Plumber (12K) Fulltime
Company
U.S. Army
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
24,396–30,036 a year
Via
ZipRecruiter
Apply On
Job Description
Plumber (12K)
Overview:
Army plumbers and pipe fitters are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing and pipe systems.
Job Duties:
• Maintain heating systems, basic water supply and water distribution systems
• Pipe systems for waste water
• Basic plumbers repair and maintenance
• Maintenance for plumbing fixtures, pipes, stacks, brackets, traps, vents and insulation
• Construction plans and drawings
Requirements:
• Must meet DoD requirements.
• Those who want to serve must first take the ASVAB, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.
Training:
Job training for a plumber requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
• Installation and repair of pipe systems, plumbing fixtures, boiler controls, water purification and distillation systems
• Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Helpful Skills:
• Interest in math and shop mechanics
• Preference for physical work
• Ability to work with detailed plans
Required ASVAB Score(s)
General Maintenance (GM): 88
Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.
Compensation:
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
Earn Cash For In Demand Jobs:
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus.
Education Benefits:
In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Future Civilian Careers:
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in a mechanical or plumbing contracting company.
PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program:
Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.
• AT&T, Inc.
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
• Sears Holdings Corporation
• Time Customer Service, Inc.
• Walgreen Co.
Overview:
Army plumbers and pipe fitters are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing and pipe systems.
Job Duties:
• Maintain heating systems, basic water supply and water distribution systems
• Pipe systems for waste water
• Basic plumbers repair and maintenance
• Maintenance for plumbing fixtures, pipes, stacks, brackets, traps, vents and insulation
• Construction plans and drawings
Requirements:
• Must meet DoD requirements.
• Those who want to serve must first take the ASVAB, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.
Training:
Job training for a plumber requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
• Installation and repair of pipe systems, plumbing fixtures, boiler controls, water purification and distillation systems
• Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Helpful Skills:
• Interest in math and shop mechanics
• Preference for physical work
• Ability to work with detailed plans
Required ASVAB Score(s)
General Maintenance (GM): 88
Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.
Compensation:
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
Earn Cash For In Demand Jobs:
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus.
Education Benefits:
In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Future Civilian Careers:
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in a mechanical or plumbing contracting company.
PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program:
Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.
• AT&T, Inc.
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
• Sears Holdings Corporation
• Time Customer Service, Inc.
• Walgreen Co.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
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.
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.
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.
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.
