How to hire a sprinkler installer

How to hire a sprinkler installer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step sprinkler installer hiring guide:

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

Post a sprinkler installer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a sprinkler installer, 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 sprinkler installer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, sprinkler installers 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 sprinkler installer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Sprinkler Installer	Description	Hourly rate
   Sprinkler Installer	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$12-21
   Pipe Foreman	A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives... Show more	$18-30
   Pipe Fitter	A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments... Show more	$19-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Fire Protection
   • Ladders
   • Sprinkler Systems
   • Scaffolding
   • Hand Tools
   • Fire Pumps
   • NFPA
   • Water Flow
   • Sprinkler Heads
   • Sprinklers
   • Irrigation Systems
   • PVC
   • DIG
   • Thread Pipe

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Work landscaping jobs and installing sprinklers or fixing broken ones
   • Design sprinkler, plumbing systems and calculate sewer connections.
   • Interpret blueprints, fitting and installing sprinkler systems that meet NFPA standards.
   • Install sprinklers for a few big town homes, apartments and also many personal own homes.
   • Work off of lifts, ladders, scaffolds to install piping to proper areas according to design and fire sprinkler code.
   • Use of technical mathematics, blueprint interpretation, and applicable codes and standards.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, sprinkler installers' average salary in south carolina is 48% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level sprinkler installers earn 39% less than senior-level sprinkler installers.
   • Certifications. A sprinkler installer 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 sprinkler installer's salary.

   Average sprinkler installer salary

   $35,205yearly

   $16.93 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level sprinkler installer salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a sprinkler installer job description

   A sprinkler installer 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 sprinkler installer job description:

   Sprinkler installer job description example

   Job Details
   
   Our employees are the most important part of our business. Thank you for your interest in applying to new opportunities with us.
   
   What you will do
   
   Perform the installation of fire protection piping, valves and accessories for commercial and industrial application. Must be able to work alternative shifts or weekends to meet customer and/or job requirements. Must perform all duties in a safe and professional manner.
   
   How you will do it
   
   As sprinkler installer, you will efficiently and neatly perform the installation of wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge sprinkler systems.
   
   * You will maintain proper documentation for work performed and must adhere to company safety policies and procedures.
   * In this position you will be provided verbal and written instructions, as well as provide verbal and written instructions to apprentices.
   * Carry/move equipment and tools weighing up to 70lbs.
   * Capable of performing physical labor; perform work in unusual and sometimes difficult positions, such as climbing ladders, scaffolding, and high lift equipment.
   * Maintain a clean and safe work area.
   * You will have a positive attitude and the ability to adapt quickly.
   
   What we look for
   
   Required
   
   * High School Diploma or Equivalent
   * Self-starter that can work with little or no supervision
   * Strong organizational skills, positive attitude
   * Capable of performing physical labor
   * Excellent communication skills
   * Ability to work well with others
   
   Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right sprinkler installer 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 sprinkler installers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit sprinkler installers 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 sprinkler installer job on Zippia to find and recruit sprinkler installer 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 sprinkler installers, 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.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 sprinkler installer

   Once you've decided on a perfect sprinkler installer 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.

   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 sprinkler installer 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a sprinkler installer?