Plumber Salary in Florida 2026:
$52,910 Average ($25.44/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
Florida plumbers earn $10,890 below the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Florida Median
$52,910/yr
Hourly Rate
$25.44/hr
vs National
$-10,890
Top 10% Earn
$73,610+
Where Florida Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#46
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
100
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$52,910
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Florida
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale | $57,500 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | $54,400 |
| Orlando Metro | $53,300 |
| Jacksonville Metro | $51,000 |
| Naples Metro | $56,000 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in Florida
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Florida.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $16 - $19/hr | $33,000 - $39,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $20 - $25/hr | $42,000 - $52,000 |
| Journeyman | $26 - $36/hr | $54,000 - $75,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $34 - $46/hr | $71,000 - $96,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $75 - $150/hr billed | $65,000 - $180,000 net |
Florida Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Florida, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Journeyman Requirement
Florida does not have a separate journeyman license; applicants apply directly for the certified plumber (master equivalent) after 4 years of OJT
Master Plumber Requirement
4 years total OJT, pass the Florida contractor exam, pass business and finance exam
Reciprocity
Yes - Florida has reciprocity with several states. Verify with DBPR.
Exam Fee
$249 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Florida
UA Local 725 (Miami), UA Local 234 (Tampa), UA Local 364 (Orlando). ~8% of plumbers in Florida are union.
Union plumbers in Florida typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in Florida
Florida's population boom continues to drive new residential construction, particularly in central and southwest Florida. The state has no state income tax, which improves effective take-home pay relative to the nominal wage. Year-round construction season is an advantage over northern states.
Biggest Employers in Florida
- +Skanska
- +Hensel Phelps
- +Turner Construction Florida
- +Numerous residential plumbing contractors serving new-build communities