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How Much Does a Licensed Plumber Make in Georgia?

Mo

Morgan Alex

9 minutes
How Much Does a Licensed Plumber Make in Georgia?
How Much Does a Licensed Plumber Make in Georgia?
Are you thinking about becoming a plumber in Georgia? Or maybe you're just curious about how much plumbers earn? You're in the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about plumber salaries in Georgia.
Plumbing is more than fixing leaky pipes. It's an important job that keeps our homes and businesses running smoothly. Skilled plumbers are always needed. But what does that mean for your paycheck? Let's find out.

What Plumbers Earn in Georgia: The Numbers

When looking at plumber salaries in Georgia, it helps to check different sources. This gives us a better picture of what you can really earn.
ZipRecruiter says that as of October 2025, licensed plumbers in Georgia make about $30.14 per hour on average. That's around $62,691 per year. But this is just the average. Many licensed plumbers earn much more. Some make as much as $45.06 per hour.
Indeed, a popular job website, reports a slightly different number. They say plumbers in Georgia earn $27.11 per hour. Plus, many plumbers get overtime pay. The average overtime adds about $6,750 to yearly income.
In Atlanta, Georgia's biggest city, plumbers earn a bit more. The average there is $29.29 per hour.
Here's a quick look at what different sources say:
Source
Yearly Salary
Hourly Pay
ZipRecruiter (Licensed)
$62,691
$30.14
Indeed
$56,388 (plus overtime)
$27.11
Salary.com
$62,509
$30.05
Talent.com
$66,560
$32.00
CareerExplorer
$55,890
$26.87
As you can see, most sources agree. Plumbers in Georgia make good money.

What Affects How Much You Earn?

The average salary is helpful. But many things can change how much you actually make. Let's look at the biggest factors.

Your Experience and License Type

Like most jobs, the more experience you have, the more you earn. In plumbing, your license level also matters a lot.
Apprentice Plumber: This is where you start. You learn the trade while working under a licensed plumber. In Georgia, apprentices make around $49,000 per year [4].
Journeyman Plumber: After you finish your apprenticeship and get enough experience (usually 3-5 years), you can become a Journeyman. This license lets you work on your own for most jobs. Journeyman plumbers in Georgia earn about $56,298 per year [5].
Master Plumber: This is the top level. You need several years as a Journeyman to qualify. Master plumbers can own their own business and handle the most complex jobs. In Georgia, they can make $120,000 per year or more [4].

Where You Work in Georgia

Your location makes a big difference. Plumbers in big cities usually earn more than those in small towns.
Atlanta plumbers make about $2 more per hour than the state average. This is because Atlanta has more people, more new buildings, and more businesses that need plumbing work.

What Kind of Work You Do

Not all plumbing jobs are the same. Some types of work pay more than others.
Plumbers who specialize in certain areas often earn more. These areas include medical gas systems, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities. These jobs need special skills and training.
The type of company you work for also matters. Some plumbers work for big construction companies. Others work for service companies that handle emergencies. And some run their own businesses. Each type has different pay and benefits.

How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Georgia

Now you know what plumbers earn. But how do you become one? Here's what you need to do.

The Apprenticeship Path

Most plumbers start with an apprenticeship. These programs mix classroom learning with real work experience. You get paid while you learn. Apprenticeships usually take 4-5 years to complete.
Local unions or trade groups often run these programs. They teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.

Vocational School Option

You can also go to a vocational or technical school. These schools teach plumbing basics. But you'll still need several years of work experience before you can get your license.

Georgia License Requirements

To work as a plumber in Georgia, you must have a state license. The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board handles this. Here's what you need:
For Journeyman License: You must work as an apprentice for at least three years. Then you can take the Journeyman exam.
For Master License: You need at least five years of plumbing experience. Two of those years must be as a licensed Journeyman. Then you can take the Master exam.
All licensed plumbers in Georgia must also take four hours of classes each year. This keeps their license active and their skills current.

Job Outlook: Will There Be Work?

If you want a stable career, plumbing is a great choice. The need for plumbers will stay strong for many years.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says plumber jobs will grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034 [6]. This is about average for all jobs. Several things drive this growth:
New Buildings: Georgia's population keeps growing. That means more homes, stores, and offices. All of them need plumbing.
Old Systems: Many older buildings have outdated plumbing. These systems need repairs or replacement. This creates steady work for plumbers.
Water Conservation: More people care about saving water. They want plumbers who can install water-saving fixtures and systems.
The BLS also says there will be about 44,000 job openings for plumbers each year [6]. Many of these jobs open up when older plumbers retire.

Plumber Pay Across Georgia Cities

Georgia is a big state with many different areas. Plumber pay varies from place to place. Knowing these differences helps you decide where to work.

Atlanta Area

Atlanta is Georgia's largest city and business center. It offers some of the best plumber salaries in the state. The average is $29.29 per hour [3]. That's about $60,923 per year before overtime.
Atlanta's construction boom creates lots of work. Both homes and businesses need plumbing services. Many Atlanta plumbers also earn overtime. This can add $6,750 or more to yearly pay.

Savannah and the Coast

Savannah has old historic buildings and new construction. This mix creates unique opportunities. Plumbers here make slightly less than in Atlanta. Most earn between $50,000 and $58,000 per year.
The coast also has seasonal changes. Summer brings more tourists. Hotels and restaurants need quick plumbing fixes during busy times.

Mid-Size Cities

Cities like Macon, Columbus, and Augusta fall in the middle. Plumbers here earn between $48,000 and $55,000 per year. The pay is lower than Atlanta. But the cost of living is also lower. This often means a good quality of life.

Rural Areas

In rural Georgia, plumbers typically earn less. Most make between $40,000 and $50,000 per year. But rural areas have benefits too. There's less competition. You can build loyal customers. And you might be able to start your own business more easily.

Beyond Your Paycheck: Other Benefits

When thinking about plumber pay, look beyond the base salary. Many plumbers get extra benefits that add real value.

Overtime and Emergency Pay

Overtime is a big source of extra income for plumbers. Plumbing problems happen any time. Many plumbers work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Emergency calls often pay time-and-a-half or double-time.
The average Georgia plumber earns an extra $6,750 per year in overtime. If you work for an emergency service company like , you might earn even more.

Health Insurance and Retirement

Many plumbing companies offer health insurance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. These benefits are worth thousands of dollars each year. They also give you and your family financial security.
Some companies offer retirement plans too. A 401(k) with company matching helps you save for the future. Union plumbers often get pension plans that pay guaranteed retirement income.

Tools and Vehicles

Plumbers need many special tools. Some employers give you a tool allowance. Others pay you back for tools you buy. Some companies even provide work vehicles. This saves you money on gas and vehicle wear.

Training and Education

Plumbing keeps changing. New tools and methods come out regularly. Many employers pay for continuing education. They cover classes, certifications, and special training. This helps you stay current and increases your value.

Georgia vs. Other States

How does Georgia compare to other states? This helps you understand the bigger picture.
The national average for plumbers is $62,970 per year or $30.27 per hour [6]. Georgia is right in line with this average.
Some states pay more. Alaska, Illinois, and Massachusetts plumbers can earn $80,000 or more per year. But these states also have a much higher cost of living.
Other southern states pay less. Many have average salaries between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. When thinking about moving, consider both salary and cost of living.

How to Earn More as a Plumber

Want to make the most money possible? Here are some smart strategies.

Get More Certifications

Moving from Apprentice to Journeyman to Master increases your pay. But don't stop there. Get special certifications in areas like medical gas, backflow prevention, or green plumbing. These make you more valuable and open doors to better jobs.

Pick a Specialty

General plumbing is good. But having a specialty is better. Commercial plumbing, industrial systems, or high-end homes often pay more than basic repairs.

Start Your Own Business

The highest-earning plumbers often own their businesses. Being your own boss has challenges. But it also offers unlimited earning potential. You set your rates, pick your clients, and can hire other plumbers to work for you.

Learn New Technology

Plumbing is getting more high-tech. Smart home systems, water-saving fixtures, and advanced tools are becoming common. Plumbers who know these technologies can charge more.

Build Your Reputation

In service work, reputation is everything. Do quality work. Give great customer service. Charge fair prices. This builds loyal customers who tell others about you. Good online reviews also help you get more business.

Join Professional Groups

Groups like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) offer great benefits. You can network with other plumbers. You get access to training and resources. You might find job leads too.

Is Plumbing Right for You?

A plumbing career offers good pay, job security, and the satisfaction of helping people. If you like working with your hands and solving problems, plumbing might be perfect for you.
The path to becoming a licensed plumber takes time and effort. But it's worth it. With the right training and experience, you can build a successful career in this in-demand trade.
Whether you're starting fresh or changing careers, plumbing offers real opportunities. And when you need reliable plumbing services, companies like are ready to help.

Final Thoughts

Licensed plumbers in Georgia earn good money. The average is around $30 per hour or $62,000 per year. But your actual pay depends on many factors. Your experience, license level, location, and specialty all matter.
The job outlook is strong. Plumbers will be needed for years to come. New construction and old buildings both create work. And as you gain experience and skills, your earning potential grows.
If you're ready to start a rewarding career with solid pay and job security, consider becoming a licensed plumber in Georgia. The opportunities are there for those willing to learn and work hard.

References

[1] ZipRecruiter. (2025). Licensed Plumber Salary in Georgia. Retrieved from
[2] Indeed. (2025). Plumber salary in Georgia. Retrieved from
[3] Indeed. (2025). Plumber salary in Atlanta, GA. Retrieved from
[4] Glassdoor. (2025). Plumber Salary in Atlanta, GA. Retrieved from
[5] Indeed. (2025). Journeyperson plumber salary in Georgia. Retrieved from
[6] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from
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