Plumber in Davie, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

As a local who’s watched the South Florida plumbing market for years, I can tell you that Davie’s numbers are solid, but the real story is in the details. The median salary for a plumber in Davie is $65,592 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.53. This is slightly above the national average of $63,350 per year, a small but meaningful premium that reflects the local cost of living and the constant demand for skilled trades in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area.

However, salary isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. Your earnings in Davie will be heavily influenced by your experience level, the type of work you do (residential service vs. commercial construction), and whether you're working for a company or running your own show.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience, using the local median as a baseline.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Davie
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	Assisting senior plumbers, basic installations, trenching, learning code.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Handling service calls independently, complex repairs, rough-in installations.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Supervising crews, commercial projects, specialized systems (medical gas, fire protection).
Expert/Owner (10+ years)	$85,000+	Business ownership, high-end custom home work, commercial project management.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for plumbers in the Davie area is 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady. The real driver here is the 215 active jobs in the metro area. This isn't a boomtown for plumbers; it's a consistent, reliable market. The steady stream of new construction in western Broward County, combined with an aging housing stock in central Davie and surrounding towns, ensures a constant need for both installation and service work.

When comparing to other Florida cities, Davie holds its own. It doesn't have the high-volume tourist-driven demand of Orlando or the mega-construction projects of Tampa, but it offers a more stable, year-round residential and light commercial market. You're less likely to get laid off during a tourism downturn, but you might not hit the same peak earnings as a plumber specializing in luxury hotel renovations in Miami Beach (though the commute from Davie to South Beach is a brutal 45+ minutes in traffic).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your budget. The median salary of $65,592 is a gross number. After federal taxes, FICA, and Florida state taxes (which is a blessing—no state income tax), a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home roughly $51,000 to $53,000 annually, or about $4,250 to $4,400 per month. This is a simplified estimate, but it gives us a starting point.

Now, let's layer in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,621 per month. The Cost of Living Index for Davie is 111.8, meaning it's about 11.8% more expensive than the U.S. average. Housing is the biggest factor here.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary, living in a typical 1-bedroom apartment:

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,466	$65,592 / 12 months
Take-Home Pay (Est.)	$4,300	After taxes (simplified)
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	$1,621/month is the local average
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	$250	Includes high A/C costs in summer
Groceries & Household	$450
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Essential in Davie; car insurance is high in FL
Gas & Maintenance	$250
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300
Misc. (Phone, Leisure, Savings)	$829
Total Expenses	$4,300
Remaining Balance	$0	Very tight budget

The Reality Check: This budget is balanced on a knife's edge. There’s little room for error, major savings, or unexpected expenses. Can they afford to buy a home? On a single plumber's median income, it's challenging but not impossible, especially with a dual-income household. The median home price in Davie is around $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000, and a mortgage on the remaining $360,000 would be roughly $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance), which would push the budget over the edge for a single earner. However, a plumber with a few more years of experience (earning $75,000+) or a spouse with a steady income makes homeownership in Davie a very realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie isn't a single-city economy; it's a hub within the larger South Florida construction and service machine. The 215 jobs in the metro are spread across several key sectors. Here’s where you should be looking, based on my observations of the local market.

1. A-Action Plumbing & Rooting: A local staple in the Broward County area, known for residential service and repair. They handle everything from clogged drains to water heater installations. They often have a steady stream of service calls, making them a good place for a plumber who wants consistent hours and diverse repair work.

2. My Plumber Heating & Cooling: While their name includes HVAC, they are a full-service mechanical contractor. They frequently hire plumbers for rough-ins and finish work on new residential construction projects in areas like Weston and Miramar. This is a great entry point if you have some HVAC knowledge or want to learn multiple trades.

3. Broward County Public Schools: The school district is a massive employer. While they have an in-house maintenance team (Broward County Public Schools Maintenance & Operations), they also contract with local plumbing firms for large-scale renovations and emergency repairs. Getting on their preferred vendor list or finding a contractor that services them is a key move.

4. Jackson Health System (Jackson North Medical Center): While not in Davie proper, this major hospital in nearby Miami-Dade County is a huge employer for commercial plumbers specializing in medical gas, backflow prevention, and high-pressure systems. The pay for this specialty is 10-20% above the residential median. The commute from Davie is manageable via the Palmetto Expressway.

5. Local Union: United Association Local 725 (South Florida): The union is a major employer in itself. They have journeyman plumbers working on large commercial projects, including the recent expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and various municipal projects in Broward County. Union jobs often come with better benefits and a structured wage scale, often starting at $35/hour+ for journeyman level.

6. Residential Builder Firms (Lennar, Pulte, KB Home): These national builders have active communities in western Davie and nearby areas like Cooper City and Southwest Ranches. They don't hire plumbers directly, but they subcontract to large plumbing contractors. Getting in with a subcontractor that services these builders is the path to steady, long-term construction work.

Hiring Trends: The trend I'm seeing is a split. There's high demand for service and repair plumbers (the "truck" plumbers) who can diagnose and fix problems quickly. On the construction side, there's steady work in multi-family units and commercial tenant improvements (like strip mall renovations). The demand for traditional single-family home plumbers is stable but not growing as fast as the multi-family sector.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed plumber, which is a huge advantage. The state recognizes two main licenses: Certified Plumbing Contractor (can work anywhere in FL) and Registered Plumbing Contractor (limited to local jurisdiction). For a journeyman plumber, you'll want to become a Certified Plumbing Contractor.

Step-by-Step Process & Costs:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): This is your on-the-job training. You need 4,000 hours of experience under a licensed contractor. You can start this as early as 18. Many apprentices get paid (starting around $15-20/hour), so you're earning while you learn.
2. Classroom Hours (2 Years): Florida requires 600 hours of approved classroom instruction. This can be done at a technical college (like Broward Technical College - Central Campus in Davie itself) or through an apprenticeship program. Tuition can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the school.
3. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship and classroom hours, you can take the state journeyman exam. The exam fee is $150.
4. Contractor License (Optional but Recommended): To own your business or pull permits, you need a contractor's license. This requires passing a business & finance exam and a trade exam. This takes about 2-3 years of working as a journeyman first. Exam fees are around $350.

Timeline to Get Started: From day one as an apprentice to being a licensed journeyman, you're looking at 4-5 years. To become a full contractor, add another 2-3 years. The total investment in time and money (for exams and schooling) is significant, but the payoff is a high-demand, skilled trade with a clear career ladder.

Insider Tip: Start your search for a registered apprenticeship with the Florida Department of Education's Apprenticeship Division. They maintain a list of registered sponsors, which ensures your hours will count toward the journeyman license. Don't get trapped in a non-registered "helper" role for years without a clear path to licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Davie is a town of contrasts, from rural lots to suburban developments. Your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, daily life, and rent budget.

1. Western Davie (e.g., near Orange Drive & Stirling Road): This is the newer, more suburban part of town. Homes are larger, and many are part of master-planned communities. It's a prime area for new construction work.

   • Commute: Easy access to I-595 and the Turnpike. A 20-minute commute to major construction hubs in Weston or Miramar.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, quiet, with lots of parks and horse-keeping properties.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,900 for a 1BR apartment; a 2BR townhouse can be $2,200+.

2. Central Davie (e.g., near Davie Road & Griffin Road): The older, more established heart of the town. You'll find a mix of single-family homes from the 70s-90s and small apartment complexes. This area is a goldmine for service and repair work.

   • Commute: Central location, 15-25 minutes to most of Broward County. Easy access to major roads.
   • Lifestyle: Convenient, with older trees and a more established feel. Close to downtown Davie's few amenities.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700 for a 1BR apartment.

3. Southern Davie (e.g., near University Drive): Adjacent to Nova Southeastern University (NSU), this area has a younger, more transient population with many student rentals. Good for finding roommates to split costs.

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Fort Lauderdale. Traffic on University Drive can be heavy.
   • Lifestyle: Energetic, with more commercial activity (restaurants, shops). Less quiet than the west.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750 for a 1BR; many 2BRs are rented by the room.

4. For Commuting to Miami: If you want to live in Davie but work in Miami (e.g., for a specialty hospital job), look for a place near I-595. The Palmetto Expressway (SR-826) is your main artery. A commute to downtown Miami can be 45-70 minutes depending on traffic. Rent won't be significantly lower in Davie vs. some Miami neighborhoods, but you'll get more space and a quieter home base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Davie, your long-term growth isn't just about longevity; it's about specialization. The base salary gets you in the door, but specialties pay the bills.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified to work on medical gas systems in hospitals and clinics can command $40/hour+. This is a niche with high demand in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale metro.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification for testing and installing backflow prevention devices is required for many commercial properties. It's a side-hustle goldmine—cost is low to get certified, and you can charge $100-$150 per test.
  • Commercial Pipefitting: Working with large-diameter pipe, industrial processes, and fire protection systems. This often pays 15-25% more than residential plumbing.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from the truck to the office, managing dispatch and technicians.
  2. Journeyman to Foreman: Oversee a crew on a construction site, managing timelines and materials.
  3. Journeyman to Business Owner: This is the biggest leap. Start with a service truck and a focus on a niche (e.g., water filtration systems, tankless water heaters). The 6% job growth means there's room for a new, well-marketed small business.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook for a skilled, licensed plumber in Davie is strong. The 10-year job growth of 6% is reliable. The key will be adapting to new technologies. PEX piping is standard now, but the next big shift will be in water efficiency systems and smart home water monitoring (like Flo by Moen). Plumbers who get ahead of these trends will be the ones earning the top $85,000+ salaries. The aging infrastructure of South Florida also guarantees a perpetual need for repipes and sewer line replacements, a bread-and-butter service that will not go away.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Davie offers a stable, middle-of-the-road environment for a plumbing career. It's not the highest-paying market, but it's consistent with a very clear path to licensure and advancement. The cost of living, especially housing, is the biggest hurdle.

Pros	Cons
Stable, year-round demand for both service and construction.	High cost of living, especially rent relative to salary.
Clear path to licensure via state-regulated apprenticeships.	Car-dependent public transit is virtually non-existent.
Proximity to a massive metro market (Miami-Fort Lauderdale) for specialty work.	Traffic congestion can be brutal, impacting commute times.
No state income tax in Florida.	Hurricane season adds risk and insurance costs.
Diverse job opportunities (residential, commercial, institutional).	Competitive market for apprenticeship slots.

Final Recommendation: Davie is an excellent choice for an ambitious plumber who is early in their career and willing to get licensed. The path is clear, the work is steady, and the proximity to a major metro area offers long-term specialization potential. It's less ideal for a single, entry-level plumber expecting a lavish lifestyle—budgeting will be tight. However, for a journeyman plumber or a family with dual incomes, Davie provides a stable home base with access to a thriving job market. If you're willing to invest the 4-5 years in apprenticeship and licensure, Davie can be a very rewarding place to build a plumbing career.

FAQs

1. How realistic is it to find an apprenticeship in Davie?
It's competitive but very achievable. Your best bet is to contact the South Florida Plumbing Contractors Association and the Florida Department of Education's Apprenticeship Division. Be persistent, have a clean driving record, and be ready to start as a laborer to prove your work ethic. Many contractors hire apprentices from their pool of helpers.

2. Do I need a truck and tools to start working?
Not as an apprentice. The company you work for will provide the major tools and a work vehicle. As you advance to a journeyman or service tech, you may be expected to have your own basic hand tools. Owning your own service truck is only necessary if