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How to hire a service plumber

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

  • There are currently 195,764 service plumbers in the US, as well as 8,369 job openings.
  • Service plumbers are in the highest demand in Charlotte, NC, with 12 current job openings.
  • The median cost to hire a service plumber is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new service plumber to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a service plumber, step by step

To hire a service plumber, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a service plumber:

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

What does a service plumber do?

Service plumbers repair tanks, pipes, and water fixtures. Part of their job may include unclogging drains and toilets and handling various residential plumbing requirements. They may also troubleshoot systems, diagnose problems, and collaborate with other contractors when required. Service plumbers should be able to work under pressure and be willing to do house calls after hours. Plumbers are not only experts in their trade but also offer superb customer service. They need to have a minimum of a high school diploma, interpret blueprints, and have a polite manner and excellent customer service skills.

Learn more about the specifics of what a service plumber does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a service plumber, 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?

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

    Type of Service PlumberDescriptionHourly rate
    Service PlumberPlumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.$17-39
    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
    • Residential Service
    • Customer Service
    • HVAC
    • Customer Satisfaction
    • Sewer Lines
    • Service Calls
    • Backflow
    • PVC
    • Water Softeners
    • Sump Pumps
    • OSHA
    • Service Repair
    • Diagnosis
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Can skillfully pipe and support copper, cast iron, black and galvanize pipe, PVC and PEX.
    • Own CompanyExpertly repair general plumbing components such as toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs, and drains.
    • Plumb waste water lines for toilets and urinals.
    • Assist in caulking pipe joints to properly seal them.
    • Assist in renovation of homes potable system and DWV systems.
    • Join piping by means of threading, soldering and brazing.
    More service plumber duties
  3. Make a budget

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

    Average service plumber salary

    $54,946yearly

    $26.42 hourly rate

    Entry-level service plumber salary
    $36,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average service plumber salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$75,897$36
    2Nevada$65,626$32
    3Texas$59,622$29
    4California$56,903$27
    5Maryland$53,907$26
    6Arizona$52,361$25
    7Ohio$52,220$25
    8Virginia$51,774$25
    9Georgia$51,583$25
    10Missouri$51,134$25
    11Colorado$50,889$24
    12Kansas$50,801$24
    13North Carolina$50,502$24
    14Indiana$48,171$23
    15Kentucky$47,933$23
    16Tennessee$44,005$21
    17Florida$40,419$19

    Average service plumber salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1JK Realty$73,232$35.21
    2American Residential Services$67,694$32.5519
    3Better$67,679$32.542
    4F5$62,884$30.235
    5Presbyterian$60,906$29.28
    6Roto$60,611$29.14175
    7GPAC$59,483$28.60
    8Monster Products$58,549$28.15
    9Chase$57,962$27.87
    10Arizona State University$57,843$27.81
    11Meridian Bank$56,393$27.11
    12Randall Mechanical$55,504$26.68
    13William R. Nash Companies$55,455$26.66
    14ColonialWebb$55,099$26.491
    15Bernhard Link Theatrical Llc$55,036$26.46
    16Excel Services, Inc.$55,033$26.461
    17Right 2 Work Corporation$55,033$26.46
    18Colorado State Express$55,033$26.46
    19Mechanical Systems Service$55,033$26.464
    20G Force$55,033$26.46
  4. Writing a service plumber job description

    A service 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 service plumber job description:

    Service plumber job description example

    Streamline Services has been serving the Triangle area for the last 19 years. We have learned a lot in that time. Mostly, we have learned that our employees are the key to our success. When they are happy, everyone is happy!

    Once you learn more about us, you’ll quickly learn we are a different type of service company, and we are proud of it!!! The way we do business, and the wonderful employees that we have separate us from the others. Our Team loves what they do!

    Our employees live well, enjoy time off, and make up the perfect team!

    We are currently seeking new team members to join our growing family. Here are just a few benefits and perks we offer our employees:

    This is a GREAT opportunity to join THE SMILE TEAM and be part of a company that is truly leading the way in residential plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning services.

    If you are ready to be your best at the industry’s best please apply

    Why work at Streamline?

    Why we need you

    Because we offer top of the line products and services, we need a top of the line plumber who genuinely cares about the customer and look at this opportunity as not just a job but a career.

    The big task

    You will diagnose and repair residential plumbing systems and lead customers to informed and confident buying decisions.

    Key sub tasks

    • Maintain communication with dispatch, your manager, parts and installation teams.

    • Keep your company truck clean, inside and out.

    • Keep your truck inventory up to date.

    • Properly complete paperwork.

    • Join the on-call rotation.

    • Maintain a clean and professional appearance.

    • Have and maintain a clean driving record.

    • Participate in training allowing you to grow and develop as a professional.

    • Have or be willing to get the proper certifications. We can help you with this.

    Skills and experience

    If you can achieve the above and you find it fun and challenging - you have just the right amount of skill and experience.

    We are currently seeking new team members to join our growing family. Here are just a few benefits and perks we offer our employees:

    • Our top performers are among the highest paid technicians in Raleigh. You’ll have unlimited earning potential.

    • Company supplied, take it home at night, new and safe, super-cool company truck.

    • Medical Insurance -- we pay 100% for your premiums for health and dental.

    • New technology, including phone, tablet & access to integrated software.

    • State of the art tools, parts and supplies.

    • Retirement Plan with a company match.

    • Company Outings

    • A family. This is last on the list because it’s most important. We care about our team, and expect you to bring that same caring when you join. We do a lot more than just work together. You’ll come to love our company outings, and you’ll build life-long friendships at Streamline Services.

    Learn more about us

    If you want to be part of something bigger than just a job – make this career move and find exactly what you’re looking for. You will work in a place where you will be appreciated by your team and customers, and where your work has a direct effect on the success of the company. If this sounds like you, spend a little time learning about Streamline Services by visiting smileteamnow.com. When you're ready, please follow the directions to apply for this position.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find service plumbers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your service plumber job on Zippia to find and recruit service plumber 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 service plumbers, 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.

    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 service plumber

    Once you've found the service plumber candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    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.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a service plumber?

There are different types of costs for hiring service plumbers. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new service plumber employee.

The median annual salary for service plumbers is $54,946 in the US. However, the cost of service plumber hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a service plumber for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $17 and $39 an hour.

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