A career as a plumber in Georgia is attractive for so many reasons. Not only will you enjoy a job in a profession that has been providing value for humans for a long time, but you will also enjoy an impressive salary and favorable projections for the upcoming decade.
To help future plumbers in Georgia feel confident about their journey, we have provided the resources below to guide them on the key considerations, possible training destinations, and salary projections.
How to Become a Plumber in Georgia
Since no particular education program is considered the only suitable option, candidates looking to become plumbers in Georgia may choose the program that suits them best.
Choosing a Training Program
Usually, there are three options to consider when choosing a plumbing training program, including the following:
Academic programs
Academic programs provide in-depth classroom training for future plumbers and provisions for hands-on instruction. Such programs – typically offered by community colleges and vocational schools – also come with either a certificate or a degree that may be leveraged to secure employment at top establishments or even pursue more advanced areas of specialization.
The duration of a plumbing academic program tends to differ depending on a few factors, including the institution and type of degree in sight. Below, we look at some of the most notable academic programs for future plumbers in Georgia.
Apprenticeships
Trade unions and other approved parties organize apprenticeship programs. Students acquire secondary experience and the skills they’ll need to start a successful career through these arrangements.
Most apprenticeships can be completed in four years.
Plumber’s Assistant
It is also possible to obtain the skills and work experience required to become a plumber in Georgia by simply working as an assistant to a master plumber in the state.
Basic Requirements
It is worth considering that aspiring plumbers in Georgia must have a high school diploma or GED before enrolling in a training program. Solid foundations in a few mathematics and related areas are also necessary.
Continuing Education
Lastly, after completing their training and starting their careers, plumbers in Georgia should participate in continuing education to take advantage of career opportunities.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The board responsible for licensing plumbers in Georgia is the Licensing Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, particularly the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers.
Candidates will need a journeyman license to perform plumbing work in the state. After two years of working as a journeyman plumber, they can apply to be a master plumber by obtaining a license.
The master license is divided into two types:
- The Master License Class 1 Restricted, and
- The Master License Class 2 Unrestricted.
A Class 1 license restricts plumbers in the state to single-family buildings and commercial structures that don’t exceed 10,000 sq ft. A class 2 license has no restrictions.
Top Plumbing Schools in Georgia
Below are some of the top plumbing schools in Georgia.
Atlanta Technical College
Candidates who enroll in the plumbing training program at Atlanta Technical College will become versatile in topics such as mathematics, safety principles, tools, and equipment.
They will also receive a general introduction to plumbing systems, learning in a beautiful facility under the tutelage of qualified instructors.
Albany Technical College
At Albany Technical College in Southwest Georgia, future plumbers can receive top-quality education in various key areas, including plumbing systems installation, repair, and maintenance. They will also become versatile in safety principles and be able to seek employment once they graduate.
Albany Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
Coastal Pines Technical College
Lastly, aspiring plumbers in Georgia may also consider the training program offered by the Coastal Pines Technical College. As part of the Technical College System of Georgia, the school incorporates classroom instructions and hands-on training in excellent modern facilities.
Students will acquire technical and supplementary skills such as critical thinking and effective communication.
Explore plumbing schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to data provided by Indeed, obtained from a survey of more than 1,000 plumbers, the annual average salary in Georgia is $53,224.
The same data revealed that those in the top 10% of earners in the plumbing profession earn an annual average salary of $99,355, while those in the bottom 10% earn an average yearly salary of $28,512. This, of course, is the base salary figure, and plumbers in the state can earn up to $6,750 in overtime.
Experience plays a role in determining how much a plumber will earn in Georgia, with an average of $20,099 being the difference between plumbers with 1 year of experience and those with more than 10 years of experience.
As for location, Lawrenceville ($102,152), Marietta ($85,227), and Douglasville ($72,650) are the highest-paying cities for plumbers in Georgia.
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
