Trade Careers in Georgia
Quick answer: In Georgia, elevator mechanics earn a state median of about $83,500 and electricians about $58,320 (BLS, May 2025), with line workers and aircraft mechanics also among the top earners. Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a technical college or trade-school program. Licensing for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors is handled by the state agencies listed below.
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.
Skilled Trades in Georgia by the Numbers
Among the skilled trades this site covers, the largest in Georgia by employment are heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (74,840 jobs), maintenance and repair workers (48,430 jobs), and automotive service technicians (22,070 jobs) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
| Trade | Jobs in Georgia | Median annual wage | Share of jobs vs U.S. (LQ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 74,840 | $57,050 | 1.15 |
| Maintenance and repair workers | 48,430 | $47,680 | 1.01 |
| Automotive service technicians | 22,070 | $49,060 | 1.00 |
| Electricians | 21,650 | $58,320 | 0.91 |
| Heavy equipment operators | 15,700 | $47,880 | 1.04 |
| Industrial machinery mechanics | 14,230 | $61,130 | 1.03 |
| Welders, cutters and solderers | 13,130 | $48,430 | 1.00 |
| HVAC mechanics and installers | 12,290 | $56,390 | 0.95 |
Trades that make up a larger share of Georgia jobs than they do nationally: aircraft mechanics (location quotient 1.55), diesel and truck mechanics (location quotient 1.20) and electrical power-line installers (location quotient 1.20).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates. A location quotient above 1 means the trade's share of Georgia employment is higher than its share nationally; it describes concentration, not job openings or hiring demand. Wages vary by location, experience and employer.
Compare Skilled Trades in Georgia
| Trade | Median Salary | Training Time | Typical licensing (varies by state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $49,350 | 6 months - 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $38,990 | 3-12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $46,030 | 6-12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $57,200 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $48,430 | 6-18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $110,810 | 2-4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $65,980 | 2-6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3-12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $58,320 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $56,390 | 6 months - 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $80,080 | 3-4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | $47,790 | 3-12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $62,010 | 3-9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | N/A | 1-2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $75,640 | 18-30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,060 | 6-12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $49,060 | 9-18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $52,610 | 9-24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $61,370 | 1-2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $63,110 | 6-18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $47,880 | 6-12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $47,680 | 6-12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $57,050 | 3-6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $37,680 | 4-12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $37,680 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $49,310 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $29,270 | 3-6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $41,600 | 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $46,250 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $62,030 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $62,030 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $46,840 | 9-18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $78,070 | 3-9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $41,910 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $45,840 | 4-6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $74,550 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $83,250 | 18-24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $47,850 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,010 | 12-24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $48,010 | 9-24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $51,550 | 9-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $43,160 | 9-18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $75,920 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $30,550 | 3-12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $50,820 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $47,150 | 3-6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $45,250 | 6-12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $35,850 | 6-12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $43,060 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $34,560 | 9-15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $34,560 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $48,660 | 4-9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $37,763 | 1-2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $37,763 | 9-18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $49,350 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | N/A | 6-12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $62,400 | 12-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Licensing rules differ by state and change over time; confirm current requirements with your state licensing board. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Georgia).
Georgia Apprenticeships and 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 to 5 years | Paid, structured training with real job experience |
| Technical College | 6 to 24 months | Accelerated programs in construction, welding, HVAC, and more |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employers may provide training for solar, carpentry, etc. |
Trade Schools in Georgia
Georgia’s technical colleges and private trade schools offer affordable, hands-on programs that get students into the workforce quickly.
Why Attend Trade School in Georgia?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Tuition Options | Ask schools about available payment options |
| 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
Degree Programs in Georgia
Trade school is not the only route. These are the four-year and graduate degrees on this site, with Georgia pay, employment and school listings for each. They sit above the trades on this page rather than alongside them.
Construction and the built environment
- Construction Supervision Degree in Georgia
- Online Construction Management Degrees in Georgia
- Online Civil Engineering Degree in Georgia
- Online Architecture Degree in Georgia
Manufacturing, maintenance and energy
- Production Supervision Degree in Georgia
- Maintenance Supervision Degree in Georgia
- Online Mechanical Engineering Degree in Georgia
- Online Electrical Engineering Degree
- Online Industrial Engineering Degree in Georgia
Health care
- Online Nursing Degrees in Georgia
- Physician Assistant Programs in Georgia
- Online Radiologic Technology Degree in Georgia
- Online Health Sciences Degree in Georgia
- Online Healthcare Administration Degrees in Georgia
Business, technology and public service
All degree programs - the full index
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
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 6.8% |
| Carpenter | 3.9% |
| Welder | 2.4% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.0% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 9.1% |
| Home Inspector | 0.0% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 10.3% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 29.5% |
| Tower Technician | 1.2% |
| Electrician | 9.2% |
| HVAC Technician | 10.9% |
| Solar Installer | 36.5% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 5.4% |
| Gunsmith | 2.5% |
| Diesel Technician | 3.6% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 3.8% |
| CNC Machinist | 1.0% |
| Auto Mechanic | 5.0% |
| Automotive Technician | 5.0% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 4.6% |
| Maintenance Technician | 4.2% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 3.0% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 3.0% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.9% |
| Mental Health Technician | 22.3% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.9% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.6% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.6% |
| Home Health Aide | 18.1% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.9% |
| EKG Technician | 3.7% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 5.0% |
| Surgical Technologist | 5.0% |
| Optician | 4.2% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.8% |
| Dental Assistant | 7.4% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 6.8% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.8% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.8% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 21.5% |
| Massage Therapist | 15.3% |
| Personal Trainer | 7.3% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 4.0% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Dog Trainer | 4.2% |
| Veterinary Technician | 9.4% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 9.1% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 8.8% |
| Beauty Professional | 7.7% |
| Cosmetologist | 7.7% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 6.6% |
| Pastry Chef | 6.6% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2025-2035, US) |
|---|---|
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.1% |
| Paralegal | -0.3% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.6% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2025-2035) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2025-2035). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
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
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.