Thinking about becoming a plumber in Georgia—or already one and wondering if you’re being paid fairly? You’re not alone. With rising home construction and aging infrastructure across the Peach State, skilled plumbers are in high demand—but how much does a plumber make in Georgia, exactly? In this guide, we’ll break down up-to-date salary data, regional differences, career paths, and proven ways to increase your earnings, all backed by official labor statistics and industry insights.
What Is the Average Plumber Salary in Georgia?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, the average annual wage for plumbers in Georgia is $58,760. That translates to roughly $28.25 per hour for full-time work.
But averages only tell part of the story. Your actual earnings depend heavily on:
Experience level
Geographic location within Georgia
Type of employer (residential vs. commercial)
Union membership
Certifications and specializations
For context, the national average plumber salary is $61,550 per year—meaning Georgia plumbers earn slightly below the U.S. median, but with a significantly lower cost of living in many areas, the purchasing power often balances out.
How Do Plumber Salaries Vary by City in Georgia?
Location plays a major role in plumbing income. Here’s a comparison of average annual salaries in key Georgia cities (2024 BLS and ZipRecruiter data):
Atlanta
$63,400
$30.48
Savannah
$56,200
$27.02
Augusta
$54,800
$26.35
Columbus
$52,900
$25.43
Athens
$57,100
$27.45
Why is Atlanta higher? As Georgia’s economic hub, Atlanta has more commercial projects, high-end residential developments, and emergency service demands—factors that drive up hourly rates and overtime opportunities.
💡 Pro Tip: Independent contractors in metro Atlanta often charge $85–$150/hour for emergency calls, significantly boosting annual income beyond base wages.
Not all plumbers earn the same—especially early in their careers.
Apprentice Plumbers (0–2 years): $32,000–$42,000/year Typically paid 40–60% of a journeyman’s rate while training.
Journeyman Plumbers (3–7 years): $48,000–$65,000/year Licensed and working independently; may supervise apprentices.
Master Plumbers (8+ years, with state license): $70,000–$95,000+/year Eligible to own plumbing businesses, bid on municipal contracts, and train others.
According to the Georgia State Licensing Board, only master plumbers can legally pull permits for new construction—making this certification a critical income booster.
How Can Plumbers in Georgia Increase Their Earnings?
Want to move beyond the average? Here are 5 proven strategies:
Get Your Master Plumber License The Georgia master plumber exam requires 5+ years of experience and passing a technical test. Once licensed, you unlock higher-paying commercial and government contracts.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas Skills like medical gas piping, green plumbing (water-efficient systems), or solar water heating command premium rates. These niches often pay 15–25% more than general residential work.
Start Your Own Business Solo plumbing contractors in Georgia report average net incomes of $85,000–$120,000 after 3–5 years, according to the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC).
Work Overtime or Emergency Shifts Many companies pay time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week. Emergency weekend calls? Often double-time.
Join a Union Union plumbers (e.g., through UA Local 72) typically earn 10–20% more than non-union peers, plus better healthcare and retirement benefits.
🔗 For more on plumbing as a skilled trade, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing , which outlines its historical and technical foundations.
Plumbing Salary vs. Other Skilled Trades in Georgia
How does plumbing compare to similar careers in Georgia?
Plumber
$58,760
Electrician
$57,200
HVAC Technician
$54,900
Carpenter
$51,300
Welder
$47,600
Plumbing ranks among the highest-paying skilled trades in Georgia—especially when factoring in low student debt (many plumbers train via paid apprenticeships, not college).
Education & Licensing Requirements in Georgia
You don’t need a 4-year degree to become a plumber in Georgia—but you do need licensing to work legally.
Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam (administered by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board).
Gain 1–2 years of journeyman experience.
Apply for and pass the Master Plumber exam.
Apprenticeships often include paid on-the-job training + classroom instruction—meaning you earn while you learn. Programs like those at Atlanta Technical College or Savannah Tech partner with local unions and contractors.
FAQ: Common Questions About Plumber Salaries in Georgia
Q1: Do plumbers in Georgia make good money?
A: Yes—especially with experience. The top 10% of Georgia plumbers earn over $86,000/year, and master plumbers who own businesses often exceed $100,000. With low entry barriers and high demand, plumbing is a financially stable career.
Q2: Is plumbing a good career in Georgia?
A: Absolutely. Georgia adds over 1,200 new plumbing jobs annually (BLS projection 2022–2032). With population growth in Atlanta, Savannah, and suburban areas, demand for new construction and repairs continues to rise.
Q3: How much do apprentice plumbers make in Georgia?
A: Most apprentices start at $15–$19/hour ($31,000–$39,000/year). Wages increase every 1,000 hours of work as skills advance.
Q4: Are plumbers in demand in Georgia?
A: Yes. Georgia’s plumbing job growth is projected at 12% through 2032—faster than the national average—driven by new housing, aging infrastructure, and commercial development.
Q5: Can you make six figures as a plumber in Georgia?
A: Definitely. Master plumbers running their own businesses, working in high-cost areas (like Buckhead or Alpharetta), or specializing in commercial/industrial systems regularly earn $90,000–$130,000/year.
Q6: What’s the highest-paying plumbing job in Georgia?
A:Commercial plumbing foremen and plumbing inspectors for municipalities top the list, with salaries ranging from $85,000 to $110,000. These roles require master licenses and 10+ years of experience.
Conclusion: Is a Plumbing Career Worth It in Georgia?
If you’re looking for a stable, well-paying career without student debt, plumbing in Georgia delivers. With an average salary near $59,000, strong job growth, and real potential to earn six figures through specialization or entrepreneurship, it’s one of the smartest skilled trades to pursue in the Southeast.
Whether you’re a high school grad exploring options or a career-changer seeking hands-on work, the pipes are flowing with opportunity.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with someone considering a trade career! 📱 Tag a friend on Facebook or LinkedIn who’s thinking about becoming a plumber in Georgia.
Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board, ZipRecruiter Salary Insights, PHCC Industry Reports. Article updated: November 2025
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