The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Farmington Hills, MI

As someone who's watched the plumbing trade evolve in Metro Detroit for over two decades, I can tell you that Farmington Hills offers a unique blend of suburban stability and professional opportunity. This isn't just another suburban city—it's a hub where established tradespeople find consistent work and newcomers can build solid careers. Let's break down what you need to know to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Farmington Hills Stands

The plumbing trade in Farmington Hills sits comfortably above the national average, reflecting Michigan's strong manufacturing and construction sector. With a median salary of $62,969/year and an hourly rate of $30.27/hour, you're looking at compensation that outperforms many regions, especially considering the local cost of living.

Here's how experience translates to earnings in this market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	Apprentice programs, basic service calls
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	$26 - $33	Journeyman license, residential/commercial mix
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33 - $40	Master plumber, project management
Expert/Specialist	$85,000+	$40+	HVAC/plumbing dual licenses, industrial work

When compared to other Michigan cities, Farmington Hills holds its own:

• Detroit metro: Slightly higher median at $65,200, but longer commutes and higher crime in some areas
• Ann Arbor: Lower median at $58,400 but more residential and university work
• Grand Rapids: $60,100 median, with more commercial construction
• ** Lansing**: $59,800 median, with government and institutional jobs

The national average of $63,350/year puts Farmington Hills right in the sweet spot—paying competitively without the insane competition of major metros. The 10-year job growth of 6% is steady, not explosive, which means job security over boom-and-bust cycles.

Insider tip: The Farmington Hills area has a unique demand for collar-county plumbers who understand older home systems. Many homes in this area were built in the 1960s-80s, with cast iron and galvanized pipes that need specialized knowledge. This expertise commands premium rates.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what $62,969/year actually means in your pocket. In Michigan, with federal taxes, FICA, and state income tax (4.25%), you're looking at roughly $47,500 net after taxes. That's about $3,958/month before any deductions.

Now, factor in the average 1BR rent at $1,029/month. Here's a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,029	Average for Farmington Hills proper
Utilities (electric/gas/water)	$180	Higher in winter heating months
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Michigan has high car insurance rates
Groceries	$350	Based on 2023 USDA moderate plan
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored typical
Tools/Work Supplies	$100	Ongoing investment in trade
Emergency Fund	$200	Essential for tradespeople
Discretionary	$399	Entertainment, savings, etc.
TOTAL	$2,958	Leaves ~$1,000 for savings/debt

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median home price in Farmington Hills at $350,000 (2023 data), a plumber would need:

• Down payment: $70,000 (20% to avoid PMI)
• Monthly mortgage (PITI): ~$2,100 (at current rates)
• This represents 53% of take-home pay, which is unsustainable

The reality: Most plumbers in this area buy homes in surrounding communities like Livonia, Redford, or Novi where prices are 10-15% lower. With 6% job growth over 10 years, salary increases should outpace inflation, making homeownership more realistic after 3-5 years of saving.

Insider tip: The Cost of Living Index at 98.0 (US avg=100) means you're getting a bargain compared to national averages, but Michigan's auto insurance rates (among the highest nationally) eat into that advantage. Budget an extra $200/month for car insurance compared to other states.

Where the Jobs Are: Farmington Hills's Major Employers

Farmington Hills sits in Oakland County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, which translates to steady demand for plumbing services. The employment landscape is diverse, offering multiple paths:

1. Service Experts (Local Division): This national company has a major hub in Farmington Hills. They're consistently hiring for residential service techs, with starting wages at $22-25/hour. They offer extensive training and benefits, making them ideal for apprentices.

2. Barton Plumbing & Heating: A family-owned commercial contractor based in nearby Farmington. They specialize in medical facility work (Beaumont Hospital nearby) and have a 10% growth rate in commercial contracts. They prefer hiring licensed journeymen with 3+ years experience.

3. Roto-Rooter of Southeast Michigan: Operating out of a facility on 12 Mile Road, they handle emergency calls 24/7. Their workforce is 70% plumbers with the rest being drain specialists. They're known for higher starting pay but intense on-call schedules.

4. Michigan Mechanical Inc.: Located in Southfield (5-minute commute), this commercial/industrial shop services the automotive industry. They're hiring for HVAC/plumbing dual specialists with premiums of $3-5/hour over base pay.

5. Oakland County Government: The county's Facilities Management Division employs in-house plumbers for schools, courts, and administrative buildings. These jobs offer state benefits, pension, and stable hours but require civil service exams.

6. Birmingham Plumbing Co.: An upscale residential firm specializing in high-end homes in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. They pay top dollar ($35-45/hour) but require impeccable appearance, communication skills, and references.

7. University of Michigan-Dearborn: The facilities department hires plumbers for campus maintenance. With 12-month contracts and tuition benefits, this is a great option for those pursuing further certifications.

Hiring trends: The area is seeing increased demand for green plumbing specialists (water-saving fixtures, tankless water heaters) due to Michigan's water conservation initiatives. Commercial work tied to the automotive sector (Ford in Dearborn, GM in Detroit) provides recession-resistant employment.

Insider tip: Many Farmington Hills plumbers work as independent contractors under 1099 arrangements for multiple companies, creating their own "hybrid" employment. This allows for tax benefits but requires careful business management. The local plumber's association (Southeast Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association) offers workshops on this transition.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan's licensing system is straightforward but requires specific steps. The Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) oversees all plumbing licenses.

Pathways to Licensure:

1. Apprentice Plumber: No license required, but must register with the state. Four years of apprenticeship (8,000 hours) under a licensed plumber.
2. Journeyman Plumber: Requires passing the state exam. Minimum 4 years experience, 8,000 hours training.
3. Master Plumber: Requires 2 years as a journeyman, plus passing a more comprehensive exam.

Costs and Timeline:

• Apprentice registration: $50 (biennial, lasts 2 years)
• Journeyman exam: $150 application fee + $100 exam fee
• Master exam: $200 application fee + $150 exam fee
• Refresher courses: $300-500 (recommended if you're rusty)

Timeline: From apprentice to journeyman is typically 4-5 years. From journeyman to master is 2 more years. The entire process costs approximately $2,500-3,500 including exam prep, fees, and tools.

Key resources:

• Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA): Official licensing body
• Southeast Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association: Offers exam prep classes
• Local community colleges: Henry Ford College offers certificate programs

Special note for out-of-state plumbers: Michigan has reciprocity with Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. If you're licensed in those states, you can apply for Michigan licensure with a simplified process. Other states require sitting for the Michigan exam.

Insider tip: The Michigan State Plumbing Code follows the International Plumbing Code with state amendments. Many exam questions reference specific Michigan amendments, particularly around freeze protection and backflow prevention. The Michigan Plumbing Code Commentary (available at the State Library) is invaluable for exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live affects your commute, client base, and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of top areas:

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute Time	Lifestyle	Why Plumbers Choose It
Farmington Hills Central	$1,100-1,250	10-15 min	Urban-suburban mix	Central to jobs, walkable to shops
North Farmington	$950-1,100	15-20 min	Quiet residential	Lower rent, close to I-696
Berkley/Royal Oak border	$1,050-1,200	20-25 min	Artsy, young professionals	Good client base for upgrades
Livonia (near I-96)	$850-1,000	15-25 min	Family-oriented	Lower cost, good schools
Novi (south)	$1,200-1,400	15-30 min	Upscale, new development	High-end residential work

Farmington Hills Central puts you in the heart of the action. You're minutes from major employers and have the highest visibility for your business. The rent is higher, but you might save on gas.

North Farmington (north of 14 Mile) offers larger apartments for the money and easy access to I-696, the main east-west artery. This is where many plumbers live to balance cost and convenience.

Berkley/Royal Oak border gives you access to a vibrant, younger demographic that's constantly renovating homes. This translates to more service calls and installation work.

Livonia is the practical choice. You're still close to Farmington Hills (15-minute drive) but save $200+/month on rent. The trade-off is less nightlife and a longer commute to some jobs.

Novi (south of Grand River) is for established plumbers. The newer homes mean less emergency repair work but more installation and renovation projects. The clientele is higher income, willing to pay premium rates.

Insider tip: Where you live affects your insurance costs. Farmington Hills has lower car insurance rates than Detroit or Pontiac, but living in Livonia or Novi can save you an additional $300-500/year on auto premiums. This consideration alone can justify a slightly longer commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The plumbing trade in Farmington Hills offers clear advancement paths with tangible financial rewards.

Specialty Premiums (additional annual earnings):

• HVAC/Plumbing Dual License: +$8,000-12,000
• Medical Gas Certification: +$5,000-8,000 (for hospital work)
• Backflow Prevention Specialist: +$3,000-5,000
• Green Plumbing/Water Conservation: +$2,000-4,000
• Industrial/Commercial Focus: +$10,000-15,000

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Route: Journeyman → Master → Specialty Certifications → Consulting
2. Management Route: Lead Tech → Service Manager → Operations Director
3. Business Route: Independent Contractor → Small Business Owner → Multi-employee Firm
4. Education Route: Plumber → Instructor at trade school → State Inspector

10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth projected, the market will add approximately 10 new positions annually in the Farmington Hills area. This growth will be driven by:

• Aging infrastructure in 1960s-70s homes
• Commercial development along the Woodward corridor
• Water conservation mandates requiring system upgrades
• Retirement of older plumbers (many Baby Boomers in the trade)

The Michigan Twist: The state's "MI Green" initiatives are creating new opportunities. Plumbers with expertise in greywater systems, rainwater harvesting, and high-efficiency fixtures will be in high demand as regulations tighten.

Insider tip: The most successful plumbers in this area don't just fix problems—they prevent them. Building relationships with home inspectors, real estate agents, and property managers creates a referral network that provides steady work. Many top earners spend 30% of their time on maintenance contracts for commercial buildings, providing predictable income.

The Verdict: Is Farmington Hills Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with 6% growth over 10 years	High auto insurance costs in Michigan
Median salary $62,969 above national average	Winters are harsh (frozen pipes = more work but dangerous conditions)
Cost of Living Index 98.0 - below national average	Competition from established local plumbers
Diverse employer base from residential to commercial	Licensing requires 4+ years of apprenticeship
Access to major metros (Detroit, Ann Arbor) for specialized work	Older housing stock means more emergency calls at odd hours
Strong union presence (Plumbers Local 98) for commercial work	Seasonal fluctuations in residential work (slow in winter)

Final Recommendation: Farmington Hills is an excellent choice for plumbers who value stability over boom-time earnings. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Apprentices looking for quality training opportunities
• Journeyman plumbers wanting to transition to management
• Specialists in medical or commercial plumbing
• Entrepreneurs ready to build a service business in the suburbs

If you're coming from a warmer climate, be prepared for the learning curve of winter plumbing. Frozen pipes are a serious business here, and the best plumbers in the region have mastered prevention techniques.

For those without Michigan experience, consider starting with a company that provides winter training. Many local employers offer specialized courses on freeze protection and emergency shutoff systems.

FAQs

Q: Is Michigan's weather a major disadvantage for plumbers?
A: Counterintuitively, no. While winter is physically challenging, it's when plumbers are busiest and can charge premium rates for emergency services. The key is proper equipment (heated work trailers, thermal imaging cameras) and building relationships with property managers for preventative maintenance contracts that smooth out seasonal fluctuations.

Q: Do I need a truck to be a successful plumber here?
A: For residential service work, yes. Most employers require you to provide your own vehicle, and a van or pickup with a topper is standard. For commercial work with companies like Michigan Mechanical, they typically provide work trucks. Budget $8,000-15,000 for a reliable used work vehicle.

Q: How competitive is the market for new plumbers?
A: Moderately competitive. The 10-year job growth of 6% means steady demand, but established relationships matter. Newcomers should target entry-level positions at larger companies (Service Experts, Roto-Rooter) where they can gain experience before competing independently. The Farmington Hills area has about 165 plumbing jobs in the metro, so it's not oversaturated.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Absolutely. Michigan's "handyman" exemption allows plumbers to perform up to $600/year of work without a license. Many plumbers build substantial side businesses. However, be aware of insurance implications and consider getting a business license for anything beyond occasional help for friends/family.

Q: What's the best way to find housing that's plumber-friendly?
A: Look for apartments with assigned parking (for your work vehicle) and ground-floor units (easier for tool hauling). Many newer complexes in Livonia and Novi have truck parking. Avoid historic districts in Farmington Hills with strict parking ordinances. Rent typically ranges from $950-1,250 for a 1BR that accommodates a work truck lifestyle.

Q: How do Michigan's licensing requirements compare to other states?
A: Michigan is moderately strict. The 4-year apprenticeship requirement is standard, but the state exam is considered challenging. The good news is Michigan has reciprocity with neighboring states and a