Hiring a skilled plumber starts with one critical step: writing an effective plumber job description that clearly communicates what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re staffing up for a busy season or replacing a long-time plumber, a clear, accurate, and engaging plumber job description will attract the right candidates—and save you time in the hiring process.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a plumber job description that helps you find qualified talent faster.
Why the Right Plumber Job Description Matter
Finding the right plumber for your plumbing business can make or break it. The plumbing industry is booming. Employment of plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This means skilled plumbers have their pick of jobs. Your plumber job description needs to grab their attention and convince them your company is the best choice.
Here are few reasons why your plumber job description matters:
- 75% of job seekers say the job description is the most important factor in deciding whether to apply.
- 52% of job seekers say they would not apply to a job if the description lacks details about responsibilities or qualifications.
- Job posts with clear salary information get up to 40% more applications.
- Businesses that provide detailed job descriptions experience 23% lower turnover.
- There’s a projected shortage of over 50,000 plumbers in the U.S. by 2030.
- 89% of job seekers say employer brand plays a role in whether they apply.
For these reasons, writing a clear, compelling plumber job description is more important than ever. A good job description doesn’t just list requirements – it sells your company and attracts the best candidates.
The Essentials to Include
Every effective plumber job description should have these essential elements:
Job Title
Start with a clear job title. Use simple terms like “Plumber” or “Licensed Plumber” instead of fancy internal company titles that might confuse people.
Keep your job title clear and specific. Avoid jargon or overly creative titles. For example:
- Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Residential Service Plumber
- Commercial Plumber Technician
Company Overview
Follow this with a brief description of your company. Tell candidates what makes you special and why they’d want to work for you.
Here’s a great example of a compelling company overview:
“At Plumbing Business, we’ve been serving the Atlanta area for over 20 years. Our team is known for top-tier customer service, professional workmanship and a commitment to ongoing training and safety.”
Job Summary
Write a short paragraph that explains what the plumber will do day-to-day. Keep it simple and focused on the most important tasks. This section should make candidates excited about the role.
Summarize the position in 2–3 sentences. Highlight who the plumber will report to, the types of jobs they’ll handle and any standout responsibilities.
For example:
“We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Plumbing Business to join our growing team. You’ll be responsible for diagnosing, repairing and installing plumbing systems in residential homes, providing top-notch service to our customers.”
Key Responsibilities
List the main duties the plumber will handle. Be specific but not overwhelming. Focus on the tasks they’ll do most often. Use action words like “install,” “repair,” and “maintain” to make the work sound engaging.
Use bullet points for clarity. Focus on day-to-day tasks and make sure they match your company’s actual needs.
Sample responsibilities:
- Diagnose plumbing issues and perform repairs
- Install pipes, fixtures and appliances
- Conduct inspections and routine maintenance
- Read blueprints and building specifications
- Communicate with clients and provide cost estimates
- Ensure compliance with local plumbing codes and safety standards
Required Skills and Qualifications
Consider separating your requirements into “must-have” and “nice-to-have” if needed. This helps you avoid scaring off otherwise great candidates.
Must-Haves
This is where you list what candidates must have to do the job. Include licensing requirements, years of experience and any special certifications. Be realistic – don’t ask for more than you actually need.
- Valid plumbing license (state-specific)
- 3+ years of plumbing experience
- Strong knowledge of local codes and safety standards
- Ability to use plumbing tools and equipment
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Nice-to-Haves
These are nice-to-have skills that would make a candidate even better. Maybe you’d love someone with experience in smart home technology or commercial plumbing. List these separately from the required skills.
- Experience with residential service work
- Strong customer service skills
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Plumbing can be physically demanding. Set clear expectations.
For example:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Work in tight spaces, on ladders, or outdoors
- Stand for long periods of time
Benefits, Schedule and Compensation
Today’s job seekers want to know what’s in it for them. Include salary ranges, health benefits, retirement plans and any other perks. Don’t forget about things like paid time off, training opportunities, or company vehicles.
Be transparent if possible. Including pay range, hours and benefits can increase applicant interest.
For example:
- Full-time, Monday–Friday, with occasional weekend shifts
- $25–$35/hour, based on experience
- Benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, company vehicle
How to Write a Plumber Job Description That Attracts Top Talent
The way you write your plumber job description is just as important as what you include. Here are some tips to make your posting stand out:
- Use Clear, Simple Language Always use the simpler word rather than the complicated one; keeping sentence structure as simple as possible. Remember, you want skilled plumbers to apply, not English professors. Write like you’re talking to a friend.
- Use inclusive language. Avoid gendered terms and biased phrasing.
- Focus on Benefits, Not Just Requirements Instead of just listing what you need from candidates, explain what you offer them. Talk about opportunities for growth, job security and a positive work environment. Make them want to be part of your team.
- Be Honest About the Work Don’t sugarcoat the job. If plumbers will sometimes work evenings or weekends, say so upfront. If they’ll be crawling under houses or lifting heavy pipes, mention it. Honesty helps you find candidates who are truly interested in the role. Don’t oversell the role or underplay the work involved.
- Show Your Company Culture Tell the reader what makes you unique. Do you have a fun, friendly workplace? Do you prioritize work-life balance? Include these company culture details in your plumber job description.
- Use Action Words Start bullet points with strong action verbs. Instead of “responsible for pipe repair,” write “repairs and replaces pipes.” This makes the work sound more dynamic and interesting.
- Make it easy to apply. Include clear application instructions or a simple link.
Fun Fact: About 635,000 people worked as plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in 2023, according to Consumer Affairs industry statistics. That’s a lot of competition for your job opening!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced business owners make mistakes when writing job descriptions. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:
- Making It Too Long Keep it brief. Often, when people think about how to write a good job description, they transform into a “Writer” version of themselves. Long, wordy job descriptions turn people off. Aim for one to two pages maximum.
- Being Too Vague Phrases like “other duties as assigned” don’t tell candidates anything useful. Be specific about what the job involves. Instead of “plumbing work,” say “install and repair water heaters, fix leaky faucets and clear drain blockages.”
- Asking for Too Much Don’t create a wish list of every skill you could possibly want. Focus on the skills that are truly necessary for success in the role.
- Forgetting About Mobile Users Many job seekers browse opportunities on their phones. Make sure your plumber job description is easy to read on small screens. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up the text.
- Not Including Salary Information In today’s competitive market, candidates want to know what they’ll earn. If you can’t give an exact number, at least provide a range.
Fun Fact: The National Homebuilder’s Association found a 55% shortage of plumbers available for work in their Construction Market Report, according to Tradesmen International. Don’t scare away good candidates by asking for too much!
Making Your Company Stand Out in the Plumber Job Market
With the plumbing job market growing faster than average, competition for workers will only get tougher. Your plumber job description needs to make your company the obvious choice. Here’s how:
- Highlight Growth Opportunities Skilled plumbers want to advance their careers. Talk about opportunities for training, certifications, or moving into supervisory roles. Show them a path forward with your company.
- Emphasize Stability The plumbing industry offers good job security, but emphasize how your company provides even more stability. Maybe you’ve been in business for decades, or you have long-term contracts with major clients.
- Mention Your Reputation If you have great online reviews, awards, or recognition in your community, include this in your plumber job description. People want to work for companies they can be proud of.
- Talk About Your Equipment and Technology Modern plumbers want to work with quality tools and up-to-date technology. If you provide company vehicles, top-notch equipment, or use the latest plumbing software, mention it.
Fun Fact: Almost 19% of skilled trade workers are between 55 and 64 years old and 53% are over 45, according to Illinois Plumbing Consultants. This aging workforce creates huge opportunities for younger workers!
Tailoring Your Plumber Job Description for Different Experience Levels
Not all plumbers are the same. Your job description should match the level of experience you’re seeking:
Entry-Level Plumbers
Focus on training opportunities and mentorship. New plumbers want to learn and grow. Emphasize how your company will help them develop their skills and advance their careers.
Experienced Plumbers
Highlight challenging projects, competitive pay and leadership opportunities. Experienced plumbers want to use their skills and potentially mentor others.
Master Plumbers
Talk about complex projects, business growth opportunities and the chance to lead teams. Master plumbers often want to have a say in how things are done.
The Legal Side
Your plumber job description needs to follow employment laws. Here are some important points:
Equal Opportunity
Include an equal opportunity statement. Make it clear that you don’t discriminate based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics.
Essential Functions
Clearly state the physical requirements of the job. If plumbers need to lift heavy objects or work in cramped spaces, mention this. It protects both you and potential employees.
At-Will Employment
If you’re in an at-will employment state, you may want to include this information. Check with a lawyer if you’re not sure about your local laws.
Examples of Strong Language
Here are some examples of effective language for different parts of your plumber job description:
- For the Job Summary: “Join our family-owned plumbing company and help homeowners solve their most challenging plumbing problems. You’ll work with a supportive team, use quality tools and build lasting relationships with customers who trust us with their homes.”
- For Responsibilities: “Install and repair water heaters, toilets, faucets and other plumbing fixtures. Diagnose plumbing problems and explain solutions to customers in simple terms. Maintain accurate records of work completed and materials used.”
- For Benefits: “Competitive salary based on experience, health insurance, retirement plan with company matching, paid time off, company vehicle and ongoing training opportunities.”
How to Test and Improve
Once you’ve written your plumber job description, don’t just post it and hope for the best. Here’s how to make sure it’s working:
- Track Your Results Keep track of how many people apply and how many are qualified. If you’re getting lots of applications but few good candidates, your description might be too vague. If you’re not getting many applications at all, you might need to make the job more attractive.
- Ask for Feedback Show your plumber job description to current employees or other business owners. They might spot problems you missed or suggest improvements.
- Update Regularly The job market changes, and so should your job descriptions. Review and update them every few months to make sure they’re still accurate and competitive.
A/B Test Different Versions Try posting slightly different versions of your plumber job description on different job boards. See which one gets better results, then use what you learn to improve future postings.
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Attract the Right Candidates with Your Plumber Job Description
Writing an effective plumber job description is one of the most important things you can do to grow your HVAC business. With the plumbing industry facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, your job description needs to work harder than ever to attract top talent.
Remember, your plumber job description is more than just a list of requirements – it’s a marketing tool for your company. By taking time to write a strong plumber job description, you’ll attract higher-quality candidates and spend less time sifting through unqualified applicants. It’s one of the easiest wins in the hiring process.
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