Plumber in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

As a career analyst who knows Hollywood, Florida, I can tell you that the plumbing trade here is a solid, middle-class bet. It's not the gold rush of South Florida's high-rise construction, but it's a steady market fueled by an aging housing stock, constant commercial development, and the relentless humidity that wreaks havoc on pipes. The numbers back this up. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a plumber in the Hollywood metro area is $65,592 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.53. This sits comfortably above the national average of $63,350, a rare but welcome advantage for skilled trades in this region.

However, Hollywood isn't a monolith. Your earning potential is heavily dictated by your experience level, your specialty, and whether you're working for a larger commercial firm or a nimble residential service company. The job market is competitive but hungry for talent; there are approximately 307 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the field is projected to grow by 6% over the next ten years, mirroring national trends but with a local twist driven by hurricane season preparedness and new community developments.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Hollywood market:

Experience Level	Typical Title in Hollywood	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Local Context
Entry-Level	Apprentice, Helper	$40,000 - $52,000	Assisting with installations, learning codes, basic repairs. You'll be on jobs from Hallandale to Miramar.
Mid-Career	Service Plumber, Technician	$55,000 - $75,000	Diagnosing leaks, water heater installs, drain cleaning. This is the core of the residential service market.
Senior	Lead Technician, Commercial Plumber	$70,000 - $90,000+	Managing projects, complex commercial systems (e.g., at Memorial Hospital), mentoring apprentices.
Expert	Master Plumber, Business Owner	$95,000 - $120,000+	Running crews, bidding large jobs, specializing in medical gas or backflow prevention.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jump in Hollywood comes from obtaining your Master Plumber license. It's not just a title; it's a legal requirement to pull permits for any job over a certain value and to start your own business. In our market, a licensed master plumber can easily command $10-$15 more per hour than a journeyman.

How Hollywood Compares to Other Florida Cities:
Hollywood’s median salary is competitive but doesn’t top the list. Miami’s high cost of living and massive commercial market pushes its median closer to $68,000, while Tampa’s growth and larger suburbs see a similar range. Orlando’s tourism-driven economy and constant new construction offer strong opportunities, often matching or slightly exceeding Hollywood. Where Hollywood shines is its balance: the salary is strong relative to the cost of living compared to Miami or Naples, and the job density is high without the extreme saturation of the larger metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be brutally honest about the numbers. Hollywood is not a cheap place to live, and the average 1BR rent of $1,621/month will eat a significant portion of your paycheck. The Cost of Living Index of 111.8 (where the U.S. average is 100) confirms that everything from groceries to utilities is about 12% more expensive than the national average. For a plumber earning the median $65,592, the financial picture requires careful budgeting.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single plumber earning the median salary. This assumes a take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and state income tax (Florida has no state income tax, which is a major plus), which typically lands around 75-78% of gross pay.

Category	Monthly Cost Estimate	Notes for a Hollywood Plumber
Gross Monthly Income	$5,466	Based on $65,592/year
Estimated Take-Home Pay	~$4,200	After federal taxes, FICA. No state income tax.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,621	The biggest expense. You may find better deals in Dania or west of I-95.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$250	Crucial in Florida's heat; AC costs are a major factor.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Insurance is high in Florida. A reliable truck/van is a work necessity.
Fuel & Maintenance	$300	Commuting from suburbs to job sites adds up.
Groceries	$400	Cost of living is above average here.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies wildly; union shops often have better benefits.
Savings/Emergency Fund	$450	Non-negotiable for self-employed or seasonal work.
Remaining Discretionary	$379	Covers entertainment, clothing, misc.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it's a stretch on a single median salary. The median home price in Hollywood is roughly $400,000 - $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($80,000-$90,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,800/month, which is not feasible for a single earner at the median wage. Realistically, homeownership for a plumber at this level requires either:

1. Dual-income household.
2. Significant savings for a larger down payment (FHA or VA loans are options).
3. Advancing to a senior/expert level salary ($80,000+).
4. Looking outside Hollywood proper—considering Dania Beach, Miramar, or even parts of Pembroke Pines for more affordable starter homes.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

Hollywood's plumbing job market is a mix of large-scale commercial contractors, regional service companies, and hospital systems. The opportunities are not just in installing new pipes but in maintaining the complex infrastructure of South Florida.

1. Memorial Healthcare System: The largest employer in South Broward. Their facilities (Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital) require in-house plumbers and pipefitters specializing in medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and strict health code compliance. These are stable, benefit-heavy jobs.
2. City of Hollywood: The municipal government employs plumbers for water and sewer line maintenance, public works projects, and facility management. These positions offer excellent benefits, pensions, and job security, though they can be bureaucratic to get into.
3. Broward County Public Schools: Maintaining thousands of toilets, water fountains, and cafeteria systems across dozens of schools in the Hollywood area (from Hallandale High to western schools) requires a dedicated team of plumbers.
4. Commercial Contractors (e.g., Coastal Mechanical, Miller Electric - Plumbing Division): These large mechanical contractors handle major new construction and renovations in Hollywood's booming areas like the Diplomat Landings and downtown redevelopment. They hire apprentices and journeymen for commercial projects.
5. Regional Service Companies (e.g., Abrahamson Plumbing, Roto-Rooter of South Broward): These are the backbone of residential service. They offer hourly pay plus commission, which can push a skilled service plumber's income above the median. Hiring is frequent, especially for those with a clean driving record and customer service skills.
6. Property Management Companies (e.g., related to the Diplomat, Hollywood Beach Tower): High-rise condos and rental complexes along the ocean and intracoastal need in-house maintenance plumbers. The work involves handling saltwater corrosion, elevator pit water pumps, and tenant complaints—great for learning complex systems.
7. Hotel & Hospitality Sector: With the Diplomat, Margaritaville, and numerous beachfront hotels, there's steady demand for plumbers for renovations and ongoing maintenance. This sector pays well but can involve odd hours.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push toward technology-integrated work. Employers seek plumbers familiar with leak detection equipment, video pipe inspection cameras, and software for job scheduling and invoicing. Furthermore, experience with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is now a baseline requirement for new residential construction, a shift from the old copper-only days.

Getting Licensed in Florida

Florida has one of the most structured licensing systems in the country, administered by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). It's a non-negotiable step for career advancement.

Pathway to Licensure:

1. Registered Plumber (Certified): This is the first step. You need to prove 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience as a registered plumber apprentice. You'll also need to pass the state exam. This allows you to work under a master plumber, but not pull permits independently.
2. Certified Master Plumber: This is the gold standard. Requires 7 years (12,000 hours) of experience, with at least one year as a registered plumber. You must pass the state Master Plumber exam. A master plumber can pull permits, start a business, and supervise other plumbers.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$155 (for Master or Registered Plumber).
• Exam Fee: ~$150 per attempt.
• Coursework/Study Materials: $200 - $500 for prep courses and code books (International Plumbing Code, Florida-specific amendments).
• Total Startup Cost (excluding tools): Budget $500 - $800 for the licensing process itself.
• Timeline: From apprentice to Master can take 7+ years. However, you can start working immediately as a helper. The key is documenting every hour of work under a licensed plumber. The state is strict on this—get your supervisor to sign off on hours regularly.

Insider Tip: Florida's weather is a major code factor. Hurricane tie-downs for vents and water heater strapping are always inspected. Familiarize yourself with the Florida Plumbing Code and local amendments from the City of Hollywood Building Department. They can be more stringent than the state code for coastal zones.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Hollywood affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your social circle. As a plumber, you'll often start your day early, so minimizing your commute to major job hubs (like the hospital district or downtown) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Dania Beach	Beachy, laid-back, just south of Hollywood. Easy commute to downtown Hollywood and I-95.	~$1,550	More affordable than Hollywood Beach. Close to the airport and Port Everglades for commercial jobs.
West Hollywood (Pembroke Lakes area)	Suburban, family-friendly. West of I-95, closer to Pembroke Pines and Miramar.	~$1,500	Lower rent. Great access to major residential developments (Western Miramar) and highway for service calls.
Downtown Hollywood	Walkable, artsy, near the beach. Can be touristy and expensive.	~$1,750	Proximity to high-rise condos and beachfront hotels for maintenance jobs. Nightlife and culture.
Oakland Park (adjacent)	Gentrifying, strong local businesses, near Wilton Manors.	~$1,580	Good central location, access to both Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale jobs. Up-and-coming area.
Hallandale Beach	Diverse, with a large retiree population and new high-rises.	~$1,450	Lower rent, high demand for service calls in older condos and new construction along the beach.

Personal Insight: I recommend Dania Beach or West Hollywood for most working plumbers. You get more space for your tools and truck, a shorter commute to the major commercial corridors, and a slightly lower cost of living. The beach is still a 5-minute drive away.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hollywood, the path to significantly higher earnings is specialization and licensure.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas (Medical Gas Piping): Requires additional certification (ASSE 6000 series). In high demand at Memorial and other clinics. Can add $5-$10/hour to your wage.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification is required by law for many commercial properties. Being a certified tester opens doors to a lucrative side business.
• Water Treatment/Softening: With the hard, mineral-rich water in South Florida, residential clients often seek whole-house systems. Expertise here is profitable.
• Gas Line Expertise: Natural gas is common in new builds. Licensed gas fitters are always in demand for kitchens, generators, and pool heaters.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from the field to overseeing a team, dispatch, and customer relations.
2. Journeyman to Estimator/Project Manager: For those in commercial contracting, learning to bid jobs and manage timelines can double your income.
3. Licensed Master to Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Starting a small residential service company in Hollywood is viable due to the consistent demand. You'll need to budget for insurance, marketing, and a van/truck.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid. The drivers are clear: an aging population means more repairs, new commercial developments (like the planned Hollywood Gateway), and the eternal need for hurricane preparedness (e.g., installing sump pumps, backflow preventers before storm season). The biggest threat is a downturn in the housing market, which would slow new construction, but the service and repair side of the business is relatively recession-proof.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Median Pay: $65,592 is strong for the region.	High Cost of Living: Rent and utilities eat into the paycheck.
Steady, Diverse Demand: Residential, commercial, and institutional jobs.	Competition: You're competing with Miami and Fort Lauderdale talent.
No State Income Tax: Helps offset the high cost of living.	Hurricane Season: Work can be chaotic and dangerous; prep is mandatory.
Year-Round Work: No seasonal shutdowns; heat and humidity create constant needs.	Traffic & Commutes: I-95 and US-1 are notoriously congested.
Strong Union Presence (IBEW): Great benefits for those in commercial/industrial side.	Licensing Hurdles: Florida's process is lengthy and exam-intensive.

Final Recommendation:
Hollywood, FL, is an excellent choice for a plumber who is dedicated to the trade and plans to become licensed. It's less ideal for a casual helper or someone looking for quick, easy money. The financial reality is a middle-class lifestyle that requires budgeting, but it's achievable and stable. If you're willing to start as an apprentice, get your hours, pass the exams, and specialize in a high-demand area (like medical gas or backflow), you can build a very comfortable career here. The city's growth and aging infrastructure ensure work for decades to come. For a family, it's better if you have a dual income or plan to live in a more affordable adjacent city like Miramar or Dania.

FAQs

Q: What's the first step to getting a job as a plumber's helper in Hollywood?
A: Look for "helper" or "apprentice" postings on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn. Also, check the websites of the major employers listed above. Having a valid driver's license and a clean driving record is mandatory for almost every position. Show up in person to smaller, local companies—this trade still values a firm handshake.

Q: Is it worth joining a union in Hollywood?
A: Absolutely, if you can get in. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 349 in Fort Lauderdale covers many commercial and industrial plumbers. Union jobs offer higher wages, excellent benefits (healthcare, pension), and training. The entry is competitive, often requiring you to sign up for an apprenticeship program.

Q: How does the humidity in Florida affect plumbing work?
A: It's a double-edged sword. It accelerates corrosion on old galvanized pipes and creates a constant demand for dehumidifiers and ventilation in bathrooms. However, it also means you'll deal with more mold remediation and condensation issues. You'll need to use corrosion-resistant materials like PVC and PEX for most new installations.

Q: Are there opportunities to specialize in gas or water lines?
A: Yes, and it's highly recommended. Florida's building codes are strict on gas line installation due to hurricane risks. Getting certified in gas fitting and backflow prevention will immediately set you apart and allow you to charge premium rates, especially for commercial clients in Hollywood's hotel and restaurant districts.

Q: What's the job market like for self-employed plumbers in Hollywood?
A: It's competitive but viable. The key is building a reputation for reliability and fair pricing. Word-of-mouth is powerful in tight-knit communities like the beachside neighborhoods or the retiree communities in Hallandale. Marketing on Nextdoor and building relationships with local real estate agents who handle older home sales can be a great source of steady referrals. Start small, get insured, and build from there.