How to hire a plumber

How to hire a plumber, step by step

Here's a step-by-step 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 plumber job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new plumber
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a plumber do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the plumber you need to hire. Certain plumber 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?

   Yes

   No

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

   The following list breaks down different types of plumbers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Plumber	Description	Hourly rate
   Plumber	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$17-40
   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
   Commercial And Industrial Electrician	A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently... Show more	$14-33

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Plumbing
   • Hand Tools
   • Plumbers
   • Customer Service
   • Cast Iron
   • Pipe Systems
   • OSHA
   • Work Ethic
   • Math
   • Water Distribution
   • Ladders
   • Residential Service
   • Drainage Systems
   • Sewer Lines

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
   • Replace old copper and cast iron plumbing, install PEX water lines, CPVC lines and PVC lines.
   • Learned how to read blueprints, use plumbing math and read sub/spec data.
   • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using various techniques, including caulking, soldering, and brazing.
   • Install, repair and maintain plumbing systems and components including toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs drains, etc.
   • Dig trenches for new pipeline.

   More plumber duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, plumbers' average salary in florida is 56% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level plumbers 57% less than senior-level plumbers.
   • Certifications. A plumber 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 plumber's salary.

   Average plumber salary

   $55,337yearly

   $26.60 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level plumber salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 25, 2025

   Average plumber salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$83,601	$40
   2	New Jersey	$71,680	$34
   3	Minnesota	$67,559	$32
   4	Delaware	$66,744	$32
   5	Illinois	$66,641	$32
   6	District of Columbia	$64,591	$31
   7	New York	$63,889	$31
   8	Ohio	$61,545	$30
   9	Maryland	$60,824	$29
   10	Missouri	$60,658	$29
   11	California	$58,820	$28
   12	Pennsylvania	$57,976	$28
   13	Nebraska	$57,542	$28
   14	Indiana	$54,942	$26
   15	Virginia	$53,473	$26
   16	Colorado	$52,835	$25
   17	Kansas	$52,820	$25
   18	Louisiana	$50,588	$24
   19	Utah	$49,331	$24
   20	Arizona	$47,713	$23

   Average plumber salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Kern Community College District	$105,949	$50.94
   2	Dignity Health	$105,017	$50.49
   3	Tenet Healthcare	$95,415	$45.87	3
   4	Palomar Health	$92,671	$44.55
   5	Horizon Services	$88,117	$42.36	25
   6	Stanford University	$85,619	$41.16	2
   7	Wilkes University	$79,249	$38.10
   8	Prime Healthcare	$78,884	$37.92
   9	HealthTrust	$77,326	$37.18
   10	University of California-Berkeley	$77,052	$37.04	2
   11	Jacobs Engineering Group	$76,229	$36.65
   12	California Institute of Technology	$75,480	$36.29	1
   13	Stanley Furniture	$74,756	$35.94	1
   14	Wyndham Hotels & Resorts	$73,953	$35.55
   15	Hyatt Hotels	$73,834	$35.50	1
   16	JK Realty	$72,971	$35.08
   17	Carrier	$72,194	$34.71
   18	City of Detroit	$72,060	$34.64	1
   19	LifePoint Health	$71,936	$34.58	1
   20	South Georgia Medical Center	$71,449	$34.35

4. Writing a plumber job description

   A good plumber 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 plumber job description:

   Plumber job description example

   Responsible for the installation and repairing of pipes, fixtures, pumps and drainage systems according to specifications and applicable codes throughout the Hotel/Casino complex as needed.
   Operates all company vehicles. Provides Family Style Service at all times May perform other duties as assigned This position can be located on organization chart H-3.
   
   Minimum Qualification
   
   High School diploma or equivalent experience preferred. Should have working knowledge of plumbing codes. Minimum three years experience in plumbing. Must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license. Required to perform the customer service standards of the department Knowledgeable of the Casino Control Act respective to regulations, as well as company internal controls, policies and procedures.
   
   Caesars Entertainment is the most prominent brand in gaming in the Atlantic City region, with three leading resorts including Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, and Harrah's Resort. Caesars' Atlantic City Empire, and its iconic brand of hospitality, has celebrated over 40 years of success in the community which it serves. From Caesars and Bally's, situated beachside on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, to Harrah's Resort, located in the City's sophisticated Marina District, Caesars Entertainment is committed to offering its guests and over 55 million loyal, Caesars Rewards customers exceptional service and memorable experiences on every visit. As the largest employer in Atlantic County, New Jersey, Caesars' legacy is deeply-rooted in its commitment to the community and its team members, helping to make Atlantic City great place to both work and play.
   
   Caesars Entertainment will engage in an interactive process and make reasonable accommodations, as required by law, for individuals with disabilities or to accommodate pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, or where a conflict exists between the position and an individuals' religious beliefs or practices.
   
   The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position.
   
   The Company reserves the right to make changes to the job description whenever necessary.
   
   As a part of the new hire process, finalist candidates will be required to complete a drug test and background check prior to an offer being extended, except where applicable law requires that such pre-employment screening occur post-offer. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, national origin, sex, age over 40, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
   
   Full Time - NJ CER license required

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right plumber 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 plumbers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit plumbers 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 plumber job on Zippia to find and attract quality plumber candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting plumbers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   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 plumber

   Once you have selected a candidate for the 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.

   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 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.)

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