2026 State Salary Guide
Plumber Salary in Georgia 2026:
$53,200 Average ($25.58/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
Georgia plumbers earn $9,770 below the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Georgia Median
$53,200/yr
Hourly Rate
$25.58/hr
vs National
$-9,770
Top 10% Earn
$81,600+
Where Georgia Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#36
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$57,204
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Georgia
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Metro | $58,800 |
| Savannah Metro | $51,200 |
| Augusta Metro | $49,600 |
| Columbus Metro | $48,000 |
| Macon Metro | $47,200 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in Georgia
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Georgia.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $15 - $18/hr | $31,000 - $37,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $19 - $24/hr | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| Journeyman | $25 - $35/hr | $52,000 - $73,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $33 - $45/hr | $69,000 - $94,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $70 - $130/hr billed | $60,000 - $160,000 net |
Georgia Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Georgia, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board
Journeyman Requirement
4 years OJT
Master Plumber Requirement
2 years as journeyman
Reciprocity
Yes (some states)
Exam Fee
$100 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Georgia
UA Local 72 (Atlanta). ~8% of plumbers in Georgia are union.
Union plumbers in Georgia typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in Georgia
Georgia's rapid population growth, particularly in the Atlanta metro, is driving consistent demand for residential and commercial plumbing. Data centre construction in suburban Atlanta has also created significant commercial mechanical work. Below-average cost of living relative to coastal states makes Georgia attractive for self-employed plumbers who can capture the growing market.
Biggest Employers in Georgia
- +Brasfield & Gorrie
- +Holder Construction
- +Skanska SE
- +Turner Construction Southeast
- +Numerous Atlanta-area residential contractors