Georgia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Georgia Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Georgia
Average Cost of Trade School in Georgia
Most trade programs in Georgia are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Georgia, large metro expansion and logistics corridors can drive steady demand for construction and industrial maintenance roles.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $5,058 higher than in-state on average.
| Georgia Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,358 |
|---|---|
| Georgia Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,416 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Georgia
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Georgia Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- In Georgia, many trade certificates and diplomas take 6–18 months, and apprenticeships commonly last 3–5 years with paid on-the-job training.
- Licensing varies by trade and scope. Some roles may require state licensing or contractor credentials, while permitting/inspection is often local—verify requirements with Georgia licensing authorities and your local jurisdiction.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Georgia
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Georgia. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $22.69 | $908 | $3,934 | $47,152 |
| AV Technician | $28.25 | $1,130 | $4,897 | $58,760 |
| Carpenter | $22.16 | $886 | $3,841 | $46,093 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $30.44 | $1,218 | $5,276 | $63,315 |
| CNC Machinist | $20.97 | $838 | $3,632 | $43,578 |
| Construction | $22.24 | $889 | $3,855 | $46,259 |
| Concrete Finisher | $24.37 | $975 | $4,224 | $50,690 |
| Diesel Technician | $25.37 | $1,015 | $4,398 | $52,770 |
| Electrician | $26.92 | $1,078 | $4,673 | $56,074 |
| Heavy Equipment | $22.03 | $840 | $3,643 | $43,711 |
| HVAC Technician | $24.61 | $983 | $4,259 | $51,105 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $24.31 | $995 | $4,310 | $51,719 |
| Ironworker | $23.16 | $923 | $3,997 | $47,958 |
| Lineworker | $36.22 | $1,449 | $6,278 | $75,336 |
| Marine Mechanic | $25.20 | $1,008 | $4,368 | $52,344 |
| Mason | $23.68 | $947 | $4,105 | $49,254 |
| Plumber | $28.66 | $1,107 | $4,798 | $57,574 |
| Roofer | $21.69 | $868 | $3,759 | $45,115 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $22.93 | $843 | $3,652 | $43,822 |
| Welder | $21.80 | $847 | $3,668 | $44,016 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in Georgia
Entry difficulty: Easier than average, with strong metro and logistics-driven demand. Georgia offers accessible entry into many skilled trades due to sustained population growth, major transportation hubs, and a broad mix of construction, logistics, and manufacturing activity. Licensing requirements exist in some trades but generally allow multiple entry pathways.
Unlike states where trade demand is tied primarily to heavy industry or seasonal construction, Georgia’s workforce needs are driven by large metro expansion, logistics infrastructure, and institutional facilities. Ongoing development around Atlanta and major freight corridors creates steady hiring for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, and general construction trades.
Georgia’s role as a regional transportation and distribution hub also supports consistent maintenance and facility-based trade employment beyond new construction.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in Georgia
- Metro-area population growth: Residential and commercial expansion sustains long-term demand for core construction trades.
- Logistics and transportation hubs: Warehousing, ports, and freight facilities require ongoing mechanical and electrical maintenance.
- Manufacturing and processing facilities: Plants rely on skilled trades for operations and equipment upkeep.
- Institutional and public projects: Healthcare, education, and municipal facilities generate steady trade work.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Atlanta metro area: The state’s primary growth center, driving demand across construction, utilities, and facilities maintenance.
- Savannah and coastal regions: Port operations and logistics infrastructure support electrical, welding, and mechanical trades.
- Regional manufacturing corridors: Industrial sites create stable maintenance and production-related trade roles.
Construction, Logistics, and Infrastructure Anchors
Georgia’s trade workforce is supported by long-term growth and operational needs rather than short-term construction surges:
- Residential and commercial construction — Ongoing development supports framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.
- Ports, logistics, and distribution centers — Facilities require continuous skilled maintenance and repair.
- Public infrastructure and institutions — Utilities, transportation, and public buildings sustain steady trade employment.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in Georgia
Trade jobs in Georgia are commonly secured through contractor hiring, employer-based training, and technical education programs:
- Contractor and subcontractor hiring: Many workers enter through local construction and specialty firms.
- Technical colleges and trade schools: Programs feed graduates into electrical, HVAC, and mechanical trades.
- Registered apprenticeships: Used in electrical and mechanical trades, particularly in metro areas.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in Georgia
Georgia’s trade market is largely non-union, especially in residential, logistics, and service sectors, allowing faster entry for many workers. Union opportunities exist on larger commercial and public projects, offering structured training and defined wage progression.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training | Primarily on-the-job training; structure varies by employer |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scale with scheduled raises | Pay increases based on performance, experience, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits depend on employer; may be limited or optional |
| Job Mobility | Dispatch-based work; access to large commercial projects | Direct hiring; frequent movement between contractors |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking structured training and long-term benefits | Those prioritizing faster entry and broad job availability |