Plumber Job Description: How to Write Your Own [+ Free Template]
Looking to hire a plumber for your plumbing business? You’ll need an accurate plumber job description to attract qualified candidates and grow your team faster.
Download our plumbing job description template, or use our guide below to write your job posting and hire the best candidates for your business.
Plumber job description template
Use this template to write your own plumbing job description. Modify the role summary, responsibilities, qualifications, hours, compensation, and company overview based on your business needs.
Plumber, Full Time
Pipe Dream Plumbing is hiring an experienced plumber to join our growing team. Reporting to our team’s master plumber, the successful applicant will be responsible for plumbing system planning, installation, repairs, and maintenance for our residential clients.
Job responsibilities:
- Plan and install water systems for new residential builds
- Read, interpret, and follow drawings and blueprints when laying out plumbing systems
- Install, inspect, maintain, and repair water supply and drainage systems
- Install sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and water heaters
- Maintain, repair, and renovate plumbing systems in existing homes, including pipes, valves, fittings, and fixtures
- Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
- Select required pipe sizes and types
- Measure, cut, thread, bend, and clamp pipes using hand and power tools
- Join and secure pipes, tubes, fittings, and fixtures with clamps, bolts, screws, cement, or soldering
- Test piping systems for leaks with air pressure and water pressure gauges
- Cut openings in walls and floors to create space for pipes and pipe fittings
- Perform light painting, plastering, flooring, and ceiling repairs as needed
- Cut, assemble, install, repair, and replace pipe sections and tubes
- Install and repair large appliances (washing machines, fridges with water lines)
- Respond to and address call-outs and emergencies
- Prepare bids, cost estimates, and project budgets
- Work well with customers, contractors, and other trades
- Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
- Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our plumbing app
Qualifications and skills:
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid [STATE] plumbing license
- Trade school diploma or completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program
- 2+ years of experience as a plumbing contractor
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
- Able to use hand and power tools
- Able to read and understand plumbing diagrams, drawings, and blueprints
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and convert measurements
- Able to sit, stand, kneel, lift, carry 50+ pounds, and work in tight spaces as needed
- Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Good understanding of plumbing codes, safety regulations, and best practices
- Can work independently and as part of a team environment
- Can communicate well (multiple languages are a plus)
- Friendly with good interpersonal skills
- Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)
Working hours:
- Full-time, year-round
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm
- One on-call weekend overtime shift per month
Compensation:
- $22–27/hour (based on experience)
- Time and a half for on-call overtime shifts
- Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
- Health insurance, including dental and vision
- Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
- 401(k) matching and life insurance
This position will require a background check upon hire.
About Pipe Dream Plumbing
Pipe Dream Plumbing is a locally owned and operated team of residential plumbers with over 25 years of experience in the Seattle area. We specialize in plumbing installation for new construction, residential repairs and maintenance, and 24/7/365 emergency plumbing service.
Our work environment is fast-paced and performance-driven, backed by a strong employee bonus program that rewards excellence in customer service and safety compliance. If you’re looking to build a long-term career where you can thrive, Pipe Dream Plumbing is the place for you.
To apply for this position, send your resume to [company email address].
What to include in your plumber job description:
1. Role summary
When you’re writing the job description of a plumber, start with a role summary. In this section, you’ll provide a brief overview of the position you’re hiring for, including details like:
- Position title
- Position supervisor
- Seniority level
- General responsibilities
Outline what the role involves and what kind of person you’re looking for. A clear role summary will encourage qualified candidates to apply—and weed out anyone who isn’t the right fit.
Here’s an example of a role summary for a plumber:
Plumber, Full Time
Pipe Dream Plumbing is hiring an experienced plumber to join our growing team. Reporting to our team’s master plumber, the successful applicant will be responsible for plumbing system planning, installation, repairs, and maintenance for our residential clients.
Pro Tip: Certain plumber titles or levels are legally allowed to only perform certain tasks. Make sure you’re hiring for the right level, based on the tasks you need completed and the tasks allowed by plumbing licenses in your state.
2. Job responsibilities
Write a list of plumber job responsibilities and the role’s day-to-day duties. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you include all plumber duties and responsibilities in the job description:
- What types of clients does your plumbing business normally work with (e.g., residential, commercial)?
- What kind of plumbing equipment will they need to operate (e.g., borescope, soldering torch, cordless drill)?
- What plumbing duties and tasks do your plumbers typically complete (e.g., installation, inspection, maintenance, emergency services, and repairs for drainage systems and water supply systems)
- Are there any other non-plumbing tasks that this person will be responsible for (e.g., customer service, bidding on plumbing jobs, scheduling work, invoicing clients)?
Sample job responsibilities:
- Plan and install water systems for new residential builds
- Read, interpret, and follow drawings and blueprints when laying out plumbing systems
- Install, inspect, maintain, and repair water supply and drainage systems
- Install sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and water heaters
- Maintain, repair, and renovate plumbing systems in existing homes, including pipes, valves, fittings, and fixtures
- Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
- Select required pipe sizes and types
- Measure, cut, thread, bend, and clamp pipes using hand and power tools
- Join and secure pipes, tubes, fittings, and fixtures with clamps, bolts, screws, cement, or soldering
- Test piping systems for leaks with air pressure and water pressure gauges
- Cut openings in walls and floors to create space for pipes and pipe fittings
- Perform light painting, plastering, flooring, and ceiling repairs as needed
- Cut, assemble, install, repair, and replace pipe sections and tubes
- Install and repair large appliances (washing machines, fridges with water lines)
- Respond to and address call-outs and emergencies
- Prepare bids, cost estimates, and project budgets
- Work well with customers, contractors, and other trades
- Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
- Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our plumbing app
3. Qualifications and skills
Include any qualifications you’re looking for in applicants. For example, a journeyman plumber needs a certain level of experience and a journeyman plumber’s license before they can legally provide services.
Consider plumber job requirements and qualifications like:
- Years and level of plumbing experience (e.g., apprentice, journeyman, master plumber)
- Plumbing licensing requirements in your state or county
- Successful completion of (or enrollment in) a plumbing apprenticeship program
- Physical demands of the job (e.g., weight lifting capacity)
- Soft skill requirements (e.g., customer service, communication, problem-solving)
- Plumbing tools used on the job (e.g., power tools, hand tools, and testing equipment)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s record, if required
Sample qualifications and skills:
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid [STATE] plumbing license
- Trade school diploma or completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program
- 2+ years of experience as a plumbing contractor
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
- Able to use hand and power tools
- Able to read and understand plumbing diagrams, drawings, and blueprints
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and convert measurements
- Able to sit, stand, kneel, lift, carry 50+ pounds, and work in tight spaces as needed
- Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Good understanding of plumbing codes, safety regulations, and best practices
- Can work independently and as part of a team environment
- Can communicate well (multiple languages are a plus)
- Friendly with good interpersonal skills
- Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)
Optional skills aren’t required but can help you narrow down a list of applicants by making some candidates stand out.
Just make it clear whether a certain skill is necessary or just nice to have, like being fluent in Spanish or having experience with plumbing software.
4. Working hours
Tell applicants what shifts or hours this role requires. When you’re clear about the job’s time requirements, you’ll attract candidates who can actually work those hours.
The job description should also say whether the job is full-time or part-time, seasonal or year-round, and permanent or temporary.
Sample working hours:
- Full-time, year-round
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm
- One on-call weekend overtime shift per month
5. Role compensation
Plumber job descriptions should always include a pay range. This helps set expectations for your candidates—and saves you time interviewing plumbers who are out of your budget.
The number doesn’t have to be exact. Just provide a salary or hourly rate range so applicants have a good idea of how much the role pays. You can then make an exact offer based on your top candidate’s skills and experience.
Include any non-financial compensation or perks you offer, too. This could include your employee bonus program, paid days off, health insurance, or a retirement savings plan.
Sample compensation:
- $22–27/hour (based on experience)
- Time and a half for on-call overtime shifts
- Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
- Health insurance, including dental and vision
- Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
- 401(k) matching and life insurance
6. Company overview
Some applicants may not know much about your plumbing business. A company overview is your chance to introduce the business and explain why applicants should work for you.
Your plumbing business overview can include:
- How many years your company has been operating
- Your company mission, vision, and values
- What it’s like to work at your company
- Why your plumbers work with you and stay long-term
- Professional development and career-building opportunities
You can save your company overview and use it in any future job postings, no matter what the role is. Here’s an example of what your plumbing company overview could look like:
About Pipe Dream Plumbing
Pipe Dream Plumbing is a locally owned and operated team of residential plumbers with over 25 years of experience in the Seattle area.
We specialize in plumbing installation for new construction, residential repairs and maintenance, and 24/7/365 emergency plumbing service.
Our work environment is fast-paced and performance-driven, backed by a strong employee bonus program that rewards excellence in customer service and safety compliance.
If you’re looking to build a long-term career where you can advance as a professional plumber, Pipe Dream Plumbing might be the place for you.
READ MORE: How to build a business where employees want to work
Include instructions for applying to your job posting, whether that’s through email or an online application form when you post on job boards like Indeed.
Clearly say when the application deadline is and whether you need a resume, cover letter, and list of references.
Frequently asked questions
What job titles does a plumber have?
There are several common titles for people who provide plumbing services, depending on their experience level and associated duties:
- Plumber’s helpers, also known as plumber’s assistants, provide an extra set of hands and support a journeyman or master plumber on the job. They aren’t licensed, so they can’t independently provide plumbing services or call themselves a plumber.
- Apprentice plumbers are newer to the field and can perform limited duties under supervision during their on-the-job training program. An apprentice plumber learns by working with journeyman and master plumbers.
- Journeyman plumbers have completed an apprenticeship program and obtained an entry-level plumber’s license. This allows them to work independently as a licensed plumber under the supervision of a master plumber.
- Master plumbers have multiple years of experience and the highest possible level of plumbing license. They can supervise journeyman plumbers, pull project permits, and run a plumbing business on their own.
Types of plumbing certifications vary depending on state and regional requirements. These license levels dictate the type of work a plumber is allowed to complete.
It’s important to note that steamfitters and pipefitters aren’t the same as plumbers. They perform similar tasks, but they typically work in industrial settings to install and maintain pipes that carry fuel, chemicals, and steam.
READ MORE: Types of plumbers: 6 different plumbers, services, and salaries
How much to pay a plumber
On average, plumbers earn $54,605 per year (USD). This amount will vary based on your state, the plumber’s experience and qualifications, and their job title and licensing level.
What skills, experience, or training does a plumber need?
Most plumbers need a high school diploma or GED, and either a trade program certificate or a completed apprenticeship program.
Some areas may also require plumbers to hold a certain type of plumber’s license or contractor’s license before they can legally provide services.
What makes a good plumber?
A successful plumber needs physical strength and the ability to work in tight spaces. They should also be a good communicator who can identify and solve problems on their own.
Depending on the position you’re hiring for, you may also want a plumber who has experience with a certain type of plumbing system or fixture.
READ MORE: 57 plumbing interview questions to find top plumbers
What does a plumber do?
A plumber is a professional tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains pipes that transport water, gas, and waste in homes or businesses.
Plumbers also install and maintain plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks, as well as install appliances with water line connections, like washing machines and fridges.