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How to hire a fire sprinkler designer

Fire sprinkler designer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring fire sprinkler designers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a fire sprinkler designer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new fire sprinkler designer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a fire sprinkler designer, step by step

To hire a fire sprinkler designer, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a fire sprinkler designer:

Here's a step-by-step fire sprinkler designer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a fire sprinkler designer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fire sprinkler designer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a fire sprinkler designer do?

A fire sprinkler designer is in charge of designing and developing sprinkler systems to prevent or aid fire. Their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, utilizing feedback from customers and other experts, producing prototypes or samples, and coordinating with engineers and technicians. Furthermore, a fire sprinkler designer may design upgrades and enhancements, create testing structures, take part in installing and repairing systems, and conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure the fire sprinkler systems' quality and efficiency.

Learn more about the specifics of what a fire sprinkler designer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the fire sprinkler designer you need to hire. Certain fire sprinkler designer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect fire sprinkler designer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    The following list breaks down different types of fire sprinkler designers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Fire Sprinkler DesignerDescriptionHourly rate
    Fire Sprinkler DesignerHealth and safety engineers develop procedures and design systems to prevent people from getting sick or injured and to keep property from being damaged. They combine knowledge of systems engineering and of health and safety to make sure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture, and other consumer products will not cause harm to people or damage to buildings.$19-38
    Protection EngineerProtection engineers supervise the maintenance of protection equipment of an electric power distribution system to reduce interruption to service. They coordinate the repair, tests, and installation of equipment... Show more$33-69
    Fire Protection EngineerA fire protection engineer specializes in designing and developing procedures and systems that protect establishments and properties from fire damage. Their responsibilities include performing extensive research and analysis to identify the best practices in fire protection, coordinating with experts and designers, developing prototypes and test structures, and establishing safety guidelines... Show more$29-52
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Fire Protection
    • NFPA
    • Hydraulic Calculations
    • BIM
    • Fire Sprinkler Systems
    • HVAC
    • Shop Drawings
    • HydraCAD
    • Revit
    • Aided Design
    • Calculation
    • Plumbing
    • System Layout
    • MEP
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Lead the development of BIM modeling content for the architecture team as a direct report to the executive and lead architects.
    • Design of plumbing drawings, as-built drawings, site water supplies design and testing.
    • Follow all OSHA standards and laws.
    • Submit drawings for approval to AHJ.
    • Produce MEP/FP drawings via AutoCAD and Revit.
    • install fire sprinklers in commercial, and residential structures
    More fire sprinkler designer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your fire sprinkler designer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A fire sprinkler designer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a fire sprinkler designer in North Carolina may be lower than in California, and an entry-level fire sprinkler designer usually earns less than a senior-level fire sprinkler designer. Additionally, a fire sprinkler designer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average fire sprinkler designer salary

    $58,386yearly

    $28.07 hourly rate

    Entry-level fire sprinkler designer salary
    $41,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average fire sprinkler designer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$79,709$38
    2New Mexico$73,342$35
    3New York$72,803$35
    4Ohio$70,564$34
    5Washington$66,926$32
    6Arkansas$65,927$32
    7Nevada$65,010$31
    8Oregon$64,829$31
    9Illinois$63,007$30
    10Idaho$62,049$30
    11Massachusetts$61,820$30
    12Texas$61,674$30
    13Colorado$60,883$29
    14Arizona$59,986$29
    15Indiana$59,710$29
    16New Jersey$59,059$28
    17Maryland$59,036$28
    18Utah$57,215$28
    19Florida$55,591$27
    20Missouri$54,893$26

    Average fire sprinkler designer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Tyco SimplexGrinnell$84,858$40.80
    2Stanley Black & Decker$84,228$40.493
    3Cintas$74,829$35.9837
    4Kiewit$71,300$34.2898
    5ADT Security Services$69,978$33.64
    6EMCOR Group$65,801$31.6465
    7Engineering Resource Group$65,664$31.57
    8TEKsystems$65,177$31.3425
    9Henderson Engineers$64,995$31.25
    10HDR$62,309$29.9655
    11GPAC$62,280$29.94
    12Ahern$61,661$29.6418
    13Johnson Controls$61,116$29.38263
    14C&S Engineers$60,800$29.238
    15Burns & McDonnell$59,313$28.5257
    16The Hiller Companies$59,310$28.5187
    17Bernhard Link Theatrical Llc$59,161$28.44
    18VFS Fire & Security Services$59,135$28.43
    19Total Fire Protection$59,039$28.386
    20Tech Electronics$59,034$28.3829
  4. Writing a fire sprinkler designer job description

    A fire sprinkler designer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a fire sprinkler designer job description:

    Fire sprinkler designer job description example

    • Responsible for Fire Sprinkler layout/design work on multiple projects according to all codes, insurance, and according to the contracted scope of work. Completes permit drawings and hydraulic calculations. Will apply knowledge of system operations and follow planned blueprint instructions, (i.e. Architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil drawings).
    • Designers should have a strong understanding of commercial, residential, or industrial building construction.
    • The individual will be required to design/draw all jobs using CPVC and/or Steel pipe. Drawings will be done using AutoCAD, version 2016 or newer, be neat and orderly, and shall contain all pertinent information for installation of all projects in the field. The designer should achieve a yearly average of 100% or less of estimated engineering labor costs.
    • A designer will be required to hydraulically calculate each job drawn. All lists that are submitted should be correct when compared to what is actually installed. Purchasing and Fabrication list must be prepared and given to the appropriate departments in a timely manner.
    • The designer will be required to submit each job's drawings to the proper authorities in a timely manner. All submittals should include the correct number of plans, all related material data, and calculations. A designer will be responsible for submitting to contractors, subcontractors (if applicable), proper insurance companies, and building officials for approval.
    • A designer will be responsible for following up on plans to ensure each job is permitted properly and does not delay progress. Individuals must process good communication skills with all managers and field personnel so that pertinent information is given out effectively.
    • Designers will be required to keep track of all jobs. An individual will give contractors and owners accurate information in regards to the progress and design requirements. The individual will be responsible for making any corrections to the plans to reflect any changes made in the field.
    • The designer must be self-motivated to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously and capable of responding to changing priorities.
    • Must consider safety at all times while in the office or on a project site.

    Requirements

    • Associate's degree in design or construction and at least 2 years of experience with AutoCAD is preferred.
    • 2 years of experience in the construction industry and will know how to read blueprints (i.e. architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil drawings).
    • Experience with installing fire sprinkler systems and performing hydraulic analysis.
    • Although not required, any additional experience with SprinkCAD design software (or similar application) and MS Office would be a preferred

    Our compensation and benefits package is highly competitive and we will negotiate hourly and bonus package with the successful candidate. Our benefits include 401(k) elections with an Employer Match for eligible employees. We also provide options of Medical, Dental, and Vision as well as FSA and voluntary benefits. Summit also pays for Life and AD&D insurance as well as Long Term Disability insurances. Enrollment is calendar-year with Active open enrollment each year. Benefit options and details will be disclosed during the interviewing process.

    We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.


    #ZR


  5. Post your job

    To find fire sprinkler designers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any fire sprinkler designers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level fire sprinkler designers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your fire sprinkler designer job on Zippia to find and recruit fire sprinkler designer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit fire sprinkler designers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fire sprinkler designer

    Once you've found the fire sprinkler designer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new fire sprinkler designer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a fire sprinkler designer?

Recruiting fire sprinkler designers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Fire sprinkler designers earn a median yearly salary is $58,386 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find fire sprinkler designers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $19 and $38.

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