Georgia and Atlanta trades pay, 2026
What HVAC techs, electricians, plumbers and helpers make in Georgia, straight from the federal wage survey. Hourly and yearly, for Atlanta and the rest of the state.
The numbers, hourly
| Job | Georgia median | Atlanta median | U.S. median | Georgia entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC tech | $27.11 | $28.35 | $29.33 | $17.78 |
| Electrician | $28.04 | $28.20 | $30.38 | $17.88 |
| Plumber | $27.50 | $28.07 | $30.67 | $18.12 |
| Electrician’s helper | $18.77 | $19.34 | $20.51 | $14.94 |
| Plumber’s helper | $18.14 | $19.06 | $20.36 | $14.64 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (released May 2026), via O*NET and Wagedex. Base pay only, no overtime or bonuses. “Entry” is the 10th percentile. Figures checked against the BLS OEWS query system. Apprentice range is our read of current Georgia postings.
HVAC technician salary in Atlanta
Metro Atlanta has about 7,060 HVAC mechanics and installers. Their median pay is $58,970 a year, about $28.35 an hour. Statewide the median is $56,390, and nationally it’s $61,010. These are base pay figures. Overtime and bonuses aren’t counted, and in a busy summer they can add a lot.
Electrician salary in Atlanta
Metro Atlanta has about 13,430 electricians, with a median of $58,650 a year ($28.20 an hour). The entry end, the 10th percentile, is $17.97 an hour, and the 25th percentile is $22.51.
Plumber salary in Atlanta
Metro Atlanta has about 5,470 plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, with a median of $58,380 a year ($28.07 an hour). The 10th percentile is about $37,900 a year and the 25th about $45,950.
The numbers, yearly
| Job | Georgia | Atlanta | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC tech | $56,390 | $58,970 | $61,010 |
| Electrician | $58,320 | $58,650 | $63,190 |
| Plumber | $57,200 | $58,380 | $63,800 |
| Electrician’s helper | $39,030 | $40,220 | $42,670 |
| Plumber’s helper | $37,730 | $39,650 | $42,360 |
What jumps out
Georgia pays under the national median in every one of these trades, by 7 to 10 percent. Atlanta runs a little higher than the rest of the state, but not by much. If you’re in Dalton or Macon, figure the state number.
Helpers make $18 to $19 an hour. That’s the number your apprentice offer is really competing with. Somebody with no experience can walk into a helper job tomorrow at that rate.
What to pay an apprentice
Short version: most Georgia apprentice starts land between $16 and $20 an hour, and helper pay is what you’re competing with. The full breakdown, with a sample raise schedule, is in how much to pay an apprentice in Georgia.
More on this: How much to pay an apprentice in Georgia · What an empty truck costs you
Questions
What do HVAC techs make in Georgia?
The Georgia median for HVAC mechanics and installers is about $27.11 an hour, or $56,390 a year (BLS, May 2025). In metro Atlanta it's about $28.35 an hour.
What do electricians make in Georgia?
The Georgia median for electricians is $28.04 an hour, or $58,320 a year (BLS, May 2025). Metro Atlanta is $28.20.
What do plumbers make in Georgia?
The Georgia median for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is $27.50 an hour, or $57,200 a year (BLS, May 2025). Metro Atlanta is $28.07.
What do HVAC techs make in Atlanta?
The metro Atlanta median for HVAC mechanics and installers is $58,970 a year, about $28.35 an hour (BLS, May 2025). That's base pay only, without overtime or bonuses.