgia, it is advisable to consult the U.S. Department of Labor or other authoritative sources. It is essential for employers in Georgia to comply with the federal minimum wage to ensure fair compensation for their workers and avoid legal repercussions.

 

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$29.45

What is the average wage in Georgia?

The average wage in Georgia is $29.45 per hour, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure is based on a survey of all workers in the state who reported their earnings. 

Wages vary widely across different occupations in Georgia. For example, the average hourly wage for a fast food cook is $10.30, while the average hourly wage for a lawyer is $63.95.

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$30.86

What is the living wage in Georgia?

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Atlanta, Georgia?

The minimum wage in Atlanta, Georgia is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the state minimum wage. The Atlanta minimum wage applies to all hours worked within the city limits, regardless of whether the employer is based within the city or not.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Georgia

  • Standard Minimum Wage: $7.25 applies to most employees (Ga. Code § 34-4-3) (29 US Code § 206). 
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $2.13, totaling at least minimum wage after tips (29 US Code § 203) (DoL Table).
  • Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (29 US Code § 207) (DoL). 
  • Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18). 
  • Wage Deductions: No state law. Limited to those required by law, such as taxes. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
  • Final Paychecks: Paid by the next scheduled payday, regardless of termination or resignation (DoL). 
  • Wage Payment Frequency: No state/federal law. Wages should be paid consistently, according to employment terms (DoL).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave. The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 unpaid weeks per one-year period for qualifying medical conditions (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No state/federal law restricting 16- and 17-year-olds’ working hours in non-hazardous occupations, but they are prohibited from working during school hours if they are required to attend (DoL).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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Learn about wages in your city

Atlanta Minimum Wage 2025