How to hire a pipe layer

How to hire a pipe layer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pipe layer hiring guide:

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

What does a pipe layer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a pipe layer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A pipe layer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pipe layers 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 pipe layers.

   Type of Pipe Layer	Description	Hourly rate
   Pipe Layer		$13-23
   Mason	A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise... Show more	$13-32
   Journeyman	A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman... Show more	$18-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Asphalt
   • Water Mains
   • Pipe Systems
   • PVC
   • OSHA
   • Construction Sites
   • Sewer Pipe
   • Excavations
   • Tamping Machines
   • RCP
   • Manual Labor
   • Grade Rods
   • Drill Holes

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Make sure the trench for pipe are dug and on grade.
   • Pipe layer, run heavy equipment, general labor
   • Operate equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
   • Pipe layer, with experience in c900, cast iron, RCP.
   • Install roof shingles, ridge vent, feel paper and ridge caps.
   • Maintain and troubleshoot plumbing systems.

   More pipe layer duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, pipe layers' average salary in florida is 18% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pipe layers 40% less than senior-level pipe layers.
   • Certifications. A pipe layer 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 pipe layer's salary.

   Average pipe layer salary

   $37,742yearly

   $18.15 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level pipe layer salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average pipe layer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Montana	$38,541	$19
   2	District of Columbia	$38,067	$18
   3	Virginia	$38,045	$18
   4	Idaho	$38,035	$18
   5	Wisconsin	$38,005	$18
   6	South Dakota	$37,617	$18
   7	Ohio	$37,011	$18
   8	Utah	$36,621	$18
   9	Nebraska	$36,429	$18
   10	Kentucky	$36,340	$17
   11	Arizona	$36,204	$17
   12	North Carolina	$35,856	$17
   13	Colorado	$35,552	$17
   14	Tennessee	$35,429	$17
   15	New Mexico	$35,228	$17
   16	Texas	$34,704	$17
   17	South Carolina	$34,637	$17
   18	Florida	$34,365	$17

   Average pipe layer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	C Squared Systems	$55,790	$26.82
   2	Madison Gas and Electric	$53,411	$25.68
   3	Clyde Companies	$53,107	$25.53
   4	FlatironConstruction	$51,142	$24.59
   5	S.T. Wooten	$45,923	$22.08	9
   6	IMCO Construction	$45,342	$21.80
   7	Hunter Contracting	$45,280	$21.77
   8	Blythe Construction	$45,262	$21.76	2
   9	Hubbard Construction	$45,166	$21.71	2
   10	Jr. Davis Construction	$44,542	$21.41	4
   11	Brubacher	$43,592	$20.96	4
   12	Crowder	$43,412	$20.87
   13	MDU Resources	$43,379	$20.86
   14	Whitcon Website	$43,290	$20.81	4
   15	Middlesex School	$43,193	$20.77	1
   16	Layton Construction	$42,815	$20.58	2
   17	Zachry Construction	$42,773	$20.56	11
   18	Triton Marine Construction	$42,325	$20.35
   19	Fisher Industries	$42,176	$20.28
   20	Brasfield & Gorrie	$41,932	$20.16	7

4. Writing a pipe layer job description

   A good pipe layer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pipe layer job description:

   Pipe layer job description example

   
   

   As a pipe layer, you will earn $18 to $22 per hour--or more-- paid weekly . The schedule for this position varies but is typically over 40 hours per week. You will also be eligible for benefits including health, vision, dental, life insurance, a 401k plan with match, and paid time off (PTO) . If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application .

   
   

   ABOUT B.H. INC.

   
   

   Brad Haslem started BHI with just six other people in 1998. What began as an electrical company that operated out of a one-bay shop is now a powerhouse of a general contractor, focusing not only on instrumentation and electrical, but adding civil & excavation, facilities & pipeline, construction management, and wireless & communications. With projects and offices located across the United States, BHI is a name that is recognized and respected in the industries we serve.

   
   

   We are a group of highly motivated, aggressive, goal-oriented individuals who love working as a team and growing our organization. We look at each other as family, not merely co-workers who punch the same clock . We firmly believe that our core responsibility is to develop people and provide for families. Here at BHI, we have a positive work environment and offer great pay and generous benefits .

   
   

   QUALIFICATIONS

   • Pipe installation experience
   • Strong work ethic.
   • Willingness to learn

   
   

   Do you have strong communication skills? Are you detail-oriented? Are you growth-oriented? Are you efficient? Do you take pride in your work? Are you attentive to safety? Do you have great customer service skills? If so, please apply today!

   
   

   EEO, including disability and vets

   #IND

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find pipe layers 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 pipe layers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level pipe layers 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 pipe layer job on Zippia to find and recruit pipe layer 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 pipe layer 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 to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to 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 pipe layer

   Once you've selected the best pipe layer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

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 pipe layer?