Plumber in Florence, KY

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

For a plumber in Florence, Kentucky, the numbers paint a clear but nuanced picture. The city’s plumbing market is stable, with local demand driven by its mix of residential growth and aging commercial infrastructure. The median salary here sits at $62,228/year, translating to an hourly rate of $29.92/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, a common trade-off for the region’s lower cost of living.

The metro area, which encompasses Boone County and part of Campbell County, supports 64 plumbing jobs. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is modest but steady, reflecting consistent demand from new housing developments and the maintenance of older systems.

To understand what this means for your career trajectory, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are typical ranges for the Florence area, aggregated from local job postings and trade associations.

Experience Level	Yearly Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Notes for Florence
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	$20.19 - $25.00	Often starts as an apprentice helper. Wages are competitive for apprenticeships.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65	Journeyman status typical. Full range of residential and basic commercial work.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $85,000	$32.69 - $40.87	Master plumber or lead foreman. Handles complex projects and estimates.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	$38.46 - $45.67+	Business owners, specialty contractors (medical gas, industrial), or senior management.

Insider Tip: While the median is $62,228, many mid-to-senior level plumbers with specialized skills (like medical gas or backflow prevention) or who work for larger, unionized contractors can exceed this. The key is to move beyond general residential service work into more specialized or commercial niches.

Comparison to Other Kentucky Cities:
Florence’s median salary of $62,228 is very competitive within the state. It sits comfortably above the state average for licensed plumbers and is comparable to larger metros like Lexington, though typically about 5-10% below. However, when you factor in the cost of living index of 94.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), your money goes further here than in Louisville ($64,500 median) or Lexington ($63,800 median). For a plumber prioritizing purchasing power over raw salary, Florence is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $62,228 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down for a single plumber living in Florence, using $846/month as the average for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (for a single filer, pre-tax):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,185.67
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (approx. 21-22% effective rate for this bracket)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,085

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent ($1BR): $846
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $220
• Groceries: $300
• Auto Payment/Insurance/Gas: $450 (common in a car-dependent area like Florence)
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): $200
• Retirement/IRA Savings (10%): $408
• Emergency Fund/Personal Savings: $300
• Miscellaneous (Food, Entertainment, Clothing): $361
• Total: $3,085

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is where Florence’s affordability shines. The average home price in Boone County is around $250,000-$280,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000-$56,000), a 30-year mortgage at a 7% interest rate would have a monthly payment of $1,200-$1,350 (including property taxes and insurance).

On a $62,228 salary, a $1,300 mortgage payment is about 31% of your gross income, which is within the standard "affordable" guideline (lenders often look for <36%). With disciplined saving from your monthly budget, a plumber in Florence can realistically save for a down payment within 5-7 years and purchase a starter home or a property with a yard—valuable for those with a work trailer.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Florence is anchored by a mix of large regional contractors, local family-owned firms, and facilities with constant maintenance needs. Here are the key players:

1. W.J. O'Neil & Company: A major mechanical contractor based in Cincinnati with a strong presence in Northern Kentucky. They handle large commercial, industrial, and institutional projects (like schools and hospitals). They often have union agreements (UA Local 393/UA Local 502) and offer structured apprenticeships and benefits. This is a top destination for commercial/industrial career paths.

2. APES Mechanical (Allied Plumbing & Electrical Services): A prominent local and regional contractor serving the greater Cincinnati area, including Florence. They focus on residential and light commercial service, installation, and remodeling. They are known for investing in technician training and offer competitive wages for experienced service plumbers.

3. St. Elizabeth Healthcare (Florence/Hebron Campus): A major employer in the region. While not primarily a plumbing employer, the facility has a large, in-house facilities and maintenance team that includes multiple licensed plumbers. These jobs are highly sought after for their stability, benefits, and predictable hours. They typically require journeyman status and experience with medical gas systems.

4. McDonald's Corporation (Florence HQ): While not a plumbing contractor, the massive McDonald's campus in Florence requires significant on-site facilities maintenance. The maintenance team includes skilled tradespeople, and there are sometimes openings for plumbers to manage the complex water, waste, and drainage systems for their offices, test kitchens, and training centers.

5. Local Residential & Service Firms: Several smaller, reputable companies serve the residential market in Florence, such as Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain and Ben's Air Conditioning & Heating (which also does plumbing). These are excellent for apprentices starting out, focusing on service calls, water heater installs, and drain cleaning. Hiring is often word-of-mouth and tied to local reputation.

6. School Districts & Municipalities: The Boone County School District and the City of Florence employ maintenance staff for their facilities. While positions are less frequent than with contractors, they offer exceptional job security and benefits. These are often posted on government job boards.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent demand for service plumbers who can diagnose and repair issues quickly, and a growing need for plumbers with expertise in water-efficient systems and backflow prevention due to local regulations. Commercial contractors are busy with ongoing projects at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and related logistics facilities, which are a short drive from Florence.

Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky has a clear but structured path to licensure, managed by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). You cannot legally perform plumbing work without a license.

Requirements:

1. Experience: You must log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber (as an apprentice).
2. Education: Complete a formal apprenticeship program (typically 4 years) or provide equivalent experience verification.
3. Exam: Pass the Kentucky State Plumbing Exam (for Journeyman or Master Plumber). The exam is administered by the Kentucky Board of Plumbers.

Costs:

• Apprenticeship Program: Often free or low-cost if sponsored by an employer/union (like the UA Local 393 apprenticeship). Private trade schools may charge $3,000 - $8,000 for a program.
• Exam Fees: Approximately $150 - $200 for the application and exam.
• Licensing Fee (Journeyman): $100 + $25 (original license fee).
• Licensing Fee (Master): $200 + $25 (original license fee).

Timeline:

• From Start to Journeyman: 4-5 years (includes 8,000 hours of work + apprenticeship training).
• From Journeyman to Master: Requires an additional 2 years of full-time work as a journeyman.
• Total to become a Master Plumber: 6-8 years.

Insider Tip: The best way to start is to get hired by a contractor as a helper and enroll in their registered apprenticeship program. This ensures your hours are documented correctly. The licensure process is straightforward, but patience is required. Start with the Kentucky Board of Plumbers website for the most current application forms.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Florence is a quintessential suburban city. Most neighborhoods are car-centric, but location affects commute times and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 areas to consider:

1. Downtown Florence / Historic District:

   • Vibe: Walkable, charming, with local shops and restaurants. Home to the Florence Mall and a growing arts scene.
   • Commute: Central to most jobs in Florence, Hebron, and Burlington. 10-15 minutes.
   • Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,100 (higher than average due to location).
   • Best For: Plumbers who want to be in the heart of the action and have a short, easy commute.

2. Union / KY-42 Corridor:

   • Vibe: Master-planned community feel with newer subdivisions, parks, and highly-rated schools. More residential, less retail.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most local job sites. Easy access to I-71/75 for work in Cincinnati.
   • Rent (1BR/2BR): $850 - $1,200 (more affordable for larger units).
   • Best For: Plumbers with families or those who prefer a quiet, suburban lifestyle. Excellent for saving money on rent.

3. Hebron / Around the Airport (CVG):

   • Vibe: Industrial and commercial hub, home to the airport, Amazon fulfillment centers, and logistics parks. Fewer single-family homes, more apartments and townhomes.
   • Commute: Varies, but centrally located for airport-area jobs. 15-30 minutes elsewhere.
   • Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000.
   • Best For: Plumbers who work for commercial/industrial contractors servicing the airport or logistics corridor. Short commute potential.

4. Burlington / Northern Boone County:

   • Vibe: Rural-suburban mix, more land, larger homes. Feels farther from the city center but offers more space for the money.
   • Commute: Can be 20-30 minutes to Florence proper. Requires planning.
   • Rent (1BR/House): $750 - $950 (often better value for 2BRs or houses with yards).
   • Best For: Plumbers seeking a quieter, country-adjacent lifestyle who don’t mind a longer commute. Great for owning a workshop or having space for a personal vehicle fleet.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Florence can evolve in several directions, each with its own earning potential.

• Specialty Premiums: Beyond general plumbing, certain certifications can boost your hourly rate significantly:

  • Medical Gas Certification: Essential for work in hospitals (like St. Elizabeth) and some labs. Can add $2-$5/hour.
  • Backflow Prevention Tester: Required for commercial properties. A certified tester can charge $75-$150 per test, often as a side business.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: Requires additional certification but opens doors to major commercial and industrial projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service & Sales: Move from repair to estimating and sales for a plumbing company, often with a base salary + commission.
  2. Project Management: For commercial plumbers, moving from the field to managing crews and budgets for large jobs.
  3. Business Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. Starting a small residential service or specialty contracting business in the underserved Florence market can be lucrative. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates a stable market for new, specialized businesses.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is steady, not explosive. This means the market is not saturated but won’t see a boom. Growth will come from:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Replacing old pipes in Florence’s older neighborhoods.
  • New Construction: Residential subdivisions in Boone County continue to expand.
  • Specialization: Increased demand for eco-friendly systems (e.g., tankless water heaters, greywater systems) and smart home integration.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term plumbers in Florence aren’t just skilled with a wrench; they’re skilled communicators. Building a reputation for reliability, clear pricing, and clean work is what leads to referrals and higher rates. Consider joining the Greater Cincinnati Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association for networking.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward assessment of what Florence offers a plumber.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $62,228 salary goes much further than in major metros.	Lower Ceiling than Major Cities: While stable, top-end pay may be 10-15% lower than in Cincinnati or Louisville.
Stable Job Market: 64 jobs with 6% growth provides predictability, not volatility.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle for both commuting and work.
Proximity to a Major Metro (Cincinnati): Easy access to a larger job market and union opportunities.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: For nightlife, major sports, or extensive cultural events, you'll be driving to Cincinnati.
Strong Employer Mix: Balance of residential contractors, commercial work, and stable institutional jobs.	Weather: Winters can be cold, which affects outdoor plumbing work and adds to vehicle wear.
Homeownership is Achievable: The math works for a plumber to buy a home within a reasonable timeframe.	Competition for Prime Jobs: Top-tier positions at places like St. Elizabeth or W.J. O'Neil are competitive.

Final Recommendation:
Florence, KY, is an excellent choice for a plumber who prioritizes a high quality of life, affordability, and stable career progression over chasing the absolute highest salary. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career plumbers starting an apprenticeship and looking to build experience without a high cost of living.
• Mid-career plumbers with families who want to buy a home and establish roots in a safe, community-oriented suburb.
• Specialists who can serve the growing commercial and industrial needs around the airport and hospitals.

If you are an ambitious plumber whose primary goal is to maximize earnings in a high-intensity, fast-paced market, a larger city like Cincinnati or Louisville might offer a slightly higher ceiling. However, for the vast majority of tradespeople, Florence offers a compelling, balanced, and financially smart place to build a long and rewarding career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a license to work as an apprentice in Kentucky?
A: No, but you must be registered with a licensed master plumber or a formal apprenticeship program. Your on-the-job hours only count toward licensure if they are properly documented under a licensed supervisor.

Q: Is the job market saturated in Florence?
A: No. With only 64 jobs and steady 6% growth, the market is stable, not oversaturated. There is a consistent need for qualified, reliable plumbers, especially as older journeymen retire.

Q: How do I find a job as a plumber in Florence?
A: Start by contacting the local contractors listed above (W.J. O'Neil, APES, etc.). Check the "Careers" section of their websites. For residential work, visit local supply houses like Ferguson or Grainger and ask for recommendations. Networking through the UA Local 393 union is also a top pathway.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for plumbers in Florence?
A: The biggest challenge is the variability in work, especially for those in residential service. Winters can be slower, and you must manage your finances accordingly. Building a strong reputation for quality work is crucial to maintaining a steady client base year-round.

Q: Can I commute from Cincinnati for a better-paying job and live in Florence?
A: Absolutely. Many plumbers live in Florence for the lower rent and home prices while commuting to higher-paying jobs