Georgia Workplace Safety Requirements (2026)
Georgia OSHA requirements, safety training mandates, certifications, and salary data for Georgia workers. Federal OSHA rules and key industries
Georgia operates under Federal OSHA. There’s no state OSHA plan. Federal regulations apply to all private sector workplaces in the state. Georgia has minimal state-specific safety requirements beyond federal OSHA, but the Atlanta metro area’s rapid growth creates strong demand for safety professionals.
Key Industries
Construction Atlanta is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Southeast. Massive residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction activity. Data center construction in the Atlanta suburbs is booming. Savannah’s port expansion is driving additional construction.
Logistics and warehousing Atlanta is a national logistics hub. Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the world. Major distribution centers for Amazon, Home Depot, UPS, and other companies across metro Atlanta. Forklift certification is in high demand.
Automotive manufacturing Kia in West Point, SK Battery in Commerce, Rivian in Social Circle. EV and battery manufacturing is creating new safety positions.
Film and entertainment Georgia’s film industry has grown dramatically. Set construction, stunt coordination, and production safety are specialized needs.
Poultry and food processing Georgia is the largest poultry-producing state. Processing plant safety (ergonomics, machine guarding, ammonia refrigeration) is a significant specialty.
Military Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Robins Air Force Base, and other installations create government safety positions.
Safety Professional Salary in Georgia
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $48,000 - $58,000 |
| Mid-career | $58,000 - $78,000 |
| Experienced | $78,000 - $95,000 |
| Senior / Director | $95,000 - $125,000+ |
Mean annual salary: $78,000+ (BLS OEWS, SOC 29-9011).
Atlanta metro area pays the highest. Georgia has a graduated state income tax (up to 5.49%) and a low cost of living relative to similar-sized metro areas.
Strong value: Atlanta offers a good combination of salary, job availability, and affordable living. It’s one of the best Southeast markets for safety careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have its own OSHA program? No. Georgia operates under Federal OSHA. State and local government workers are not covered.
Do I need OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 in Georgia? Not required by state law. Most large general contractors in Atlanta require them for construction projects. Manufacturing employers typically require job-specific training but not necessarily OSHA cards.
Is Atlanta good for safety careers? Yes. Rapid growth in construction, logistics, and manufacturing creates strong demand. Salaries are competitive, and the cost of living is lower than comparable cities like DC or New York.