Key West FL Plumbing Jobs 2025 Pay Up to $55hr Apply Today

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If you're considering a plumbing career in Key West, Florida, you'll find numerous opportunities in this thriving coastal community. With 34 plumbing job openings currently listed on ZipRecruiter ¹ and a projected 6% national growth in plumbing jobs from 2023-2033 ², Key West offers strong prospects for aspiring plumbers. The average salary ranges from $62,214 to $64,152 per year, surpassing the national entry-level average of $53,900 ³. The College of the Florida Keys provides a comprehensive 4-year apprenticeship program that combines 8,004 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of classroom instruction ⁴. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in the trade, Key West's plumbing industry provides stable, well-compensated career opportunities in a region supported by local resources like We Train Plumbers.

Understand the Role of a Plumber

Plumbers play a vital role in the infrastructure of Key West, maintaining and repairing the essential water and sewer systems that keep homes, businesses, and public facilities functioning. Their work includes installing and maintaining interior and exterior underground sanitary and storm sewers, working on vertical stacks, horizontal and branch lines for soil, waste, and venting systems, and ensuring proper water supply system design ⁴. Plumbers also handle installation and connection of plumbing fixtures and appliances. In Key West's unique environment with its subtropical climate and frequent hurricane threats, plumbers must be prepared to address special challenges like pipe corrosion and mold growth ⁵.

The plumbing trade requires not just technical skill but also problem-solving abilities and a strong understanding of safety procedures. Plumbers work with a variety of tools and materials, following local codes and regulations, and you can find more on licensing through ServiceTitan to understand professional practices.

Do You Need a License to Work as a Plumber in Key West?

Yes! To work as a plumber in Key West, FL, you must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under the Construction Industry Licensing Board ⁶. There are two primary license types:

1. Certified Plumbing Contractor: Allows statewide work after passing the state licensing exam
2. Registered Plumbing Contractor: Limited to the locality where you passed the competency exam ⁶³

To qualify for licensing, you'll need documented work experience in the plumbing industry, verification of practical experience, and passing scores on both a trade knowledge exam and a business and finance knowledge exam ³. In addition to these requirements:

• You must complete a criminal background check with fingerprint submission
• You'll need to obtain general liability insurance and property damage coverage
• A FICO credit score of 660 or higher is necessary to demonstrate financial responsibility
• A local Business Tax Receipt is required from Key West authorities ⁴—for more on certification paths, check We Train Plumbers.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements in Key West

The most comprehensive training pathway for aspiring plumbers in Key West is the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program offered by the College of the Florida Keys (CFK) ⁴. This four-year program provides a balanced blend of 8,004 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction.

Key features include:

• Paid employment with raises during the apprenticeship
• Free classroom instruction conducted during work hours
• Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of plumbing systems

Apprentices graduate with both a four-level certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and a Completion of Apprenticeship certificate from the State of Florida ⁴. This prepares them to sit for the Florida State Licensing exam and begin their plumbing careers. Explore more about the CFK program at College of Florida Keys Apprenticeship Programs.

To qualify for the CFK apprenticeship program:

• You must have a high school diploma or GED
• Be prepared for both physical work and classroom learning
• Demonstrate commitment to four years of training
• Be ready for full-time employment throughout the program

To find apprenticeships in Key West:

• Use Gild to discover plumbing apprenticeship opportunities in Key West.
• Network with local plumbing contractors and industry professionals

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Plumber in Key West

Follow these steps to launch your plumbing career in Key West:

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be physically capable of performing plumbing work
• Demonstrate English language proficiency

2. Obtain a Plumbing License

• Apply for either a Certified Plumbing Contractor or Registered Plumbing Contractor license through the Florida DBPR
• Complete the required exams (trade knowledge and business/finance)
• Undergo criminal background check
• Obtain necessary insurance and demonstrate financial responsibility ³. Visit ServiceTitan for detailed licensing guidance.

3. Complete the CFK Plumbing Apprenticeship Program

• Apply to the College of Florida Keys apprenticeship program ⁷
• Commit to the 4-year duration requiring 8,004 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction
• Receive both NCCER and Florida State certifications upon completion ⁴
• Prepare to sit for the Florida State Licensing exam

4. Start Your Plumbing Career

• Apply for plumber positions using the 34 current job openings listed on ZipRecruiter ¹ and from the 7 positions available on Indeed ⁸
• Utilize your network and certification to secure your first plumbing position
• Continue building skills and experience for advancement opportunities

5. Advance Your Career

• Gain experience to qualify for the Master Plumber level
• Consider starting your own plumbing business
• Take on more complex projects to build expertise in specialized areas of plumbing ⁵

Salary Expectations for Plumbers in Key West

Plumbing careers in Key West offer competitive compensation. In 2025, plumbers in Key West can expect to earn $62,214 to $64,152 per year, with hourly rates around $30.06 to $30.84 ⁴. This significantly exceeds the national average for entry-level plumbers, who typically earn about $53,900 per year or $25.91 per hour ³.

Several factors contribute to the higher earning potential in Key West:

• Specialized needs due to frequent hurricane threats
• Higher costs of living in the area
• Demanding infrastructure maintenance requirements like the Upper Keys water line replacement project ³
• Ongoing construction and renovation projects driven by Key West's desirable real estate market. For further salary insights, refer to ZipRecruiter.

Job Outlook for Plumbers in Key West

The outlook for plumbing careers in Key West through 2025 is exceptionally strong. Nationally, employment of plumbers is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033 ², but Florida's prospects are even better with a projected growth of 15% through 2030 ³. Several factors are driving this demand:

1. Workforce demographics: Many current plumbers are nearing retirement age, creating opportunities for new professionals
2. Industry stability: Plumbing services are essential with continuous demand for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades
3. Regional opportunities: Florida has one of the highest employment levels for plumbers nationally
4. Construction trends: Ongoing infrastructure projects like Eaton Street repaving ⁴ and water system upgrades create consistent demand

While broader economic factors including tourism, real estate market fluctuations, and environmental challenges may impact the market ⁵, the essential nature of plumbing services ensures stable career opportunities.

Your Next Steps to Become a Plumber in Key West, FL

Starting a career as a plumber apprentice in Key West offers an exciting opportunity in a field that's both essential and well-compensated. With a strong local job market, competitive salaries, and steady growth projections, the plumbing trade provides a promising career path. Whether you're just finishing high school, starting a career change later in life, or looking to establish yourself in a trade that's always in demand, following the apprenticeship and licensing process will set you on the path to success.

For those ready to begin their plumbing career, there are 34 plumbing job openings currently listed on ZipRecruiter ¹ and numerous apprenticeship programs available. The College of the Florida Keys provides an excellent pathway to qualify for these positions. As you build your skills and experience, the opportunities in the plumbing trade will continue to grow.

Ready to explore plumbing apprenticeship opportunities in Key West? Check out Gild's listings for plumbing role openings across the Key West area. With the plumbing industry's strong growth trajectory and high demand for skilled workers, starting your career today can lead to a stable and rewarding future. Learn more about training options at We Train Plumbers.

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