Post job

How to hire a master plumber

Master plumber hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring master plumbers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 212,969 master plumbers in the US, and there are currently 19,962 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a master plumber is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per master plumber on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Skippack, PA, has the highest demand for master plumbers, with 5 job openings.

How to hire a master plumber, step by step

To hire a master plumber, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a master plumber:

Here's a step-by-step master plumber hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a master plumber job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new master plumber
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a master plumber job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your master plumber job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a master plumber for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

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

    A master plumber's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, master plumbers 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 master plumber salaries for various positions.

    Type of Master PlumberDescriptionHourly rate
    Master PlumberPlumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.$17-38
    Plumber/PipefitterPlumbers/pipefitters only need to have a high school diploma or GED, and they tend to enjoy salaries of $51K per year. They must have skills in cutting, welding, blueprints, and tools such as pneumatic drills... Show more$15-40
    Plumber HelperA plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations... Show more$13-31
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Plumbing
    • Hand Tools
    • HVAC
    • Water Heaters
    • Plumbers
    • Hot Water
    • PVC
    • Troubleshoot
    • Sewer Lines
    • Domestic Water
    • Sump Pumps
    • Customer Satisfaction
    • Water Systems
    • Service Calls
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Install pvc, c900 and ductile iron sewers.
    • Install copper, pvc and cast iron water mains.
    • Install water heater and place toilets, faucets, and dishwashers.
    • Install and repair portable water lines, fixtures including faucets, basins, water closets and urinals.
    • Perform start-ups and repairs for residential-commercial HVAC systems.
    • License and authorize to install and to assume responsibility for contractual agreement and to secure any permits for plumbing installations.
    More master plumber duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the master plumber job description is a good way to get more applicants. A master plumber 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 a master plumber in North Carolina may be lower than in Oregon, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level master plumber. Additionally, a master plumber with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average master plumber salary

    $54,091yearly

    $26.01 hourly rate

    Entry-level master plumber salary
    $36,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 29, 2026

    Average master plumber salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Maryland$63,883$31
    2Minnesota$60,970$29
    3Wisconsin$59,366$29
    4Maine$57,808$28
    5Utah$55,223$27
    6Nebraska$54,663$26
    7Colorado$52,774$25
    8Louisiana$51,960$25
    9Illinois$51,169$25
    10Indiana$49,245$24
    11Texas$48,343$23
    12Georgia$46,339$22
    13Tennessee$45,029$22
    14North Carolina$42,939$21
    15Florida$38,818$19

    Average master plumber salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1HealthTrust$68,611$32.99
    2Handy$65,289$31.39
    3Stellar$64,840$31.17
    4Memorial Healthcare$64,622$31.07
    5American Residential Services$64,553$31.0417
    6Rutgers University$64,338$30.932
    7Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory$62,729$30.16
    8Franklin & Marshall College$61,572$29.60
    9KS Energy Services$61,232$29.44
    10Apogee Enterprises$61,092$29.37
    11City of Detroit$60,141$28.91
    12Hendrick Health$59,693$28.70
    13Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System$58,922$28.33
    14Forward Air$58,902$28.32
    15H&K Group$56,863$27.34
    16The Home Depot$56,475$27.15
    17Teledyne Technologies Incorporated$56,242$27.041
    18Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort$55,715$26.79
    19American Leak Detection$55,003$26.4422
    20Bath Fitter$54,875$26.385
  4. Writing a master plumber job description

    A master plumber 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 a master plumber job description:

    Master plumber job description example

    We offer a competitive salary of $65,000 a year and an epic work culture . Our awesome benefits that will continue to expand as we grow, include better than average employer contribution on medical, dental, and vision . If this sounds like the management opportunity that you've been looking for, apply today!

    ABOUT ELMER'S HOME SERVICES

    Our company has been serving the San Antonio area's HVAC needs for over 20 years. Our skilled and capable staff confidently assists customers with their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation, service, and repair needs. We work hard to maintain our reputation as the most professional and punctual HVAC team in town. We have strong ties in our community and reach out to volunteer with many organizations including Haven for Hope, The Battered Women's Shelter of San Antonio, Meals on Wheels, and Camp Discovery.

    We know our success is due in large part to our top-notch, trustworthy employees who strive for industry excellence. That is why we invest heavily in employee training and promoting professional growth .

    A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PLUMBING MANAGER / MASTER PLUMBER

    As a Plumbing Manager / Master Plumber, you oversee our service plumbers and ensure the success of the department. You make sure that we have the best team scheduled, and provide excellent training and troubleshooting support in the field. Your ability to motivate your team and inspire them to achieve superior customer service is essential to your success in this management role. It is rewarding to know that your hard work ensures our success!

    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Master plumber license
    • Understand job costs, revenue, etc

    Sales knowledge is a plus! Do you have great management skills and the ability to motivate others? Are you a team player? Do you have strong communication skills? Are you results-oriented and motivated to achieve challenging goals and objectives? Do you have excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to effectively resolve issues? If so, fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application today!

    Location: 78233

  5. Post your job

    To find master plumbers 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 master plumbers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level master plumbers 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 master plumber job on Zippia to find and recruit master plumber candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with master plumber candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of 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 master plumber

    Once you have selected a candidate for the master plumber position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    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.

    To prepare for the new master plumber 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.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a master plumber?

Before you start to hire master plumbers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire master plumbers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Master plumbers earn a median yearly salary is $54,091 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find master plumbers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $17 and $38.

Find better master plumbers in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring master plumbers FAQs

Search for master plumber jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse construction and extraction jobs