Entry-Level Plumber – Plumbing Helper

Entry-Level Plumber – Plumbing Helper


Company
Fredscu
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
26 days ago
Via
via Talents By Vaia

Job Description
Overview Are you looking for a hands-on career with real growth potential? At Fred's Plumbing and Heating in Champaign, IL, we offer more than just a job—we provide the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. We're looking for a full-time Entry-Level Plumber - Plumbing Helper to join our team. You'll enjoy a competitive wage plus bonuses and spiffs and top-notch benefits and perks such as health insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, 2 sick days, 9-hour workdays Monday-Thursday with half days on Fridays, paid training, retirement options, and a fully stocked snack bar. Additionally, we offer our workers a take-home work vehicle and a smartphone. About Our Company For over 30 years, residents of the Champaign area have counted on our family-owned company to provide prompt, reliable service. We proudly offer installation, repair, and maintenance on everything from electrical panels to sewer lines to heating and cooling equipment. Whether a client needs an outlet rewired or a tankless water heater installed, no job is too small or too large for our experienced team to handle! We know that we wouldn\'t have satisfied customers if we didn\'t have happy employees to serve them. That\'s why we make every effort to create a fun, positive work environment . We value our staff, and we show our appreciation with a well-stocked snack bar and fantastic benefits . We hope you\'ll join us and see what makes our team amazing! About the Role As an Entry-Level Plumber - Plumbing Helper, you assist experienced plumbers on residential and commercial job sites, learning installation, repair, and maintenance skills. You help install sinks, toilets, and water heaters, seal pipe connections, and diagnose and fix minor leaks and clogs. You\'ll also get hands-on experience with drain cleaning tools and reading blueprints. Your job includes preparing work areas, carrying tools and materials, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. This is an opportunity to gain on-the-job training in multiple trades while working in a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Qualifications The Minimum Requirements to Be Considered: Valid driver\'s license with a good driving record Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work in various environments (tight spaces, outdoor conditions) Strong work ethic and willingness to learn Basic mechanical skills and comfort using hand and power tools Preferred but Not Required: Plumbing trade school or vocational training Prior experience in plumbing, construction, or a related field OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification Work Schedule & Location This is a full-time position based in Champaign, IL, with a schedule of Monday to Thursday from 7 AM to 4 PM and half-day Fridays, unless you\'re on call. Ready to Apply? If you\'re ready to start a career with a company that values training, growth, and a great work environment, apply to be an Entry-Level Plumber - Plumbing Helper today. Our quick, mobile-friendly initial application takes just three minutes to complete. Take the first step toward building your future with Fred\'s Plumbing and Heating. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Plumber Jobs

Q What hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
Q What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
Q What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Q Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
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