Plumbers' Career Guide: Sunrise, Florida

Welcome to Sunrise, Florida. If you’re considering moving here for a plumbing career, you’re looking at a solid market that’s grown steadily over the last decade. As a local, I’ve seen the construction boom firsthand—from the expansion of the Sawgrass Mills area to ongoing residential developments in areas like Sunrise Lakes. This guide isn’t about selling you on the city; it’s a data-driven look at what it’s really like to work as a plumber in Sunrise. We’ll cover the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the licensing hurdles you’ll face. Let’s get to it.

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

First, the numbers. As of the latest data, the median salary for a plumber in Sunrise is $65,592/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.53/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $63,350/year, which is a good sign. It means the local market pays a premium, likely due to the high cost of living and the consistent demand in South Florida’s construction and service sectors.

However, salary isn't static. It varies dramatically based on experience, specialization, and whether you're working for a union shop, a large commercial firm, or running your own service van. The table below gives a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at each level, based on local job postings and industry surveys.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Career Stage	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Sunrise, FL)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprenticeship work, trenching, pipe cutting, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level	2-5	$55,000 - $70,000	Leading small residential projects, service calls, interpreting blueprints.
Senior	5-10	$70,000 - $85,000	Project management, commercial work, mentoring apprentices, complex installations.
Expert/Owner	10+	$85,000+	Business ownership, specialized certifications (medical gas, backflow), high-end custom work.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often hinges on obtaining a Certified Plumbing Contractor (CPC) license. In Florida, this allows you to pull permits and run your own jobs, which is where the real money is made. Many plumbers here work under a CPC for a few years before starting their own one-truck operation.

How Sunrise Compares to Other Florida Cities

Sunrise’s median of $65,592 holds its own. It’s generally higher than inland Florida markets like Orlando ($58,000) but trails behind the extreme demand in South Florida’s core metro areas. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Miami: Higher cost of living, but salaries can be $70,000+ due to massive residential and luxury commercial projects. Competition is fierce.
• Fort Lauderdale: Similar cost of living, with median salaries around $66,000. Strong market for service plumbers due to aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods.
• West Palm Beach: Slightly lower median ($62,000), but a booming market for new construction in communities like The Acreage.
• Jacksonville: Much lower cost of living, with median salaries around $54,000. Great for starting out, but less earning potential long-term.

Sunrise is in a sweet spot: high enough pay to offset the cost of living, without the cutthroat competition of Miami proper.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s run the numbers for a plumber earning the $65,592 median salary. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions for accuracy.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $65,592/Year

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,466	($65,592 / 12)
Federal & State Taxes	-$1,150	Approx. 21% effective rate (FL has no state income tax)
FICA (7.65%)	-$418	Social Security and Medicare
Health Insurance	-$400	Average employer-sponsored plan
Retirement (401k, 5%)	-$273	Highly recommended for long-term stability
Net Monthly Income	$3,225	What actually hits your bank account.
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,621	Citywide average; see neighborhoods section for specifics
Utilities (Elec, Water, Trash)	-$200	Florida's AC is a major factor.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Essential in Sunrise; public transit is limited.
Food & Essentials	-$600	Groceries and household items.
Remaining	$404	Discretionary spending, savings, or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Sunrise is approximately $380,000. For a plumber earning the median salary, a 20% down payment ($76,000) is a significant hurdle. However, it’s not impossible with disciplined saving over 5-7 years, especially if you advance to a senior role. Using an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$13,300) is more accessible, but your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200, which is a stretch on a net monthly income of $3,225. Most plumbers buying a home in Sunrise are either dual-income households or have moved into a contractor/owner role.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise isn't a dense urban core; it's a sprawling suburban city. The plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial firms, residential construction companies, and independent service contractors. The demand is driven by both new construction—especially in the Sawgrass Mills retail corridor and adjacent office parks—and the maintenance of existing homes, many of which were built in the 1980s and 1990s.

Here are the key local employers and hiring trends:

1. AECOM / Turner Construction: These are the giants. They handle the massive commercial projects, like the ongoing expansions at Sawgrass Mills and the FTX Arena (now Kaseya Center) in nearby Miami-Dade. They hire plumbers for large-scale rough-ins and installations. Hiring is tied to project cycles; it’s steady but can be project-based. Pay is at the high end for the region.
2. PulteGroup / Lennar: Major national homebuilders with active communities in Sunrise (e.g., Sunrise Lakes). They need plumbers for new residential construction. This is a reliable, steady job with benefits. Hiring trends are strong, as demand for new single-family homes remains high in Broward County.
3. American Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.: A large, local commercial and industrial plumbing contractor based in nearby Fort Lauderdale but servicing Sunrise regularly. They handle hospital work, schools, and large retail. They often hire for service techs and foremen. Good for those with commercial experience.
4. Broward Health Medical Center: The major hospital system in the region (with a facility in nearby Coral Springs and a larger one in Fort Lauderdale) has its own in-house facilities team, including plumbers. These are stable, union-adjacent jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. They have a constant need for maintenance plumbers for medical gas lines, sterilization equipment, and general facility upkeep.
5. Sunrise Fire Department: The city’s fire department employs civilian plumbers for facility maintenance and occasionally for special projects. These are rare, highly sought-after municipal jobs with great job security. You’ll need to pass a civil service exam.
6. Local Service Companies (e.g., Frank's Plumbing, Roto-Rooter): For the service-and-repair side, these are your primary employers. They focus on residential and small commercial calls. Hiring is often based on experience and a clean driving record. This is where you can earn good money through overtime and on-call pay, especially during the rainy season when drainage issues spike.

Hiring Trend: The market is strong for both new construction plumbers and service technicians. The biggest gap is for licensed, experienced plumbers who can work independently. If you have your Florida license, you will not be out of work.

Getting Licensed in Florida

Florida has a strict licensing system, which is good for those already licensed but a hurdle for outsiders. You need a license to perform most plumbing work. Here's the breakdown:

1. Pathways to Licensure:

• Journeyman License: Requires 4 years of experience (as an apprentice) and passing an exam. This allows you to work under a contractor's license but not pull permits on your own.
• Certified Plumbing Contractor (CPC) License: This is the goal. You need 4 years of experience as a journeyman or a combination of experience and education, plus passing a state exam. This allows you to start your own business and pull permits. For those moving from out-of-state, Florida has reciprocity with some states (like Georgia and Alabama) but not all. You may need to provide detailed work history.

2. The Process & Costs:

• Application Fee: $150 - $300 (state exam fee).
• Exam Fee: ~$135 for the trade exam (administered by Pearson VUE).
• Insurance: You must have a surety bond and general liability insurance to get licensed. This can cost $1,500 - $3,000 annually.
• Timeline: From starting your application to having your license in hand, expect 3-6 months. This includes study time, scheduling the exam, and processing. If you're taking the exam, study the Florida Building Code and the Florida Plumbing Code intensively.

Insider Tip: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website is your best friend. The exam is notoriously tough. Many locals take a prep course at a local technical college like Broward College or through a private prep school. Don't go in unprepared.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and bank account. Sunrise is a big city with distinct pockets. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Sunrise Lakes	Quiet, family-oriented, grid of canals. 15-20 min commute to Sawgrass.	$1,800	Close to major new construction sites. Safe and established.
Sawgrass Mills Area	Commercial hub, dense, traffic is heavy. 10-min commute to job sites.	$1,700	Proximity to work. Living in the mix of the action.
Sunrise Gardens	Older, more affordable, diverse. 15-25 min commute.	$1,400	Lower rent means more cash flow. Good for starting out.
Orchard Pond	Upscale, newer homes, more secluded. 20-30 min commute.	$2,000	For senior plumbers or contractors with higher income.
West Sunrise	Close to I-595 and Fort Lauderdale. 20-30 min commute to Miami.	$1,650	Great access to jobs in multiple cities. More urban feel.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Sunrise Boulevard and I-595 during rush hour is a major factor. If your job site is in Sawgrass, living in Sunrise Lakes or the area south of Sunrise Blvd will save you 30+ minutes daily versus living further east.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Sunrise isn't just about the job; it's about the trajectory. The 10-year job growth for plumbers in the metro area is 6%, which is steady. This means new positions will open up as older plumbers retire and new construction continues.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Piping: Requires a separate certification. Plumbers with this can make $5-10/hour more and often work in hospitals like Broward Health.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification is required for commercial properties. This is a lucrative niche for service calls.
• Green Plumbing/PEX Systems: Expertise in modern materials is in high demand for new residential builds.

Advancement Paths:

1. Worker to Foreman: You'll manage a crew on a job site. Requires leadership skills and deep knowledge.
2. Journeyman to Contractor: Get your CPC license, start a side business, then go full-time. This is the most common path to six figures in Sunrise.
3. Niche Specialist: Focus on one high-demand area (like commercial copper work or sewer line rehabilitation) and become the go-to expert.

The 10-year outlook is positive. The Southeast Florida region continues to grow, and climate change-driven issues (like saltwater intrusion and heavier rains) will create ongoing demand for drainage and infrastructure specialists.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, above-average salaries ($65,592 median).	High cost of living (Index: 111.8). Rent and home prices are steep.
Consistent job demand from new construction and service.	Traffic and Commute can be a daily frustration.
Diverse opportunities (residential, commercial, municipal).	Licensing hurdle for those moving from out-of-state.
No state income tax.	Hurricane season (June-Nov) can disrupt work and cause property damage.
Proximity to Miami/Fort Lauderdale for more job options.	Competition for the best jobs, especially in commercial and union sectors.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber with a few years of experience, especially if you are targeting the $70,000+ range. It’s less ideal for a complete apprentice or someone at the very start of their career due to the cost of living. If you are willing to get your Florida license and specialize, you can build a very comfortable life here. The key is to move quickly on securing housing and understanding the local job market before you arrive.

FAQs

1. I'm licensed in Texas. Can I work in Sunrise immediately?
No. Florida does not have full reciprocity with Texas. You will likely need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires submitting your work history and possibly taking the Florida exam. Contact the Florida DBPR for your specific situation.

2. How is the work-life balance for plumbers here?
It varies. In new construction, it’s typically a 40-50 hour week with weekends off. In service and repair, you’ll have on-call shifts and overtime, especially during the summer and hurricane season. It can be demanding, but the overtime pay is substantial.

3. Do I need my own truck and tools?
For service jobs, yes, a reliable vehicle is a must. Many companies provide a work van, but you’ll often need your own hand tools. For construction jobs, the company usually supplies major tools, but you should have your own basic kit.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Sunrise?
The humidity and heat. Working in attics or crawlspaces in August is brutal. Also, navigating the traffic to get to multiple job sites in a day requires strategic planning. And the licensing process can be a bureaucratic slowdown if you’re not prepared.

5. Are there union jobs in Sunrise?
Yes, but they are competitive. Local 725 (United Association) covers the area. Union work offers great wages, benefits, and pensions, especially for commercial and industrial plumbers. It’s worth exploring if you have the experience.