carpenter salary in georgia (2026)
Georgia carpenters earn a median of $53,040 per year in 2026 — +2% versus the national median of $52,000. The gap reflects georgia's market dynamics: atlanta metro boom, film industry, logistics hub.
But Georgia isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
carpenter salary by city in georgia
Salary varies considerably across Georgia metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. GA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Atlanta | $61,360 | +16% | metro boom, film industry, data centers |
| 2 Augusta | $47,840 | -10% | military, healthcare, manufacturing |
| 3 Columbus | $45,760 | -14% | military, Aflac headquarters |
| 4 Macon | $44,200 | -17% | logistics, healthcare |
| 5 Savannah | $49,400 | -7% | port activity, logistics, tourism |
| 6 Athens | $46,800 | -12% | university town, healthcare |
| 7 Sandy Springs | $57,200 | +8% | corporate HQs, commercial |
Georgia market note: Atlanta's data center corridor, film production infrastructure, and Hartsfield-Jackson expansion are major demand drivers.
what moves your salary in georgia
taxes and take-home pay
Georgia has no strong statewide union tradition, but Atlanta is increasingly competitive. The state's income tax is 5.49%.
union vs. non-union
Georgia is a right-to-work state. Non-union work dominates, though Atlanta's commercial market has growing union presence.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed carpenter in Georgia, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Georgia Secretary of State. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how georgia compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. georgia | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,400 | +48% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $72,600 | +37% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $69,800 | +32% | Chicago union rates |
| National median | $52,900 | 0% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $50,200 | -5% | no state income tax |
| Georgia | $53,040 | — | lower COL; Atlanta metro |
| Florida | $46,800 | -12% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is carpenter a good career in georgia right now?
Atlanta's data center corridor, film production infrastructure, and Hartsfield-Jackson expansion are major demand drivers. BLS projects 2% job growth for carpenters nationally through 2032, and Georgia tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for carpenters is 72/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Carpenter make in Georgia?
Carpenters in Georgia earn a median of $53,040 per year in 2026, ranging from around $39,249 for apprentices to $82,212 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Georgia pays carpenters the most?
Atlanta pays the highest carpenter salaries in Georgia — around $61,360 median — driven by metro boom, film industry, data centers.
Do you need a license to be a carpenter in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires licensure through the Georgia Secretary of State. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for carpenters in Georgia?
Georgia's carpenter market is driven by atlanta metro boom, film industry, logistics hub. BLS projects 2% national job growth through 2032, and Georgia consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Georgia?
Typically 3–4 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Georgia Secretary of State.
carpenter salary in other states
other trades in georgia