Plumber in Savannah, GA

As a career analyst who's spent years navigating the professional landscape of coastal Georgia, I can tell you that Savannah isn't just a postcard-perfect historic district. It's a working city with a plumbing infrastructure as old as its cobblestones and a construction boom that's keeping every pipe wrench busy. If you're considering a move here, you're not just looking for a job—you're looking at a lifestyle. Let's break down what it really means to be a plumber in the Hostess City.

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what pays the bills. The median salary for a plumber in Savannah, GA is $62,513/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.05/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in Savannah's cost of living—which is significantly lower than the national average—your purchasing power here can actually be stronger than in many other cities.

The job market is stable but competitive. There are approximately 295 jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady. Savannah's economy is anchored by tourism, the Port of Savannah (one of the busiest in the nation), and a growing healthcare sector. All of these require robust plumbing infrastructure, from historic homes in the National Landmark District to new medical facilities and commercial warehouses.

To give you a clearer picture, here's how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.20 - $23.00	Assisting senior plumbers, basic repairs, multiple fixture installations, service calls
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	$26.45 - $32.70	Leading installation projects, troubleshooting complex systems, customer interaction
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.85	Project management, specialized systems (medical gas, industrial), training apprentices
Expert (15+ years)	$85,000+	$40.85+	Custom home design consultation, historic restoration, business ownership

When compared to other Georgia cities, Savannah's plumber salaries look like this:

• Atlanta: Median $67,200/year (higher cost of living, more complex union landscape)
• Augusta: Median $59,800/year (lower cost of living, more military base work)
• Columbus: Median $58,400/year (manufacturing-heavy, steady industrial work)
• Macon: Median $57,100/year (smaller market, lower commercial demand)

Savannah sits in the middle of this pack. You're not getting Atlanta money, but you're also not dealing with Atlanta traffic or its $1,800+ average 1BR rent.

Insider Tip: The real money in Savannah plumbing isn't in the base salary—it's in the overtime and specialty call-outs. Many local companies pay time-and-a-half for emergency calls after hours, and Savannah's old housing stock (many pre-1940s) means you'll frequently encounter lead pipes, galvanized steel, and cast iron that require specialized knowledge and command premium rates.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here's the part where we get real about your monthly budget. Let's model this for a plumber earning the median salary of $62,513/year. After federal, state (Georgia has a progressive income tax from 1% to 5.75%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $4,400/month.

Now, let's look at housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Savannah rents for $1,287/month. That's about 29% of your monthly take-home, which is actually below the recommended 30% threshold—a good sign.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	29%
Utilities (electric, water, internet)	$250	6%
Car Payment + Insurance	$500	11%
Gasoline	$180	4%
Groceries	$400	9%
Healthcare (insurance + out-of-pocket)	$350	8%
Tools/Equipment Maintenance	$100	2%
Retirement/ Savings	$500	11%
Miscellaneous (entertainment, dining)	$833	19%
Total	$4,400	100%

This budget leaves you with a healthy margin. The miscellaneous category is where you have flexibility—it could be savings for a house, a car repair fund, or enjoying Savannah's food scene.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Savannah is approximately $280,000. With a $62,513 salary, you'd need a down payment of at least $14,000 (5%) to avoid PMI, but $56,000 (20%) is ideal. At current interest rates (around 7%), your monthly mortgage payment on a $280,000 home with $56,000 down would be roughly $1,800/month (including taxes and insurance). That's 41% of your take-home pay—tight but manageable if you have a spouse contributing or are willing to live in a smaller, older home.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbers buy homes in the older, more affordable neighborhoods like Savannah Gardens or Gordonston where they can apply their skills to renovations. It's common to see plumber-owned homes with upgraded plumbing systems (obviously) and custom modifications that increase value.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah's plumbing job market is dominated by a mix of large national companies with local branches and family-owned shops that have been here for decades. Here are the key players:

1. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (Local franchise)

   • Focus: Residential service and repair, emergency calls
   • Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their on-call team. They value reliability above all else—Savannah's tourist season means homeowners need fast service when guests are in town.
   • Why Them: They offer a $30-$35/hour base with overtime potential. Their trucks are well-stocked, which matters when you're dealing with older homes where parts are hard to find.

2. C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. (Commercial/Industrial)

   • Focus: Large-scale construction projects, including the Port of Savannah expansion and new industrial facilities
   • Hiring Trend: Consistent need for journeyman plumbers with commercial experience. They're currently working on the Mason District redevelopment project.
   • Why Them: Project-based work with predictable schedules. Less emergency call-outs, more 7-3:30 shifts. Benefits are strong.

3. Roto-Rooter (National with local operation)

   • Focus: Drain cleaning, sewer line replacement, water heater installation
   • Hiring Trend: They're hiring for both install and service roles. Their commercial division is growing with Savannah's new hotels and restaurants.
   • Why Them: Excellent training program. They'll get you certified in trenchless sewer repair, which is in high demand in Savannah's historic districts where digging is a last resort.

4. Savannah Technical College (Services Division)

   • Focus: Maintaining their campus facilities and supporting technical education
   • Hiring Trend: Steady, union-protected positions. They hire 1-2 plumbers every 2-3 years as retirements occur.
   • Why Them: State benefits, pension, and a predictable schedule. You'd be working on modern campus buildings and historic structures they've restored.

5. St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital System

   • Focus: Medical facility plumbing, medical gas systems, 24/7 maintenance
   • Hiring Trend: Increasing need for plumbers with medical gas certification. Both hospitals are expanding.
   • Why Them: $35-$42/hour (including shift differentials). This is premium pay for specialty work. Requires additional certification but offers the highest base salary in the area.

6. Savannah River Site (Nuclear facility, nearby Aiken, SC)

   • Focus: Industrial plumbing, high-security facility work
   • Hiring Trend: Hiring for both new construction and maintenance. Requires security clearance.
   • Why Them: $45-$55/hour for cleared personnel. This is the highest-paying work in the region, though it comes with more bureaucracy and a 45-minute commute.

7. Local Historic Preservation Plumbing Specialists

   • Focus: Restoring plumbing in 18th and 19th-century homes
   • Hiring Trend: Niche but growing. The Historic Savannah Foundation maintains a list of approved contractors.
   • Why Them: Project rates can exceed $100/hour for specialized historic work. Requires deep knowledge of pre-code plumbing but offers the most creative and rewarding work.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't posted publicly. Savannah is still a "who you know" town. Join the Georgia Plumbing Industry Association and attend their monthly meetings at the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. Many of the best commercial jobs are filled through referrals before they ever hit Indeed.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia doesn't have a statewide plumber license, but it does require registration. The process is managed by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Plumbers. Here's the step-by-step:

For Out-of-State Plumbers:

1. Verification: Submit your existing license for verification. Georgia has reciprocity with most states, but not all. You'll need at least 4 years of documented experience.
2. Exam: You'll need to pass the Georgia Plumbing Contractor Exam. It's based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code with Georgia amendments.
3. Cost: The exam fee is $250. If you fail, retakes are $125.
4. Insurance: You must carry at least $300,000 liability insurance. Expect to pay $1,200-$2,500/year depending on your experience and claims history.
5. Timeline: 3-6 months from application to approval if you have all documentation ready.

For Newcomers to the Trade:

1. Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber. You can start as early as 18.
2. Classroom Hours: 64 hours per year of technical training. Savannah Technical College offers a $1,200/year program that meets this requirement.
3. Journeyman License: After apprenticeship, you can apply for a journeyman license. This allows you to work independently but not pull permits.
4. Contractor License: Requires passing the contractor exam and proving 2 years of journeyman experience. This is what you need to own a business.

Insider Tip: Savannah Technical College's plumbing program is one of the best in the state. They have direct pipelines to local employers, and many students have job offers before graduation. The college also offers a $500 scholarship for plumbing students who commit to working locally for two years post-graduation.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Savannah affects your commute, your clientele, and your lifestyle. Here's the breakdown:

1. Midtown/Gordonston

• Commute: 10-15 minutes to most commercial job sites
• Rent: 1BR $1,100-$1,300/month
• Why It's Good: Central location, mixed housing stock (1920s-1960s), strong community. You'll find plenty of older homes needing plumbing updates. The neighborhood association is active—good for networking.
• Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, walkable to shops. You'll have neighbors who own their homes and need reliable tradespeople.

2. Southside/Savannah Gardens

• Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown, 10 minutes to port/industrial areas
• Rent: 1BR $1,000-$1,200/month (more space for the money)
• Why It's Good: More modern housing stock (1970s-1990s), larger lots. Good for plumbers who want a workshop. Close to Memorial Health and St. Joseph's/Candler hospitals.
• Lifestyle: Family-oriented, good schools, less tourist traffic. You'll have an easier time parking your work truck.

3. Victorian District

• Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown commercial jobs
• Rent: 1BR $1,200-$1,400/month
• Why It's Good: You're in the heart of the historic district with its constant renovation projects. Walking distance to the Historic Savannah Foundation office. Perfect for specializing in historic restoration.
• Lifestyle: Vibrant, walkable, but noisy and expensive. Parking is a nightmare for work trucks. Best for younger plumbers without families.

4. Thunderbolt/Windsor Forest

• Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown, 10 minutes to the Port
• Rent: 1BR $900-$1,100/month
• Why It's Good: Industrial area with lots of commercial plumbing work. Lower cost of living. Close to Gulfstream Aerospace and other manufacturing plants.
• Lifestyle: Blue-collar, quiet, with a strong sense of community. You'll be close to the water and boatyards, which have their own plumbing needs.

5. Pooler

• Commute: 25-30 minutes to downtown, 15 minutes to Port
• Rent: 1BR $950-$1,150/month
• Why It's Good: Rapidly growing suburb with new construction. Lots of opportunity for new installation work. Lower property taxes.
• Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, but less character. You'll be dealing with new-build plumbing systems rather than historic ones.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers live in Thunderbolt or Savannah Gardens but work in the Historic District. The commute is manageable, and you get more space for your money. Plus, these neighborhoods have fewer parking restrictions for work vehicles.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth for plumbers in Savannah might seem modest, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The real growth is in specialization and business ownership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Adds $5-$8/hour to your rate. Required for hospital work.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: Certification costs $300 but allows you to perform required annual testing for commercial properties. Can generate $2,000-$5,000 in side income.
• Trenchless Sewer Repair: Training costs $1,500 but commands $150-$200/hour vs. $80-$120 for traditional digging.
• Historic Plumbing Specialist: No formal certification, but requires apprenticeship under a master. Can charge $100+/hour for custom restoration work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician to Service Manager: At a company like Benjamin Franklin, this path takes 5-7 years and adds $15,000-$20,000 to base salary.
2. Journeyman to Business Owner: Most successful local shops are started by plumbers with 10+ years experience. Startup costs range from $50,000 (truck, tools, insurance) to $150,000 (full commercial license, multiple trucks).
3. Commercial to Project Management: Companies like C.W. Matthews promote to superintendent. This moves you from hourly to salary ($75,000-$95,000) but removes overtime pay. It's a trade-off.

The 10-Year Outlook:
Savannah's plumbing market will be driven by three factors:

1. Port Expansion: The $4 billion Port of Savannah expansion is ongoing, creating decades of commercial plumbing work.
2. Historic Preservation: The city's strict preservation codes ensure steady demand for specialists in old-home plumbing.
3. Healthcare Growth: St. Joseph's/Candler and Memorial Health are both expanding, increasing demand for medical gas and specialized facility plumbers.

The plumber who combines commercial experience with historic home knowledge will be the most valuable—and highest paid—in the next decade.

Insider Tip: The best long-term play is to get your contractor's license and target both commercial contracts and high-end historic restoration. The commercial work provides steady cash flow, while the historic work provides high-margin, satisfying projects. Many of Savannah's most successful plumbing businesses operate on this hybrid model.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower cost of living than national average	Humidity and heat (