Plumber in Florida: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Florida employs 29,260 plumbers, with a statewide median of $52,910 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Florida licensing picture, and where to train.

What Plumbers Earn in Florida (May 2025)

Florida median pay: $52,910 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,940
Experienced (75th percentile): $62,820
Top earners (90th percentile): $73,610
Employed in Florida: 29,260
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for plumbers in major Florida markets:

Jacksonville: $58,920 (2,380 employed)
Sarasota–Bradenton: $58,150 (1,390 employed)
Miami–Fort Lauderdale: $57,760 (5,930 employed)
Orlando: $55,380 (4,040 employed)
Tampa Bay: $52,000 (4,180 employed)
Fort Myers: $51,690 (1,950 employed)
Pensacola: $49,670 (650 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Florida

Prices in Florida run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $52,910 median is worth closer to $51,170 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Florida (2026–2034)

Florida is projected to grow plumbers employment +11.4%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,988 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Florida License and Certification Requirements

County Journeyman Plumber certificate; DBPR Certified Plumbing Contractor (statewide) — regulated by the Local boards (journeyman) / DBPR CILB (contractor).

Like electricians, Florida journeyman plumber licenses are county-level (typically ~4 years of experience plus a local competency exam — check your county's rules).
Apprenticeships through PHCC Florida, UA locals, or ABC chapters provide paid training that satisfies the experience requirements.
Statewide business ownership: DBPR Certified Plumbing Contractor — 4 years of experience, business & finance + trade exams, credit report, and $100k/$25k liability insurance.

Official requirements: Local boards (journeyman) / DBPR CILB (contractor) →

Training in Florida

Florida's housing growth keeps plumbers busy in every metro, and repipe/remodel work (aging housing stock plus salt-air corrosion) adds steady demand beyond new construction. Verify your county's journeyman requirements early so your hours are documented correctly.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Florida include:

Atlantic Technical College — Certificate
Daytona State College — Certificate
Erwin Technical College — Certificate
Florida International Training Institute — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.

Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.

Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

First Steps

Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do plumbers make in Florida?

The median wage for plumbers in Florida is $52,910 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,940, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $73,610. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Plumber in Florida?

County Journeyman Plumber certificate; DBPR Certified Plumbing Contractor (statewide), overseen by the Local boards (journeyman) / DBPR CILB (contractor). Like electricians, Florida journeyman plumber licenses are county-level (typically ~4 years of experience plus a local competency exam — check your county's rules).

Is being a Plumber a good career in Florida?

Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

Which Florida metros pay plumbers the most?

Among Florida metro areas, Jacksonville leads at $58,920, followed by Sarasota–Bradenton ($58,150), Miami–Fort Lauderdale ($57,760). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Plumber in Florida?

Real Florida options include Atlantic Technical College, Daytona State College, Erwin Technical College. Most plumbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Plumber a growing career in Florida?

Florida projects plumbers employment to change +11.4% from 2026 to 2034, with about 2,988 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Florida statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the Local boards (journeyman) / DBPR CILB (contractor) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Florida wages · Florida licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.