Georgia Plumbing License: Everything You Need to Know

The plumbing industry in Georgia is growing, offering excellent opportunities for skilled professionals. This guide provides comprehensive information on obtaining your Georgia plumbing license, including license types, requirements, average salaries, insurance needs, and renewal processes.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

In Georgia, a plumbing license is required to work professionally as a plumber. Unlicensed individuals cannot legally perform any plumbing tasks beyond basic assistance under the supervision of a licensed professional.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Georgia?

Georgia offers three main types of plumbing licenses, each with specific qualifications:

1. Journeyman Plumber License
   • Requirements:
     1. Complete a minimum of three years as an apprentice, helper, or trainee under a master plumber.
     2. Submit an application and request state approval to take the journeyman plumber exam.
     3. Pass the journeyman exam.
     4. Pay the application fee and provide proof of work experience.
   • Scope of Work: Allows independent work on residential and commercial plumbing projects under the general supervision of a master plumber.
2. Master Plumber Class I License
   • Requirements:
     1. Accumulate at least five years of plumbing experience, with two years of primary experience.
     2. Apply for the Master Plumber Class I license.
     3. Pass the required exam.
     4. Submit proof of experience and pay the application fee.
   • Scope of Work: Licensed to perform all plumbing tasks in residential and light commercial projects.
3. Master Plumber Class II License
   • Requirements:
     1. Gain five years of experience, including at least two years in industrial or commercial plumbing.
     2. Apply for the Master Plumber Class II license.
     3. Pass the required exam.
     4. Submit proof of experience and pay the application fee.
   • Scope of Work: Licensed to perform all plumbing work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Average hourly rates for plumbers in Georgia

Georgia offers competitive wages for plumbers at all levels. Here’s a comparison of average hourly rates in Georgia and national averages:

• Apprentice Plumber: $13.50 per hour
  (National Average: $15.31 per hour)
  Apprentice plumbers in Georgia earn slightly below the national average, but the role provides valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals.
• Journeyman Plumber: $23.62 per hour
  (National Average: $25.37 per hour)
  Journeyman plumbers in Georgia earn just below the national average, reflecting the state’s cost of living and industry demands.
• Master Plumber: $30.80 per hour
  (National Average: $30.46 per hour)
  Master plumbers in Georgia earn slightly above the national average, recognizing the expertise required to handle large-scale projects and manage teams.

Georgia’s competitive wages, particularly at the master level, make it a promising state for plumbing professionals seeking a stable and rewarding career.

How to get a plumbing license in Georgia

To obtain a plumbing license in Georgia, most plumbers start as apprentices and progress through the licensing tiers. As an apprentice, you’ll assist a master plumber with a variety of jobs, including sewer line maintenance, plumbing pipe installations, and plumbing fixture repairs. You’ll need your own tools to work as an apprentice. Here’s an outline of the requirements:

1. Journeyman Plumber License
   • Complete a minimum of three years as an apprentice or trainee under a master plumber.
   • Submit your application, request state approval, and pass the journeyman exam.
2. Master Plumber Class I License
   • Gain at least five years of experience, including two years of primary experience.
   • Apply for the Master Plumber Class I license and pass the required exam.
3. Master Plumber Class II License
   • Complete five years of experience, with at least two years in industrial or commercial plumbing.
   • Apply for the Master Plumber Class II license and pass the required exam.

Top plumbing schools in Georgia include Albany Technical College and Atlanta Technical College. To receive a plumbing diploma from Atlanta Technical College, you’re required to complete 47 hours. Courses include foundations of mathematics, plumbing drawings, water supply systems, and plumbing codes. Tuition for part-time students is $89 per credit hour and $1,623 per semester for full-time students. Courses for this program aren’t offered online.

Atlanta Technical College offers a Plumbing/Pipefitting Technology Diploma program. Courses include English, math, introduction to plumbing, and drainage systems. You can complete the program in four semesters. The estimated cost for the program is $6,450. Courses for this program aren’t offered online.

If you possess a criminal record, the Georgia Board of Construction Industry will review your application. Before your license is granted, the Board will carefully consider the circumstances surrounding your conviction.

Checklist for Obtaining a Plumbing License

To become a licensed plumber in Georgia, you’ll need to progress through three key licensing levels, each with specific experience and examination requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and qualifications needed for each license:

Journeyman Plumber License

• Complete three years of experience as an apprentice or trainee.
• Submit an application and obtain state approval for the journeyman exam.
• Pass the journeyman exam and pay the necessary fees.

Master Plumber Class I License

• Accumulate five years of experience, with two years of primary experience.
• Pass the Class I exam and submit your application with proof of experience.

Master Plumber Class II License

• Complete five years of experience, including two years in commercial or industrial plumbing.
• Pass the Class II exam and submit the application with the necessary documentation.

Should I join a union?

Union membership offers several advantages for plumbers in Georgia:

• Higher Wages: Union plumbers typically earn about 20% more than non-union plumbers.
• Job Security: Unions provide protections for fair treatment, workplace safety, and job stability.
• Benefits: Members often receive benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and paid time off.

You must pay dues to be part of a union. However, the benefits may be worth the additional costs. Union membership can be a valuable investment for plumbers seeking long-term career stability, competitive wages, and additional benefits.

Insurance for plumbers in Georgia

Plumbers in Georgia must carry liability insurance to cover property damage and injuries. Contact the Georgia Board of Construction Industry to confirm the latest coverage requirements for your specific license type.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

To become licensed plumber in Georgia, apply for an apprenticeship under a master plumber. General qualifications include:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED.
• You must possess the physical ability to perform plumbing jobs.

An apprenticeship is a key step in pursuing a plumbing career in Georgia. Here are some avenues to explore:

• PHCCA GA Academy Apprenticeship Program: Offers a four-year program with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 160 classroom hours each year.
• Veterans Service Program: Offers an apprenticeship program for veterans with VA education benefits.

After you submit your apprenticeship applications, you’ll be required to meet with sponsors for interviews. You should dress in business casual attire for your meetings and bring documents that verify your education level and identity.

Does my license work in any other states?

Georgia does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, so a Georgia plumbing license is only valid within the state. To work as a licensed plumber elsewhere, you’ll need to meet that state’s specific licensing requirements.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Plumbing professionals are required to stay up to date with Georgia plumbing codes. Here are a few resources:

• UpCodes
• Georgia State Amendments to the International Plumbing Code
• Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following online resources can help you prepare for a career as a Georgia plumber:

• Plumbing Specialties
• Plumbing Industry Trends
• Plumbing Blogs
• Plumbing Trade Shows

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Georgia?

A Georgia plumbing license is valid for two years from the issue date. The renewal fee is $75, and you’ll receive a renewal notice approximately eight weeks before the expiration date.