Georgia licensed plumbers are in strong demand across the state. The Atlanta metro is one of the most active construction markets in the Southeast, and Georgia's construction boom has significantly outpaced the available licensed plumbing workforce. The Georgia HOPE Career Grant makes pre-apprenticeship plumbing training accessible for eligible residents, and UA union apprenticeships in Atlanta provide free 5-year training with wages from day one.
Georgia Plumbing License Requirements
- Georgia Journeyman Plumber License: Individual license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. Required to work independently on Georgia plumbing systems.
- Georgia Master Plumber License: Required to pull permits and operate a plumbing contracting business in Georgia.
- Plumbing Apprentice: Entry level. Work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
- Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: Additional certification increasingly required in Georgia commercial work.
Top Plumbing Schools in Georgia
- UA Local 72 JATC (Atlanta): Free 5-year plumbing union apprenticeship for the Metro Atlanta market.
- Gwinnett Technical College: Plumbing pre-apprenticeship programs with HOPE Career Grant eligibility.
- Chattahoochee Technical College: Plumbing programs for Northwest Metro Atlanta.
- Columbus Technical College: Plumbing programs for West Georgia.
- Savannah Technical College: Plumbing programs for Coastal Georgia.
Plumber Salary in Georgia
- Apprentice plumber: $15-$20/hr
- Journeyman plumber: $24-$38/hr
- Journeyman plumber (UA union Atlanta): $30-$44/hr with full benefits
- Master plumber: $32-$48/hr or contractor business income
- Plumbing contractor (Georgia): $70,000-$180,000+/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a licensed plumber in Georgia?
Georgia requires passing the state journeyman plumber exam administered by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. To qualify for the exam, you need documented plumbing experience. UA Local 72 apprenticeship in Atlanta provides a structured path to journeyman certification. TCSG plumbing programs provide pre-apprenticeship training.
How much do plumbers make in Atlanta?
Journeyman plumbers in Atlanta earn $24-$38/hr. UA Local 72 union plumbers earn $30-$44/hr with full benefits. Atlanta active construction market and data center development keep plumbing demand consistently strong.
Is there a plumber shortage in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia construction boom has created significant plumber shortages particularly in the Atlanta metro. Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board and Georgia Department of Labor consistently list plumbing as a high-demand shortage occupation.
Is plumbing school free in Georgia?
TCSG plumbing pre-apprenticeship programs at colleges like Gwinnett Technical can be covered by the Georgia HOPE Career Grant for qualifying residents. Combined with Federal Pell Grants, many Georgia students can complete plumbing pre-apprenticeship training with zero out-of-pocket tuition cost. UA apprenticeships are free with wages from day one.
What is UA Local 72 in Atlanta?
UA Local 72 is the United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters local union in Atlanta. It runs a free 5-year plumbing apprenticeship program with wages from day one starting at 50 percent of journeyman wage. Local 72 is well-connected to major Atlanta construction contractors and healthcare system plumbing work.
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