Quick Facts Table
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Job Growth | 400 construction jobs added in Fort Myers over the year 1 |
| Plumber Salaries | Average $28.36/hour 2, entry-level $32,000/year, experienced up to $130,000/year 3 |
| Training Programs | 4+ years required for licensure 4 |
| Florida State Growth Projections | 13% projected growth for plumbers by 2032 5 |
| National Industry Growth | Projected 5% growth nationally from 2020 to 2030 6 |
If you're exploring how to start a career in plumbing in Fort Myers, FL, you're entering a field with growing opportunities. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers construction industry added 400 jobs in February 2025, largely driven by projects like Kingston, Verdana Village, and Bellmar development corridors 1. This expansion creates high demand for skilled trades, specifically plumbers, with the Florida plumbing field projected to grow 13% by 2032 5. Plumbers see average yearly earnings around $60,080 in Fort Myers, though top-performing professionals can earn well above $130,000 annually 3. While entry requirements include an apprenticeship alongside license preparation, several Fort Myers-specific programs like Fort Myers Technical College and Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy offer specialized training 2. Like New York City, plumbers in Florida need licensing—those actively completing training can explore plumbing apprenticeship opportunities via platforms like Gild, which aggregates regional job listings 1.
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water supply, drainage, and gas pipeline systems across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their duties can include:
Becoming a plumber in Fort Myers offers long-term job security because plumbing systems are foundational to commercial and residential environments. With ongoing growth in sectors like hospitality, residential development, and logistics infrastructure, plumbers have diverse workplace options.
Yes, plumbers in Fort Myers must be licensed, and licensing is managed through both the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and Lee County regulatory agencies 4. To qualify:
In Fort Myers, day-to-day plumbing work may require additional local permits as detailed in the Lee County Plumbing Guide 7. The licensing process ensures proper vetting and skill validation for plumbers engaging in permanent installation and modification work.
Like New York City plumbers, those in Fort Myers typically follow an apprenticeship model to qualify for state licensing. Fort Myers has several accredited programs offering this pathway, including:
Fort Myers Technical College – Offers training covering commercial and residential applications, combined with shop-based learning and NCCER certification credentials 4.
Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy – An earn-while-you-learn program offering paid experience with structured classroom instruction 5.
LaBelle Plumbing Program – Focuses on practical field training with job placement support 4.
| Program | Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers Technical College | 18-24 months | NCCER certification, aligned with local industry demand |
| Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy | 3-4 years (blended) | Financial compensation during training |
| LaBelle Plumbing Program | 3-4 years on-site | Hands-on plumbing with placement assistance |
To find open plumbing apprenticeships in Fort Myers, applicants can list their availability using platforms like Gild, which connects trainees with licensed contractors ready to hire 1. If you’re looking to start your plumbing journey or gauge demand further, search open positions in your area on Gild’s Fort Myers plumbing jobs page 1.
Plumbers in Fort Myers earn an average hourly rate of $28.36, higher than the broader Florida average 23. For residential plumbers, skilled technicians are seeing salaries average $87,500 per year, nearly 40% more than the entry-level wage 4. The strongest growth area stems from new housing developments like Verduna Village and the Amazon Mega Distribution Center, adding pressure to qualified trades’ supply chain 4.
While pay is strong, on-the-job training and certifications like those offered through Florida Gulf Coast University’s foundation plumbing course help workers qualify for higher-paying specialization roles, including gas piping, commercial systems, and underwater excavation plumbing 7.
New entrants to the plumbing profession in Fort Myers may face common startup barriers, including:
However, with Tarpon Bay and Cape Race developments beginning in 2025, an upward trajectory in infrastructure and construction-related roles is expected, especially around mass residential projects 4. Infrastructure upgrades in Fort Myers’ CRA districts also present less time-sensitive plumbing employment opportunities for skilled workers 3.
Long-term, the plumbing trade remains in high demand across Florida and nationally, as reflected in the 5% overall growth projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics through 2030 6. While Florida pays lower salaries than states like California or Massachusetts, the lower cost of living and warm climate draw professionals particularly eager to start their careers in trade specialties to Indeed salary listings.
Start your journey today – whether you're completing a Fort Myers apprenticeship or ascending quickly to licensed plumber status, Gild connects local employers with future plumbing specialists ready to learn on the job. Search local opportunities now using Gild’s Fort Myers plumbing list.
https://constructioncoverage.com/research/best-paying-cities-for-plumbers ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2152.00?st=FL ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://wideeffect.com/pages/secure-your-future-indemand-trades ↩ ↩2
Occupational Employment and Wages in Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL — May 2024 ↩ ↩2
