How to hire a mechanical contractor

How to hire a mechanical contractor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step mechanical contractor hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your mechanical contractor 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 mechanical contractor 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?

   Yes

   No

   A mechanical contractor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mechanical contractors 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 shows salaries for various types of mechanical contractors.

   Type of Mechanical Contractor	Description	Hourly rate
   Mechanical Contractor	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	$25-48
   Staff Engineer	Staff engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and inspecting various products, equipment, or structures. These professionals may perform varied duties depending on their specialization that includes overseeing the design and construction of buildings, bridges, sewer systems, and other infrastructure, estimating the financial costs of construction projects, and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and regulations... Show more	$33-80
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Plumbing
   • CAD
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Mechanical Systems
   • Ice Machines
   • Heat Pumps
   • Solidworks
   • C Checks
   • General Maintenance
   • Payroll
   • A/C
   • Construction Projects
   • FEA
   • Routine Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead all CFD and FEA (shock and vibration) efforts, including product-performance optimization and impact of DFMA.
   • Lead weekly toolbox safety meetings, and monitor work to ensure full compliance with OSHA / HAZWHOPPER compliance requirements.
   • Manage paperwork associate with HVAC procedures.
   • Perform service calls on all types of heating and a/c equipment.
   • Service A/C units up to 40 ton.
   • Install 2 to 4 PVC and CPVC piping for wastes off of equipment.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your mechanical contractor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A mechanical contractor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, mechanical contractors' average salary in arkansas is 47% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level mechanical contractors 47% less than senior-level mechanical contractors.
   • Certifications. A mechanical contractor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a mechanical contractor's salary.

   Average mechanical contractor salary

   $72,882yearly

   $35.04 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mechanical contractor salary

   $53,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a mechanical contractor job description

   A mechanical contractor 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 mechanical contractor job description:

   Mechanical contractor job description example

   Door/Millwork Installer
   Compensation: $75,000 to $150,000 Potential Annually
   Type: Sub Contractor (Independent Contractor)

   We are the largest millwork installation company in the U.S. and have a proven track record of stability and year over year growth.
   
   The Perks

   • Unlimited growth potential
   • Consistent workflow with NO additional marketing or advertising burden
   • Pay-For-Performance
   • Access to and training on proprietary technology to help manage your installation business
   • Partnership with a financially sound and reputable corporate partner

   Key Activities

   • Install doors and hardware, etc. at residential job sites in a time-efficient and quality-centered manner
   • Effectively interact with homeowners during measure and/or install process. (Inform, resolve concerns and solve problems)
   • Prioritize/schedule and complete work activity according to business needs
   • Adhere to company standards and procedures

   Requirements

   • Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation.
   • Minimum of 5 years' experience installing doors and/or trim carpentry is preferred.
   • Vehicle, trailer, or some way to transport products to job sites.
   • Must provide own tools- IE: trim carpentry/door installation tools.
   • Access to a smart phone and/or tablet (a plus), as well as a computer with an internet connection.
   • EPA or State RRP Certified (Lead Safe Work Practices). We can assist in obtaining certification if necessary.
   • Licensed and Insured (according to local/state requirements)

   Serious Inquiries only.

   We welcome any size company from a fully registered sole proprietor to a large established installation company.

   Contractors are paid on a percentage basis, by job type.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right mechanical contractor 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 mechanical contractors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit mechanical contractors 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 mechanical contractor job on Zippia to find and recruit mechanical contractor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit mechanical contractors, 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 mechanical contractor

   Once you have selected a candidate for the mechanical contractor 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 mechanical contractor 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 a mechanical contractor?