Plumber Salary

Augusta vs Gainesville: Plumber Salary (2026)

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

Augusta, GA
$56,068
$26.95/hr
Gainesville, GA
$52,459
$25.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GAGainesville, GA
Median Salary$56,068$52,459
Hourly Rate$26.95$25.22
Entry Level (P10)$37,410$37,317
25th Percentile$47,467$46,780
75th Percentile$65,982$63,962
Top Earner (P90)$79,279$78,356
Total Employed540210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($56,068) and Gainesville ($52,459) plumber salaries.AugustaGainesvilleMedian Salary$56,068$52,459Entry Level (P10)$37,410$37,317Top Earner (P90)$79,279$78,356US Median $65,408

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Augusta and Gainesville is $3,609 (6.88%). Augusta's median is -14.28% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $41,869,Gainesville spans $41,039. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$37,410
P25$47,467
Median$56,068
P75$65,982
P90 (Top)$79,279
Gainesville
P10 (Entry)$37,317
P25$46,780
Median$52,459
P75$63,962
P90 (Top)$78,356

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($61,008 effective) pays 12.54% more than Gainesville ($54,212 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $56,068
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $61,008
Gainesville
Nominal: $52,459
CoL Index: 96.766
Adjusted: $54,212

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,068/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($79,279)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,008)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Gainesville if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Augusta grew 9.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Gainesville over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+9.3%

$50,040 (2019) → $54,690 (2025)

Gainesville, GA

+19.6%

$42,790 (2019) → $51,170 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Augusta or Gainesville?

Augusta has a higher median plumber salary at $56,068/year, compared to Gainesville at $52,459/year — a difference of $3,609 (6.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Gainesville?

Augusta plumbers earn $26.95/hr while Gainesville hygienists earn $25.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Gainesville as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Gainesville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $61,008, Gainesville = $54,212), job availability (540 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Augusta vs Gainesville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $37,410 in Augusta and $37,317 in Gainesville. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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