Athens vs Augusta: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Athens, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,688▲ | $71,541 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.46▲ | $34.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,579 | $42,345▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,878 | $53,386▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,761▲ | $91,573 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,116▲ | $110,889 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 42▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Athens and Augusta is $147 (0.21%). Athens's median is -4.15% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $69,537,Augusta spans $68,544. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($77,001 effective) pays 0.21% more than Augusta ($76,843 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,688/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,116)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,001)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Athens grew 24.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$55,596 (2024) → $69,418 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$55,482 (2024) → $69,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Athens or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Augusta as a court reporter?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov