What this means Our calculation
4 of 20 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $90,000. Prices run 15% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is lower than most metros (3.1%) and the population is growing at a typical pace (+3.5% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Florence Government data
All 20 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $90,000 | -7% | $106,111 | 110 | #156 |
| Machinist | $82,690 | +45% | $97,492 | 160 | #2 |
| Ironworker | $69,530 | +9% | $81,976 | 60 | #69 |
| Construction Supervisor | $63,520 | -18% | $74,891 | 450 | #355 |
| Plumber | $60,590 | -1% | $71,436 | 340 | #214 |
| Electrician | $59,770 | -4% | $70,469 | 570 | #249 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $59,370 | -7% | $69,998 | 580 | #330 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $56,690 | +10% | $66,838 | 80 | #111 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $52,550 | -16% | $61,957 | 60 | #297 |
| Carpenter | $51,740 | -8% | $61,002 | 170 | #227 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $50,410 | -16% | $59,434 | 130 | #360 |
| Painter | $48,190 | +1% | $56,816 | 80 | #163 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $46,850 | -21% | $55,237 | 260 | #356 |
| HVAC Technician | $46,560 | -22% | $54,895 | 250 | #381 |
| Maintenance Technician | $45,660 | -6% | $53,834 | 620 | #294 |
| Welder | $44,210 | -15% | $52,124 | 130 | #367 |
| Auto Mechanic | $39,800 | -19% | $46,925 | 240 | #377 |
| Pest Control Technician | $38,410 | -14% | $45,286 | 80 | #182 |
| Construction Laborer | $36,260 | -23% | $42,751 | 560 | #369 |
| Landscaper | $33,630 | -10% | $39,650 | 360 | #360 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Florence
The Florence area has about 73,523 homes. 47% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 16% were built in 2010 or later. 73% of households own their home, and the median home value is $218,600.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.1% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Florence area's population grew 3.5% from 2020 to 2025 (151,338 → 156,609), ranking #147 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +7,925) account for more than all of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Florence are up 11% from 2021 to 2025 (359 → 400). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Florence area is 22 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 13% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 79% drive alone, 0% take transit and 8% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Alabama Official source
The main state licensing office in Alabama is the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Electrical, HVAC and plumbing have their own state boards. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Alabama licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Alabama.