Plumber Salary

Atlanta vs Albany: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Atlanta, GA and Albany, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$59,851
$28.78/hr
Albany, GA
$48,902
$23.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAAlbany, GA
Median Salary$59,851$48,902
Hourly Rate$28.78$23.51
Entry Level (P10)$38,855$35,431
25th Percentile$47,108$40,167
75th Percentile$73,763$61,543
Top Earner (P90)$83,636$78,899
Total Employed5,470140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($59,851) and Albany ($48,902) plumber salaries.AtlantaAlbanyMedian Salary$59,851$48,902Entry Level (P10)$38,855$35,431Top Earner (P90)$83,636$78,899US Median $65,408

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Albany is $10,949 (22.39%). Atlanta's median is -8.50% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $44,781,Albany spans $43,468. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$38,855
P25$47,108
Median$59,851
P75$73,763
P90 (Top)$83,636
Albany
P10 (Entry)$35,431
P25$40,167
Median$48,902
P75$61,543
P90 (Top)$78,899

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($59,816 effective) pays 7.24% more than Albany ($55,780 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $59,851
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $59,816
Albany
Nominal: $48,902
CoL Index: 87.669
Adjusted: $55,780

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,851/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,636)
  • Larger job market (5,470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,816)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Albany if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Atlanta grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Albany over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.6%

$48,830 (2019) → $58,380 (2025)

Albany, GA

+29.1%

$36,940 (2019) → $47,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Atlanta or Albany?

Atlanta has a higher median plumber salary at $59,851/year, compared to Albany at $48,902/year — a difference of $10,949 (22.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Albany?

Atlanta plumbers earn $28.78/hr while Albany hygienists earn $23.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Albany as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Albany. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $59,816, Albany = $55,780), job availability (5,470 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Atlanta vs Albany?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $38,855 in Atlanta and $35,431 in Albany. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov