plumber salary in georgia (2026)
Georgia plumbers earn a median of $60,180 per year in 2026 — +2% versus the national median of $59,000. 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.
plumber 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 | $69,620 | +16% | metro boom, film industry, data centers |
| 2 Augusta | $54,280 | -10% | military, healthcare, manufacturing |
| 3 Columbus | $51,920 | -14% | military, Aflac headquarters |
| 4 Macon | $50,150 | -17% | logistics, healthcare |
| 5 Savannah | $56,050 | -7% | port activity, logistics, tourism |
| 6 Athens | $53,100 | -12% | university town, healthcare |
| 7 Sandy Springs | $64,900 | +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 plumber 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 | $83,800 | +39% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $78,200 | +30% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $76,500 | +27% | Chicago union rates |
| National median | $59,880 | 0% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $58,900 | -2% | no state income tax |
| Georgia | $60,180 | — | lower COL; Atlanta metro |
| Florida | $52,400 | -13% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is plumber 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 9% job growth for plumbers nationally through 2032, and Georgia tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for plumbers is 76/100 — 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 Plumber make in Georgia?
Plumbers in Georgia earn a median of $60,180 per year in 2026, ranging from around $44,533 for apprentices to $93,279 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Georgia pays plumbers the most?
Atlanta pays the highest plumber salaries in Georgia — around $69,620 median — driven by metro boom, film industry, data centers.
Do you need a license to be a plumber 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 plumbers in Georgia?
Georgia's plumber market is driven by atlanta metro boom, film industry, logistics hub. BLS projects 9% national job growth through 2032, and Georgia consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Georgia?
Typically 4–5 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Georgia Secretary of State.
plumber salary in other states
other trades in georgia