Plumber Salary in Key West, FL: $52,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Key West, FL earns a median $52,169/year (≈ $25.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $51,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Key West, Florida, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $52,169, which falls significantly below the national average of $65,408. The salary range for local plumbers spans from $36,402 at the P10 level to as high as $80,863 for those entering the 90th percentile. Notably, the differential in pay often arises between union and non-union positions; union pipefitters affiliated with organizations like the UA (United Association) typically command a premium of 30-50%. These projected figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic environment of Key West's plumbing market.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,402 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,834 | $19.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,169 | $25.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,776 | $32.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,863 | $38.88 |
Median Salary Position
20.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,461 (2026 est.). At $52,169, the local median is 20.24% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Key West Plumber Pay Compares
Key West median: $52,169/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $52,964 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -20.24% less |
Plumbers in Key West, FL earn a median of $52,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.24% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $52,964.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Key West has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Key West, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,169 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,755 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,996
2025 BLS Actual
$50,887
2026 Current Est.
$52,169
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,996 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,929 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,928 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,626 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,887 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,484 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $43,996 (2019) to $50,887 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,484 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,488 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Key West metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,402 – $40,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,834 – $52,169 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,169 – $66,776 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,776 – $80,863 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Key West
The local plumbing market in Key West, with only four plumbers currently employed, indicates a tightly-knit community where demand is strong due to an aging infrastructure alongside an aging workforce. The cost of living index stands slightly above average at 100.8, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than national standards, the purchasing power remains aligned with local economic realities. Employers range from union plumbing contractors to non-union service companies, with the latter often offering commission-based pay structures that can fluctuate. Specialty credentials, such as those for medical gas or backflow prevention, significantly enhance earning potential, while the spread in wages is influenced by credentials, employer type, and contract structures. For those entering the field, pursuing affiliations with unions, obtaining master licenses, and acquiring specialized skills can be effective strategies to maximize plumber pay in Key West, FL.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,887 for plumbersin the Key West metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Key West is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov