What this means Our calculation
5 of 20 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $75,330. Prices run 12% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (4.2%) and the population is shrinking (-1.8% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Albany Government data
All 20 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $75,330 | -22% | $85,925 | 90 | #236 |
| Construction Supervisor | $74,370 | -4% | $84,830 | 340 | #263 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $73,230 | +15% | $83,530 | 280 | #79 |
| Painter | $61,530 | +29% | $70,184 | 70 | #18 |
| Machinist | $60,840 | +7% | $69,397 | 60 | #77 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $60,420 | +0% | $68,918 | 130 | #192 |
| Electrician | $56,160 | -10% | $64,059 | 300 | #318 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $52,820 | -15% | $60,249 | 110 | #296 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,710 | +2% | $56,702 | 420 | #171 |
| HVAC Technician | $48,320 | -19% | $55,116 | 140 | #356 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $48,230 | -7% | $55,014 | 90 | #267 |
| Plumber | $47,700 | -22% | $54,409 | 140 | #373 |
| Welder | $47,180 | -10% | $53,816 | 170 | #338 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $45,460 | -24% | $51,854 | 260 | #374 |
| Maintenance Technician | $43,680 | -10% | $49,824 | 500 | #338 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $39,540 | -36% | $45,101 | 30 | #270 |
| Carpenter | $38,400 | -32% | $43,801 | 80 | #382 |
| Concrete Finisher | $37,390 | -35% | $42,649 | 80 | #331 |
| Construction Laborer | $35,880 | -23% | $40,927 | 400 | #373 |
| Landscaper | $30,460 | -19% | $34,744 | 250 | #377 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Albany
The Albany area has about 68,124 homes. 47% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 9% were built in 2010 or later. 54% of households own their home, and the median home value is $158,500.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.2% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Albany area's population shrank 1.8% from 2020 to 2025 (148,242 → 145,510), ranking #359 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). More people moved out than in (net -1,931).
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Albany are down 14% from 2021 to 2025 (224 → 192). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Albany area is 21 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 10% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 76% drive alone, 0% take transit and 10% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Georgia Official source
The main state licensing office in Georgia is the Georgia Secretary of State (Professional Licensing). Construction Industry Licensing Board and Residential/General Contractors Board. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Georgia licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Georgia.