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Trade Careers in Georgia
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Georgia's skilled trades are booming-from union electricians in Atlanta to HVAC installers in Augusta. With ongoing infrastructure investment and rapid population growth, demand for well-trained tradespeople is on the rise statewide.
If you're looking for hands-on work, steady pay, and a respected career path without a four-year degree, this guide will show you how to get started.
🏙️ Why Trade Careers Are Thriving in Georgia
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Population Growth | Georgia's expanding cities need more housing and infrastructure |
| Climate Demand | Hot, humid weather fuels demand for HVAC and plumbing jobs |
| Transportation Projects | Ongoing highway and rail development boosts demand for welders |
| Skilled Worker Shortage | Employers report difficulty filling trade positions statewide |
“Skilled trades in Georgia offer strong wages, fast training, and long-term career stability.” - U.S. Department of Labor1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Georgia
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $59,830 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $51,250 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $58,280 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $48,770 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $46,980 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $45,720 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $52,000 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (cert optional) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Georgia Apprenticeships & Schools
Many trade apprenticeships in Georgia are sponsored by unions, contractors, or employer associations and registered with the Georgia Department of Labor.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, structured training with real job experience |
| Technical College | 6-24 months | Fast-track programs in construction, welding, HVAC, and more |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employers may provide training for solar, carpentry, etc. |
“Georgia trains more than 5,000 registered apprentices in construction and industrial trades.” - Georgia DOL3
🏫 Trade Schools in Georgia
Georgia's technical colleges and private trade schools offer affordable, hands-on programs that get students into the workforce quickly.
🎓 Tip: Many public programs qualify for HOPE Career Grants, covering tuition for high-demand trade programs.
Why Attend Trade School in Georgia?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| HOPE Career Grant | Tuition assistance for approved trades programs |
| Accredited Training | COE- and SACS-accredited schools across the state |
| Fast Entry to Workforce | Many trades start hiring before graduation |
| Employer Partnerships | Schools often work directly with local construction firms |
| Locations Statewide | Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Athens, Albany, and more |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Georgia Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board - Electrical |
| Plumber | Georgia State Construction Industry Board |
| HVAC Technician | Georgia Conditioned Air Contractors Board |
| Solar Installer | No direct license; may require electrical contractor license |
| Mold Inspector | No state license required (optional certifications recommended) |
📈 Georgia Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $59,830 | 8% |
| HVAC Technician | $51,250 | 9% |
| Plumber | $58,280 | 6% |
| Welder | $48,770 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $46,980 | 14% |
| Carpenter | $45,720 | 4% |
| Mold Inspector | $52,000 | 5% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Georgia?
Pick your path, find a training program, and start building your future. Georgia's trades are growing fast-and you could be the next in-demand skilled pro.
📚 Citations
-
U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wages for Georgia: https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Georgia Department of Labor - Apprenticeships & Training: https://dol.georgia.gov ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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