How to hire an installer

How to hire an installer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step installer hiring guide:

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

What does an installer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The installer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An installer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, installers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents installer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Installer	Description	Hourly rate
   Installer	Carpenters construct and repair building frameworks and structures—such as stairways, doorframes, partitions, rafters, and bridge supports—made from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding, and drywall.	$14-24
   Carpenter/Labour	Carpenters/ Laborers do general maintenance tasks and help in mechanical and carpentry-related jobs. Carpenters are versatile workers and perform different construction duties... Show more	$12-22
   Apprentice Carpenter	An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction... Show more	$14-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • Windows
   • Plumbing
   • Work Ethic
   • Safety Procedures
   • HVAC
   • Tape Measure
   • Air Ducts
   • Service Calls
   • Office Furniture
   • Electrical Equipment
   • Air Conditioners
   • Fiber Optic
   • Customers Homes

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
   • Experience with brazing, running new line set, and EPA certify.
   • Install various heating and air conditioning systems like water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, a/c condensers.
   • Work with steel snips, brake and screw guns.
   • Train in Crestron integrate systems.
   • Schedule and run sales appointments.

   More installer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the installer job description is a good way to get more applicants. An installer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an installer in Hawaii may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level installer. Additionally, an installer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average installer salary

   $39,799yearly

   $19.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level installer salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 22, 2026

   Average installer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$48,971	$24
   2	California	$48,016	$23
   3	Minnesota	$46,883	$23
   4	Indiana	$45,029	$22
   5	New York	$43,680	$21
   6	Oregon	$43,620	$21
   7	Ohio	$43,348	$21
   8	Illinois	$43,339	$21
   9	Wisconsin	$42,994	$21
   10	Missouri	$42,868	$21
   11	Pennsylvania	$42,505	$20
   12	Colorado	$42,337	$20
   13	Maryland	$42,208	$20
   14	Nevada	$41,217	$20
   15	Arizona	$39,933	$19
   16	South Dakota	$38,073	$18
   17	Tennessee	$38,029	$18
   18	Maine	$37,337	$18
   19	Georgia	$36,703	$18
   20	Nebraska	$36,091	$17

   Average installer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Pella	$62,514	$30.05	18
   2	Softpath System	$56,104	$26.97
   3	BD	$51,281	$24.65
   4	Leidos	$51,083	$24.56	10
   5	Johnson Controls	$50,559	$24.31	84
   6	University of California-Berkeley	$49,877	$23.98
   7	Ameresco	$49,366	$23.73
   8	Northrop Grumman	$48,646	$23.39
   9	CenterPoint Energy	$48,633	$23.38
   10	Bellingham Marine	$48,372	$23.26	1
   11	Cc Meyers	$48,141	$23.14
   12	Clear Channel Airport	$47,548	$22.86	6
   13	PC Construction	$47,219	$22.70
   14	PepsiCo	$47,166	$22.68	6
   15	NRG Energy	$47,093	$22.64
   16	SpaceX	$46,931	$22.56
   17	Epperson & Company	$46,780	$22.49
   18	Auto-Chlor Services	$46,591	$22.40
   19	Precision Walls	$46,443	$22.33	11
   20	Steris	$46,121	$22.17	26

4. Writing an installer job description

   An installer 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. Below, you can find an example of an installer job description:

   Installer job description example

   The Company

   Hire on bonus of $500!

   No experience needed - We will train for success!

   Therm-Con of Tennessee is part of the Installed Building Products (IBP) family of companies. Integrity, knowledge, and excellent service - these aren't just words, they represent how Therm-Con of Tennessee does business. Whatever our homeowners needs, you can trust our team will offer high quality products and service.Find your next career opportunity and join our team, with Therm-Con of Tennessee !

   Why we love it here: benefits that include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, vacation, paid holidays, and plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement!

   What You Can Expect

   As a construction - fireplace installer, you are responsible for installing wood burning and gas fireplaces in homes according to the manufacturer's installation instructions and company polices and guidelines.

   • Loads and logs materials onto truck and makes notation of returned materials
   • Installs new gas or wood burning fireplaces in home
   • Measures and installs mantles and granite base as needed around fireplaces
   • Repairs and maintains existing fireplaces
   • Observe job site safety rules and know the location of the MSDS packets in your vehicle
   • Maintain tools and truck housekeeping
   • Follow OSHA and company safety procedures

   To Be Successful

   • Good mechanical aptitude
   • Maintain a valid driver's license
   • Knowledge installing or repairing gas, wood burning or pellet fireplaces is a plus
   • Experience in finish Carpentry, or residential construction is helpful, preferred

   For Your Safety

   • Must be able to lift a minimum of 100 lbs and have the ability to climb a ladder and work on a roof.
   • Workers must be able to use common hand tools, including power tools.
   • Must be able to work in tight places or in high places from ladder, scaffolding, and roof.
   • Must be able to bend, twist and turn body at shoulders, waist, and knees to handle and install fireplaces & venting materials.

   EEO Statement IBP is an equal opportunity employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right installer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with installers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit installers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your installer job on Zippia to find and attract quality installer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit installers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   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 installer

   Once you've found the installer 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.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new installer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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.)

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How much does it cost to hire an installer?