Plumber Career Guide in Georgia
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Georgia.
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How to Become a Plumber in Georgia
Plumbers in Georgia install, maintain, and repair water, drainage, gas, and related piping systems in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial properties. The statewide median wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $56,290 per year, while employment is projected to grow by 12% from 2022 to 2032.
Most Georgia plumbers begin through apprenticeship or supervised employment. A Journeyman Plumber applicant must document qualifying plumbing experience and pass the applicable examination. Advancement to Master Plumber generally requires at least five years of plumbing experience, including at least two years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Georgia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Georgia median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Georgia is approximately $6,680 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Georgia
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Georgia
Georgia plumbing apprentices typically learn through supervised field experience combined with classroom instruction covering the Georgia State Plumbing Code, safety, blueprint reading, mathematics, water distribution, drainage, and gas piping.
A statewide Journeyman Plumber applicant must document at least one year of qualifying plumbing experience, satisfy the application and reference requirements, and pass the applicable examination.
A Master Plumber applicant generally must document at least five years of plumbing experience, including at least two years as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. Class II applicants must also document qualifying commercial or industrial plumbing experience.
Apprenticeship Training
Most Georgia plumbers receive training through apprenticeship programs that combine classroom education with paid field experience.
Technical Instruction
Students learn plumbing systems, blueprint reading, construction mathematics, safety standards, and plumbing codes.
Hands-On Experience
Apprentices develop practical skills by installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems under experienced supervision.
Contractor Licensing
Experienced plumbers may pursue state contractor licensing to operate independently or manage a plumbing business.
Plumber Training Providers in Georgia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston | View Program |
| Chattahoochee Technical College | Marietta | View Program |
| Savannah Technical College | Savannah | View Program |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Georgia
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Georgia
Georgia regulates plumbing contractors through the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. Individuals typically begin as apprentices and gain work experience before qualifying for journeyman-level responsibilities and state contractor licensing. Licensed plumbing contractors must meet experience requirements and pass state examinations.
Georgia issues statewide Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses through the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers. Journeyman plumbers work within the scope and supervision requirements of their credential, while only properly licensed Master Plumbers may independently operate a plumbing business.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Georgia
Georgia continues to experience strong demand for plumbers due to population growth, residential construction, commercial development, and infrastructure investment. Opportunities are especially strong in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Macon.
Georgia projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 12% from 2022 to 2032, with about 820 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Georgia?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Georgia is approximately $56,290 per year, or $27.06 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Georgia require plumber licensing?
Yes. Georgia requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Georgia?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Georgia?
Georgia projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2022 to 2032, with about 820 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Georgia Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Georgia Plumber Wages
- Georgia Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Georgia Plumber Employment Trends
- Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers — Licensing authority. Georgia Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers