How to hire a plumbing mechanic

How to hire a plumbing mechanic, step by step

Here's a step-by-step plumbing mechanic hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The plumbing mechanic 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

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

   Type of Plumbing Mechanic	Description	Hourly rate
   Plumbing Mechanic	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$17-34
   Maintenance Plumber	A maintenance plumber repairs individual water systems or large water facilities. This job position monitors, diagnoses, maintains, and repairs gas leaks, water shortages, sewage, and pipe systems... Show more	$17-37
   Residential Plumber	A residential plumber installs, repairs, fits, and maintains pipes in a drainage system for residential buildings. They also do fixtures associated with water heating and cooling, water distribution, and sanitation services... Show more	$17-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Plumbing
   • Hand Tools
   • HVAC
   • Brazing
   • Building Codes
   • PVC
   • Sewer Lines
   • Cast Iron
   • Caulking
   • Water Systems
   • Drainage Systems
   • Plastic Solvent
   • Pipe Installations
   • Pipe Threading Machines

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
   • Install cast iron, copper, PVC and black pipes.
   • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, and appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigeratorboxes.
   • Connect copper pipe using solder and silver brazing.
   • Work on groundwork with PVC pipes and acid waste pipes.
   • Install boilers, mechanical equipment, HVAC units, and trouble shoot equipment.

   More plumbing mechanic duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your plumbing mechanic job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A plumbing mechanic salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, plumbing mechanics' average salary in arkansas is 54% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level plumbing mechanics earn 49% less than senior-level plumbing mechanics.
   • Certifications. A plumbing mechanic with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a plumbing mechanic's salary.

   Average plumbing mechanic salary

   $51,334yearly

   $24.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level plumbing mechanic salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average plumbing mechanic salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$66,366	$32
   2	Nevada	$61,414	$30
   3	California	$61,026	$29
   4	New York	$60,290	$29
   5	Delaware	$58,305	$28
   6	District of Columbia	$56,129	$27
   7	Colorado	$51,495	$25
   8	New Hampshire	$49,612	$24
   9	Oklahoma	$47,131	$23
   10	Maryland	$46,966	$23
   11	Iowa	$46,834	$23
   12	Virginia	$46,214	$22
   13	Florida	$44,838	$22
   14	Pennsylvania	$42,252	$20

   Average plumbing mechanic salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Columbia University in the City of New York	$61,874	$29.75	5
   2	National Radio Astronomy Observatory	$54,675	$26.29	2
   3	ASRC Federal	$54,484	$26.19	26
   4	Atlantic Constructors	$52,023	$25.01	15
   5	ColonialWebb	$51,898	$24.95
   6	Colorado State Express	$51,747	$24.88
   7	IT Landes	$51,746	$24.88
   8	Sobieski Services	$51,399	$24.71	16
   9	HB McClure	$51,375	$24.70
   10	University of Maryland, Baltimore	$50,532	$24.29	6
   11	Aerotek	$49,728	$23.91	226
   12	University of Iowa Center for Advancement	$38,248	$18.39	13
   13	University of Maine	$35,767	$17.20	1
   14	Colorado Department of Transportation	$34,497	$16.59
   15	State of Colorado	$32,709	$15.73	13

4. Writing a plumbing mechanic job description

   A plumbing mechanic 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 plumbing mechanic job description:

   Plumbing mechanic job description example

   Sobieski New Homes of King of Prussia, PA is looking to hire a full-time Plumbing Installation Jr. Mechanic / Residential New Construction / Custom Home Division to save the day by installing quality heating and cooling systems for the good citizens of our community while training HVAC helpers. Are you interested in a career with a growing company and supportive team ? Our HVAC mechanics typically works 7:00 AM- 3:30 PM with overtime expected during peak periods . This HVAC Installation Technician / Residential New Construction position earns a competitive wage , depending on experience. We also offer excellent benefits , including a comprehensive benefits package, paid vacation and holidays, a 401(k) plan, free training, and a flexible work schedule . If you are ready to join our league of exceptional HVAC mechanics, please fill out our mobile-friendly application . We look forward to meeting you!

   ABOUT J.F. SOBIESKI MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.

   J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors, Inc. is an $90-million mechanical contracting company that serves Delaware, South Eastern PA, Richmond-Williamsburg, Virginia, and Maryland markets. We are the largest mechanical contractor in the tri-state area (DE, PA, MD) expanding into the Richmond, VA area. We do residential and commercial installations of HVAC, plumbing, sheet metal, and fire protection. We believe in three core values that have made our company successful: integrity in every decision we make, treating all team members like family, and courage to always make the right decisions. By putting an emphasis on these core values, we have been able to create strong, lasting relationships with our customers.

   We acknowledge and value the talents and hard work of our team . Due to their dedication, we proudly offer great pay and benefits . We work as a team with the combined goal to grow as a company into experienced professionals. Which is why we offer unlimited earning potential , exceptional training , and career advancement opportunities .

   QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN PLUMBING INSTALLATION MECHANIC / RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION

   • 2-3 years of new home construction experience (no cape required)
   • Hands-on knowledge of residential plumbing construction
   • Driver's license and a good driving record (the ability to fly is not required, though it would be awesome)
   • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
   • Heatproof & shrinking powers (or at least the ability to work out in the summer heat as well as in tight spaces such as attics and crawlspace)
   • Own hand tools used by plumbing mechanics

   Do you enjoy mentoring others? Are you committed to doing quality work and motivated to continually improve your skills? Do you have good communication skills? Can you deal courteously and tactfully with customers and fellow workers in the construction trades? Do you work well as part of a team? Are you self-motivated and career-minded? If we just described your superpowers, apply today!

   
   

   EOE/ADA

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit plumbing mechanics, 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 plumbing mechanic

   Once you've decided on a perfect plumbing mechanic candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your 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 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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