Plumber in Florence, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

If you're considering moving to Florence, SC, as a plumber, you need to understand the local financial reality. The salary data tells a clear story: Florence offers a solid middle-market income, significantly boosted by a low cost of living.

The median salary for a plumber in Florence is $61,069 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.36. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but that number is misleading without context. Florence isn't competing with Atlanta or Charlotte; it's competing with smaller Southern cities where your paycheck stretches much further.

The job market is stable but small. There are approximately 80 plumbing jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is modest but steady, aligning with national trends for an aging infrastructure and housing stock. For a workhorse trade like plumbing, this means consistent demand rather than explosive growth.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience level in the Florence market. These figures are estimates based on local job postings, union rates (where applicable), and industry benchmarks adjusted for the cost of living.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Florence, SC)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career / Journeyman	2-8 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior / Lead Technician	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert / Master / Business Owner	15+ years	$85,000+ (highly variable)

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Senior is where you see the biggest pay increase in Florence. Companies are willing to pay a premium for licensed plumbers who can manage complex commercial jobs or lead a crew. The $61,069 median is heavily weighted toward the mid-career journeyman level.

When you compare Florence to other South Carolina cities, it holds its own. It's not as high-paying as Charleston or Greenville, but the cost of living is drastically lower. In Charleston, a plumber might earn $68,000 on average, but that same salary is eroded by rents that are often double what you pay in Florence. For a plumber looking to build equity or start a family, the Florence salary-to-cost ratio is compelling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers. A plumber earning the median salary of $61,069 has a different financial reality than the national average. South Carolina has a progressive income tax, but it's manageable. We'll use single filer status for this model, assuming standard deductions and no dependents for simplicity.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,089
• Federal Tax (Est.): $450
• SC State Tax (Est.): $230
• Social Security/Medicare (7.65%): $390
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,020

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The Cost of Living Index for Florence is 88.0, meaning it's 12% cheaper than the U.S. average. The most significant local factor is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent is $792/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber:

• Net Take-Home Pay: $4,020
• Rent (1BR Avg): $792
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries & Household: $450
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Florence): $450
• Gas & Maintenance: $200
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $300
• Debt/Student Loans: $300
• Total Essentials: $2,692
• Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$1,328

This leaves a healthy $1,328 for savings, retirement, entertainment, or luxury purchases. This is a strong financial position in today's economy.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely.
The median home price in the Florence metro area is approximately $185,000. Let's see what that looks like:

• 20% Down Payment: $37,000 (a challenge but achievable over a few years)
• 30-Year Mortgage @ 6.5%: ~$940/month (Principal & Interest)
• Plus Taxes & Insurance: ~$300/month
• Total Mortgage Payment: ~$1,240/month

This is only $448 more than the average rent. A plumber earning the median salary can easily afford this mortgage, especially with the lower rent-to-income ratio while saving for the down payment. This is the single biggest financial advantage of choosing Florence over more expensive metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence's economy is a mix of healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, all of which require plumbing services. The job market for plumbers is interconnected with these sectors. You won't find massive corporate headquarters, but you'll find steady, reliable employers.

1. McLeod Health: Florence's largest employer, with a sprawling campus including McLeod Regional Medical Center. Their in-house facilities team manages a massive infrastructure of medical gas lines, water systems, and HVAC. They hire full-time, unionized maintenance plumbers with excellent benefits. Hiring is steady due to expansion and ongoing maintenance.
2. Duke Energy Progress: A major regional utility. The Florence area requires constant pipeline maintenance, new service installs, and emergency repairs. These jobs often pay above the local median and offer strong union benefits (IBEW). They are a top-tier employer for experienced, licensed journeymen.
3. General Motors (GM) Florence: This is the economic heart of the region's manufacturing. While GM's direct plumbing hires may be limited to specialized industrial pipefitters, the entire industrial park surrounding GM relies on plumbing contractors for everything from new construction to facility maintenance. Working for a contractor servicing GM is a prime opportunity.
4. Franciscus Hospitality: This group owns and operates several major hotels in Florence (like the Holiday Inn & Suites). For a plumber, this means commercial service contracts or full-time maintenance positions. Hotel plumbing is fast-paced and varied, from guest room repairs to kitchen and laundry system overhauls.
5. Franciscus Industries / Francis Marion University: The university and its associated facilities are a constant source of work. Francis Marion University is undergoing growth, and its facilities department hires plumbers for campus-wide projects. This is a great option for someone seeking a stable, government-style job with good hours and benefits.
6. Local Construction & Contracting Firms: Florence has a healthy ecosystem of local contractors who bid on residential and commercial projects. Companies like Florence Mechanical or Pee Dee Mechanical are frequently hiring. These roles offer the most variety but may have variable work during economic dips. This is where you build your reputation and network.

Insider Tip: The best way to get a job at McLeod or Duke Energy is not always through a public posting. Network with the facilities managers. Show up on a Tuesday morning with your resume and a firm handshake. In Florence, personal connections still matter immensely.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina has a clear but firm licensing process managed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). You cannot work as a master plumber or pull permits without it.

Pathway to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship: You need at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber. You can start your apprenticeship at 18.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the South Carolina State Board of Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors exam. This covers the South Carolina Plumbing Code (based on the International Plumbing Code with state amendments).
3. Master Plumber License: To become a Master Plumber (which allows you to run your own business and pull permits), you need an additional 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience as a journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam.

Costs and Timeline (Estimates):

• Apprenticeship Program Fee: $0 - $500 (many are employer-sponsored)
• Journeyman Exam Fee: $150
• Master Plumber Exam Fee: $200
• Licensing Fee (Journeyman): $100 (annual renewal)
• Total Time to Journeyman: 4 Years
• Total Cost to Journeyman: ~$250 (plus study materials)

Insider Tip: The SC plumbing code is specific. Don't rely solely on your previous state's knowledge. The exam is known to be tricky on state-specific amendments. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website is the official source, and local trade schools (like Florence-Darlington Technical College) offer exam prep courses.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Florence is a driving city, so access to major roads like I-95, I-20, and US-52 is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
West Florence	Suburban, family-friendly. Commute to industrial areas (GM, McLeod) is 10-15 mins via I-95 or US-52.	$750 - $850	Close to the new development and major employers. Quiet after work. Easy access to I-95 for emergency calls.
Downtown / Civic Center	Urban, walkable. 5-10 min commute to McLeod, city offices, and banks. More apartments than single-family.	$700 - $900	For a younger plumber who wants nightlife. Very short commutes to central jobs. Parking can be tight for service vans.
South Florence	Established, mixed residential. Commute to McLeod & downtown is 10-15 mins via US-52.	$650 - $800	More affordable rent. Close to the Francis Marion University area and the southern commercial hubs.
Pamplico/Pee Dee Area	Rural, small-town feel. 20-30 min commute to Florence core. Much lower rent.	$500 - $650	For plumbers who prioritize space and privacy over a short commute. Ideal if you have your own workshop or a family.
Timmonsville / Surrounding Towns	Bedroom communities. 15-25 min commute. Very low cost of living.	$550 - $700	To maximize savings. You trade a longer drive for a much lower rent bill, putting you closer to home ownership.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a contractor, be prepared for a decentralized job site. Living centrally (West Florence or Downtown) minimizes your daily drive to unpredictable job locations across the metro area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber in Florence isn't stuck at a fixed salary. Growth comes from specialization, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Essential for work at McLeod. Can add a 5-10% premium to your salary.
• Industrial Pipefitting: Experience with high-pressure systems (like at GM) can command higher rates, especially on union projects.
• Commercial Service Tech: Troubleshooting complex systems in hotels and commercial buildings pays more than routine residential work.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: Certified testers are in constant demand for commercial clients (Duke Energy, restaurants, hospitals). This is a lucrative side certification.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead Technician: Managing a small crew for a contractor, increasing pay by $10k-$15k.
2. Project Supervisor: Overseeing larger jobs for a company like McLeod or a construction firm. Salary can reach $75k-$90k.
3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. A one-truck residential service business in Florence can gross $200k+, with net profit of $50k-$80k after expenses. A larger commercial-focused business has higher ceilings but also higher overhead.
4. Instructor: Teaching at Florence-Darlington Technical College (which has a plumbing program) offers a stable, salaried position with benefits, often around $55k-$65k.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is solid. The aging infrastructure of Florence (much of it built in the mid-20th century) guarantees a steady replacement and repair market. The healthcare sector (McLeod) is always expanding, and the automotive industry (GM) is stable. The biggest risk is a slowdown in residential construction, but a diverse service portfolio mitigates this. The long-term outlook is stable, predictable, and rewarding for those who specialize and build a reputation.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Pros of Being a Plumber in Florence	Cons of Being a Plumber in Florence
High Standard of Living: Your $61k median salary goes very far. Home ownership is very achievable.	Limited Market Size: Only 80 jobs in the metro. Competition is local and network-based.
Stable, Diverse Employers: McLeod, Duke Energy, GM, and the university offer recession-resistant jobs.	Lower Ceiling (Initially): Salaries don't reach the highs of major coastal cities until you start your own business.
Low Cost of Living: Index of 88.0 and affordable $792 rent mean less financial stress.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle for work and life. Public transit is limited.
Strategic Location: On I-95 and I-20, easy access to Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, and Columbia for weekend trips.	Smaller Social Scene: If you thrive on big-city energy, Florence's pace might feel slow.
Strong Community: A smaller city means you can build a reputation quickly and become a known, trusted plumber.	Weather: Hot, humid summers can make attic and crawlspace work punishing.

Final Recommendation:
Florence, SC, is an excellent choice for a plumber who is financially savvy and values a stable, community-oriented lifestyle. It's ideal for a journeyman (2-8 years of experience) looking to buy a first home, start a family, or build a solid financial foundation without the pressure of a high-cost city. The path to a six-figure income exists, but it requires specialization (medical gas, industrial) or entrepreneurship. If you're an apprentice, it's a great place to start, but be prepared that the job market is smaller—you'll need to be proactive in your job search.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a plumber in Florence?
It's not "hard" if you're persistent and licensed. With only ~80 jobs, you can't rely on national job boards alone. You must network with local contractors, visit facilities teams at McLeod and Duke Energy in person, and join local trade associations. The demand is there, but it's filled through connections.

2. Do I need my own van/tooling to get hired?
For a hired position with a company like McLeod or a contractor, they typically provide the van, major tools, and uniforms. For smaller residential service companies, you might need your own hand tools, but the company usually provides the vehicle. Starting your own business later will require that investment.

3. How does the licensing work if I'm licensed in another state?
South Carolina does not have reciprocity with most states. You will likely need to document your out-of-state experience and pass the SC state exam. Contact the South Carolina LLR directly. Your experience will count toward the 4-year requirement, but you must prove it with notarized letters from previous employers.

4. What's the work-life balance like?
It depends on your employer. In-house roles (McLeod, Duke Energy) offer regular business hours and on-call rotations. Contractor roles can be more variable, with early starts and potential overtime. The trade-off for a lower salary is often a more predictable schedule in Florence.

5. Are there union opportunities?
Yes. The International Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA Local 456) has a presence in the region, especially for large commercial/industrial projects (like at GM or Duke Energy). Union jobs typically offer higher wages and better benefits but can be competitive to get into. The non-union sector, especially residential service, is very large here.