Plumber in Jacksonville, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Jacksonville Stands

Jacksonville's plumbing market is robust, driven by a growing population, a humid subtropical climate that puts stress on pipes, and a constant churn of residential and commercial construction. The city isn't just expanding outwards; it's densifying in its core, creating a steady demand for both new installations and retrofit work.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in the Jacksonville metro area. This data reflects the broader Northeast Florida market, including St. Augustine and Orange Park.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $55,000	Drain cleaning, assisting on installs, learning code, tool maintenance.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$58,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, fixture replacements, rough-in work, diagnostic work.
Senior-Level (5-10 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex diagnostics, booking, leading small crews, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Foreman (10+ yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Project management, commercial work, estimating, specialized systems (medical gas, fire sprinklers).

The median salary for a plumber in Jacksonville is $63,197/year, with a typical hourly rate of $30.38/hour. This is right in line with the national average of $63,350/year, indicating a stable, competitive market. It’s worth noting that many plumbers, especially those in service companies, earn additional income through commission on up-sells (like water heater replacements or water filtration systems), which can push total compensation significantly higher.

Jacksonville's job market for plumbers is active, with an estimated 1,971 jobs in the metro. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady but not explosive. This growth is fueled by the city's relentless expansion into areas like Nocatee and the Baymeadows corridor, as well as the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods like Avondale and Riverside.

Insider Tip: In Northeast Florida, "service and repair" plumbers (who respond to emergencies) often have the highest earning potential, especially with on-call pay and overtime. "Rough-in" or "new construction" plumbers have more predictable hours but are more vulnerable to economic slowdowns in the housing market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $63,197 annual salary translates to a gross monthly income of about $5,266. After federal, state (Florida has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect a net take-home pay of approximately $4,000 - $4,200 per month, depending on deductions.

Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Avg)	$1,354	This is the citywide average. Rent varies dramatically by neighborhood.
Utilities	$300 - $450	Includes electricity (high in summer), water, sewer, gas, and internet.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential in Jax. Insurance rates are moderate but higher for younger drivers.
Fuel	$150 - $250	Commute distances can be long; gas prices fluctuate.
Groceries & Household	$350 - $500
Health Insurance	$200 - $350	If not covered by employer, this is a significant cost.
Misc. (Eating Out, Entertainment)	$300 - $500
Savings/Debt	$400 - $800
TOTAL MONTHLY	~$3,454 - $4,800

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible. The median home price in Jacksonville is currently around $320,000 - $350,000. With a strong credit score and a 10% down payment ($32,000-$35,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $1,800 - $2,100/month. This is a stretch on a single plumber's median income. However, many plumbers in Jax:

1. Work overtime (especially during hurricane season or with emergency calls).
2. Have a spouse or partner contributing to the household income.
3. Choose to buy in more affordable suburbs like Middleburg or Orange Park.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index is 99.2, meaning Jacksonville is just slightly below the national average. This is a key advantage—your dollar goes a bit further here than in most major cities, making homeownership more attainable than in places like Miami or Tampa.

Where the Jobs Are: Jacksonville's Major Employers

Jacksonville's plumbing industry is a mix of large national firms, local family-owned service companies, and specialized contractors. The commercial and institutional sectors are particularly strong here.

1. JEA: The public utility for water, sewer, and electricity. They employ plumbers and pipefitters for maintenance, infrastructure projects, and meter installation. It's a stable, union-friendly employer with excellent benefits. Hiring is competitive, and they often advertise for specific trade positions.
2. Broward/Farrell Family (e.g., Broward Plumbing, Farrell & Sons): These are large, local service companies that dominate the residential and light commercial market. They are always hiring service technicians and apprentices. They offer strong training programs and commission structures.
3. Hospital Systems (Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville): These major employers have in-house facilities teams. Plumbers here work on complex, critical systems—medical gas, high-purity water, sterilization equipment. It's a less common but high-skill niche with great benefits and stability.
4. General Contractors (The Haskell Company, BRPH, Stellar): These large construction firms hire plumbers for commercial and industrial projects—office buildings, data centers, healthcare facilities. Hiring is tied to project cycles, but the work is consistent due to Jax's growth.
5. US Navy (Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Mayport): The Navy and its contractors are a constant source of work for plumbers, both in base facilities and on ship repair. This often requires security clearance but offers long-term, stable contracts.
6. Property Management Companies (The Wolff Company, Prestige Properties): Large apartment complexes and commercial property portfolios need plumbers for maintenance and turnover work. This is a steady, if sometimes repetitive, source of employment.
7. Specialty Contractors (Fire Sprinkler, Medical Gas): Companies like DYSC or Apex Fire Protection specialize in fire sprinkler installation, which requires a specific plumbing skill set and certification. This is a high-demand, high-wage specialty.

Hiring Trends: There's a significant shortage of licensed, experienced plumbers in Jax. Companies are actively recruiting apprentices and are willing to train. The push towards green building (water-efficient fixtures, PEX piping) is also creating demand for plumbers with updated knowledge. Post-hurricane (like after Hurricane Ian) demand spikes for weeks, making emergency service roles particularly lucrative.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida requires a state-level license for most plumbing work. The process is regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

The Two Main License Paths:

1. Registered Plumber: Can work under the supervision of a licensed contractor. You must have 4,000 hours of experience and complete a state-approved 24-hour education course. This is the first step for most journeyman plumbers.
2. Certified Plumber (CPC): This is a state-issued license that allows you to work independently anywhere in Florida without local oversight. To qualify, you need:
   • 4 years of experience (or a combination of education and experience).
   • Pass the Florida Plumbing Certification Exam (a challenging test on code, theory, and practice).
   • Pass a background check and provide proof of financial stability (bonding).

Costs and Timeline:

• Education Course (for Registered): ~$300 - $500.
• Exam Fee (for Certified): ~$195.
• Licensing Fee (for Certified): ~$500.
• Background Check & Bond: ~$300.
• Total Estimated Cost to get Certified: $1,500 - $2,000.

Timeline: If you're already working as an apprentice, getting the Registered Plumber status can be done in a few months. The full Certified Plumber path, from apprenticeship to passing the exam, typically takes 4-5 years.

Insider Tip: The Florida Uniform Building Code (FUBC), based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC), is strictly enforced. The exam is known for its focus on practical application, not just rote memorization. Many apprentices prepare by taking a dedicated exam prep course, which is a worthwhile investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Jacksonville means balancing commute time with lifestyle and budget. Here are neighborhoods that offer a good mix for a working plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Riverside/Avondale	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Central to downtown and the Westside.	$1,400 - $1,700	Close to the core of old Jax with lots of renovation work. Easy access to I-95.
Baymeadows/Deerwood	Corporate, modern, suburban. Heart of the Southside business district.	$1,500 - $1,800	Proximity to major employers (Haskell, corporate HQs). Dense with new apartments needing service.
Orange Park (Across the St. Johns River)	Suburban, family-friendly, more affordable.	$1,200 - $1,450	Lower rent, strong suburban housing market. Commute to Jax is manageable via I-295/I-95.
Arlington	Residential, established, green. Home to UNF.	$1,250 - $1,550	More space for the money. Close to NAS Jacksonville and the Eastside (lots of older homes).
Nocatee (South of Jax)	Master-planned, modern, family-oriented.	$1,600 - $2,000+	The epicenter of new construction. Plumbers working for builders will find tons of work here.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the Hart Bridge (connecting Arlington to downtown), I-95 during rush hour, and the Dames Point Bridge are notorious. If you work in the Southside corporate corridor, living in Riverside can mean a 45-minute commute. Choosing a neighborhood that minimizes bridge crossings or long highway stretches is key to a better work-life balance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Jacksonville doesn't have to end at service work. The city's unique mix of industry, healthcare, and government offers several advancement paths.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas (ASSE 6010), fire sprinkler systems (NFPA 13), or backflow prevention can command a 10-20% salary premium. The healthcare and construction sectors in Jax have a constant need for these specialists.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Manager: Overseeing a team of service techs, handling scheduling, and managing customer satisfaction.
  2. Project Foreman/Estimator: Moving from hands-on work to managing commercial projects, reading blueprints, and bidding jobs.
  3. Business Owner: Many successful plumbers in Jax start their own one- or two-truck service companies after 10+ years. The market is large enough to support many small businesses.
  4. Inspector or Plans Examiner: With a deep knowledge of the Florida Building Code, you can move into a role with the City of Jacksonville's Building Inspection Department or a private engineering firm.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth trajectory is stable. While new construction may ebb and flow with the economy, the service and repair market is recession-resistant. An aging housing stock (a lot of Jax was built in the 70s and 80s) ensures a perpetual need for replacements and upgrades. The push towards sustainability (graywater systems, tankless water heaters, leak detection tech) will create new niches for tech-savvy plumbers.

The Verdict: Is Jacksonville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Slightly below the US average, making homeownership feasible.	High Summer Humidity & Heat: Can be brutal for outdoor work.
Steady, Diverse Job Market: From Navy contracting to new subdivisions.	Traffic & Sprawl: Commutes can be long; public transit is limited.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Hurricane Risk: Seasonal storms can create intense work surges but also cause property damage.
Growing Population: Fuels constant demand for plumbing services.	Competition: The market is active, but standing out requires skill and good reputation.
Good Work-Life Balance: In many neighborhoods, you're never too far from a beach or park.	Wages vs. National Average: While median pay is competitive, top-end earnings may lag behind some coastal metros.

Final Recommendation: Jacksonville is an excellent choice for plumbers who value affordability, steady work, and a less frantic pace of life. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Journeyman plumbers looking to start their own service business in a supportive market.
• Apprentices seeking a variety of work opportunities, from new construction in Nocatee to historic renovations in Riverside.
• Specialists (medical gas, fire sprinklers) who want to work in a city with major hospitals and a growing construction sector.

If you're a plumber who thrives on emergency calls, enjoys the outdoors (when it's not 95°F), and wants a career with clear pathways to advancement without the astronomical cost of living found in other major Florida cities, Jacksonville is a pragmatic and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. Do I need to get a Jacksonville-specific license?
No. Florida's plumbing licenses are state-issued. Once you have a Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor (CPC) license, you can work anywhere in the state, including Jacksonville. You may need to register with the City of Jacksonville's Building Inspection Division for certain permits, but that's a separate, simpler process.

2. What's the best way to find a job as a new plumber in Jax?
Start by applying to the larger service companies (like Broward or Farrell & Sons) and the public utility (JEA). They have structured apprenticeship programs. Also, check job boards on the websites of major contractors like Haskell. Networking with plumbers at local supply houses (like Ferguson or HD Supply) is also a classic and effective method in the trades.

3. Is hurricane season a big factor for work?
Yes, but it's a double-edged sword. The weeks following a major storm are incredibly busy and lucrative for service plumbers dealing with flooding, broken pipes, and water main issues. However, it can also be dangerous and physically taxing. Most companies have emergency protocols and offer overtime pay.

4. How does the cost of living compare to other Florida cities?
Jacksonville is significantly more affordable than Miami or Tampa, both in terms of rent and home prices. It's roughly on par with Orlando or Tampa in some metrics but generally offers more value for housing. The lack of a state income tax is a universal Florida benefit.

5. What's a typical day like for a service plumber in Jacksonville?
It can be unpredictable. You might start the day at a supply house, then head to a historic home in Riverside for a leaky pipe, followed by a water heater replacement in Baymeadows, and finish with a clogged main line at a restaurant in San Marco. You'll drive a lot, deal with a variety of people and problems, and often work in tight spaces in heat or humidity. It's physically demanding but mentally engaging.