Crafting a standout plumber resume isn't anywhere near as complicated as tackling a burst pipe or installing a complex plumbing system. But just like you had to learn your trade, resume writing also takes practice and a bit of mentoring.

But don’t worry, it’s not going to take years. All you need to do is follow our guide — we've filled it with real-life resume samples, detailed examples, writing tips, and professionally designed resume templates. 

Apprentice Electrician Resume Sample

Pipe Fitter Resume Sample

Plumber Resume Sample

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Keep reading to learn about: 

• Learning the dos and don'ts of resume writing from real-life resume samples
• Picking the right resume format as a plumber
• Choosing between resume summary and resume objective 
• Presenting the right skills on your plumber resume
• Making the most out of your achievements and experience 
• Elevating your plumber resume through the use of action verbs
• Dealing with the education section effectively
• Selecting relevant optional sections for your plumber resume 
• Steering clear of mistakes that can sabotage your resume 
• Accompanying your plumber resume with a matching cover letter
• Exploring average salary and job outlook in the plumbing trade
• Finding the best resources for job-seeking plumbers

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Plumber resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Clean and easy-to-read layout: Each section is easy to identify and logically ordered. This makes it simple for hiring managers to scan quickly and find the key information they need. The use of headings and bullet points also helps the reader to navigate the document without feeling overwhelmed by dense paragraphs of text.
• Use of action verbs: The resume uses strong action verbs like “Repaired,” “Operated,” “Installed,” and “Trained,” which give a sense of proactivity. These verbs highlight the candidate’s hands-on involvement in the work and help make the responsibilities sound more dynamic. As a result, this candidate comes off as someone who takes initiative and has a clear impact in their role.

What could be improved?

• Putting more emphasis on achievements: The resume focuses a lot on duties and responsibilities, but it could benefit from highlighting more specific achievements. This approach would give hiring managers a better idea of what the applicant has accomplished, not just what they did. Achievements help the candidate stand out and demonstrate the value they bring.
• Inclusion of quantifiable data: There’s a mention of completing projects “within budget and on schedule,” but there are no specific numbers or measurable data. Including quantifiable achievements — like “Saved $5,000 in materials costs” or “Completed projects 20% faster than the average time” — would help the applicant demonstrate the real impact they had.

Pipe fitter resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Mentioning a recognition: The candidate mentions receiving the “Employee of the Month Award” for completing tasks within budget and on schedule. This is a great addition! Recognitions like this help emphasize the applicant’s ability to meet deadlines, manage time well, and stick to budgets. It shows that the candidate's work is acknowledged and appreciated by their employer, which sets them apart from other applicants.
• Varied skills section: The “Skills” section is well-rounded, showcasing a balance between technical and soft skills. This variety is great because it shows that the candidate brings a full range of abilities to the table, which is crucial in a role like pipe fitting where both technical know-how and teamwork are needed.

What could be improved?

• More detailed volunteering section: While it’s great that the candidate included their role as Class Treasurer, there’s no explanation of what they actually did in that position. It would be helpful to include some specific achievements or responsibilities, like managing the class budget, organizing events, or helping with school activities. Even a couple of sentences explaining the work done would make a big difference.
• Sharper resume summary (profile): To make this section stronger, the candidate could mention a specific skill or project that highlights their strengths. For example, they could say, “Certified Pipe Fitter with 2+ years of experience installing complex piping systems in commercial construction projects, known for delivering high-quality work ahead of deadlines.” This kind of focused, specific statement will make the profile stand out more and grab the attention of hiring managers.

Apprentice electrician resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Inclusion of specific hard skills: The resume includes a strong list of technical skills. These are all specialized tools and software used in the field of electrical work, and including them shows the candidate is equipped with the right technical know-how. This is great because it immediately gives employers a sense of the applicant's capabilities, especially for someone in trades. 
• Addition of a Strengths section: If this applicant is submitting their resume through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), adding a Strengths section with keywords from the job posting can be a smart move. Many ATS systems scan resumes for specific words related to the job, so this section could help make the resume more likely to be seen by a recruiter.

What could be improved?

• Less personal information: While it’s common to include things like nationality and date of birth in some countries, it’s better to leave them out in this case. By including this information, there’s a risk of discrimination based on age, nationality, or other factors. In many countries, employers are discouraged from making decisions based on this personal data, and it could potentially bias their evaluation.
• Adding a resume objective: For someone starting their career, like this applicant, it would be helpful to include a resume objective at the top. This can be a simple statement that highlights their goals and what they’re looking for in a job. An objective helps show the candidate’s direction and passion, which is especially helpful if they are still early in their career or switching roles.

1. How to pick the right resume format as a plumber

Before you start writing your resume, you need to decide which resume format works best for you. 

Why? 

Because different resume formats emphasize different aspects of your professional background, so the one you choose should align with what you want to highlight. 

Here are the three main resume formats and how they work:

• Reverse-chronological resume (a.k.a. traditional resume): This format puts the spotlight on your work experience section, listing your most recent job first and working backward. It's best for those with a strong work history, especially if they wish to emphasize their career progression. 
• Functional resume (a.k.a. skills-based resume): This format puts your skills, certifications, and training over work experience. It's especially useful if you want to take attention away from your limited or inconsistent work history. This makes it the perfect choice for career changers or those with little direct experience in plumbing.
• Hybrid resume (a.k.a. combination resume): As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It’s ideal if you want to showcase specific skills and accomplishments while also providing a clear picture of your career history. 

Choosing between these formats as a plumber is highly dependent on what professional level you are or which license you hold. 

Matching resume formats to plumbing levels

• Apprentice plumber: If you’re just starting out, you may not have much work experience yet. That’s why the functional resume is usually the best choice. This format allows you to emphasize your skills, training, and any certifications you’ve earned while downplaying the lack of hands-on job experience.
• Journeyman plumber: If you have a solid work history, the reverse-chronological resume is ideal, as it showcases your growing expertise. However, if you’re newly at the journeyman level and still developing your experience, a hybrid resume might work better to balance your skills and work history.
• Master plumber: Master plumbers have years of experience and often run their own businesses or mentor apprentices. For this level, the reverse-chronological resume is the best choice, as it clearly highlights your extensive work history, leadership roles, and professional accomplishments.

Remember, your resume gives you control over how you present your experience. That’s why you need to choose a format that works for you! Once you’ve picked the best one for your career level, you’re ready to start filling it out with the right skills, experience, and certifications!

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2. How to choose between resume summary and resume objective 

The first thing your resume needs is a strong opening statement — either a resume summary or a resume objective. 

Essentially, both serve the same purpose: grabbing the hiring manager’s attention right away.

Why is any of this necessary? 

Well, recruiters don’t really have time to carefully read every single application they receive. Instead, they scan resumes in just a few seconds before deciding whether to keep reading or move on. That’s where your summary or objective comes in. 

In just 3–5 sentences, this section should highlight your top qualifications, skills, and achievements. Done right, it can be the difference between getting an interview or getting skipped over. 

So, which one should you use? Let’s break it down.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is best for plumbers who have already built a solid career and want to highlight their most valuable accomplishments. So, if you're a master plumber or you've been a journeyman for quite some time, summary is the one for you. 

What should it include?

• Your professional title, ideally as it appears in the job ad.
• Your years of experience in plumbing.
• Key skills relevant to the role, such as pipe installation, troubleshooting, or blueprint reading.
• Licensure and certifications, like a journeyman or master plumber license.
• A specific achievement that proves your expertise, such as reducing repair times or improving customer satisfaction.

What makes this example sound so weak? Because it's too vague. It doesn’t highlight any specific skills, certifications, or achievements. It fails to show what makes this plumber stand out from the competition or what value they bring to an employer. If hiring managers don't get a clear picture of what a candidate offers, they'll move on to the next resume.

What exactly makes this example so effective? This summary is specific, uses quantifiable data, and mentions key skills and achievements. It clearly shows the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and how they’ve made an impact in previous roles.

Writing a resume objective 

Now, if you're still an apprentice or just became a journeyman plumber, your professional history might not be exactly laden with stellar accomplishments. That's why you should consider opting for a resume objective. 

What should it include?

• Your career goal and why you’re interested in pursuing this specific plumbing role.
• Relevant skills you’ve gained through your apprenticeship, like pipe installation, leak detection, or plumbing code knowledge.
• Your experience in assisting senior plumbers, troubleshooting, and solving common plumbing problems.
• Your commitment to growth and your eagerness to contribute to the success of the company.

Why is this example not enough? This objective doesn't talk about any specific skills or experience. It doesn't mention what the apprentice has learned or why they would be valuable to the company. Employers need to know what you can offer right away.

What exactly makes this objective so effective? This objective focuses on the candidate’s hands-on experience and achievements, like completing over 100 installations and improving efficiency by 15%. It’s clear, to the point, and shows both the skills and the drive to grow and contribute effectively to the company.

Whether you decide to go with a resume summary or an objective, keep in mind that you have limited space to work with. So, try to avoid clichés like “hardworking,” “motivated,” or “dedicated.” Recruiters see these expressions on every single resume and know they don’t hold much value. Instead, focus on your specific skills and achievements. Concrete examples are always more impressive than empty words.

3. How to present the right skills on your plumber resume

When it comes down to the wire, it’s your skills that set you apart from other plumbers. But that doesn’t mean you should just list every single thing you know how to do. 

So, how do you decide which skills to include? Simple: let the job posting be your guide.

Before adding a skills section to your resume, take a close look at the job description. Employers often spell out exactly what they’re looking for. 

For example: Are they asking for experience in pipefitting? Do they want someone who can read blueprints or install water heaters? If they emphasize troubleshooting skills or knowledge of local plumbing codes, those should be front and center on your resume.

This is what we call resume customization — tailoring your resume so it lines up with what the employer wants.

Is a plumber who doesn’t know how to sweat a pipe even a plumber? Some skills are just non-negotiable in the trade. These hard skills are the hands-on, technical abilities you need to get the job done right — whether it’s installing a new water heater or diagnosing a leaky pipe. 

But plumbing isn’t just about wrenches and pipes. You’re often working in people’s homes or on job sites with other tradespeople, which means you need a solid set of soft skills too. Communicating with customers, problem-solving under pressure, and keeping a cool head when unexpected issues pop up are just as important as knowing how to fix a broken pipe.

By striking the right balance between technical know-how and people skills, you’ll not only land more jobs but also build a strong reputation in the trade. And that’s what keeps customers coming back!

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4. How to make the most out of your achievements and experience

Listing your skills in one section is fine, but you know what’s even better? Showing how you’ve actually used them on the job and what results you got. 

That’s exactly what the work experience section is for.

This is where you tell employers what kind of plumbing work you’ve done, where you did it, and how well you did it — maybe you completed jobs ahead of schedule, helped reduce call-backs by doing quality work the first time, or trained apprentices to get them up to speed faster.

So, how do you write a work experience section that actually works in your favor? These are the essentials that shouldn't be missing from any of your entries: 

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

Most people think writing about work experience is tricky, but it’s really not as obscure as some people make it out to be. That said, there’s a right way to do it — and plenty of ways to get it wrong. Check out the resume examples below and see what kind of impression they leave on you:

What makes this example so meh? This example is just a list of obvious job duties, and it doesn’t say anything about how well the work was done. On top of that, the sentences are long and wordy for no reason. There’s also no mention of achievements, numbers, or anything that shows real skill. 

Why does this example feel more impactful? This example blends duties and achievements effectively. The first two bullet points cover essential tasks, while the others highlight quantifiable results like faster service, higher customer satisfaction, and cost savings. It’s clear, concise, and shows the plumber’s ability to deliver tangible results.

Tips for newcomers to the trade

Much like with the resume summary and objective, as a plumber apprentice or journeyman, you'll probably need to approach your work experience section a bit differently. You may have a lot of accomplishments already, or maybe you're still building up your experience. Either way, you can still make this section work. 

For example, you can talk about:

• Tasks you've assisted with: Like pipe installation, troubleshooting, or helping with repairs.
• Safety training or protocols you've followed on job sites: It's a big plus to show you understand safety and regulations.
• Certifications or courses you've completed: Whether it’s plumbing code training, safety courses, or anything else.
• Customer interactions you’ve had: Even if it was just assisting with explanations or communications.
• Tools and equipment you’ve worked with: Especially if you’ve used anything special or high-tech.
• Teamwork experience: Even if you weren’t leading, showing you worked with others on projects helps emphasize collaboration.

Your work experience section should show what you’ve actually done on the job. Think about the tasks you handled, the problems you fixed, and the skills you learned. If you can, add real numbers to show the impact of your work. And instead of just listing duties, focus on how your work helped customers or made the job easier. 

5. How to elevate your plumber resume through the use of action verbs

You might have noticed in previous examples our use of action verbs. Take this as a gentle reminder to include them in your resume, too, because these little powerhouses can truly elevate your application.

For example: instead of saying, “I was responsible for fixing leaks,” wouldn’t it sound better to say, “Repaired leaks in over 50 homes, preventing costly water damage”? 

To give you a better idea of how action verbs impact your resume, consider the following example: 

It’s a small change, but it makes a big impact. Action verbs make your resume more direct, confident, and engaging. So before you move on to another resume section, take a moment to swap out weak phrases for stronger ones — it’s worth it!

6. How to deal with the education section effectively

When it comes to the education section on your resume, there’s no need to overthink it. Most plumbing jobs don’t require a fancy degree, but you still need to list your training, certifications, or coursework that prove you know your stuff.

Depending on how you got into plumbing, here are some things you might list:

• Apprenticeship program: If you completed (or are still in) an apprenticeship, include the name of the program, how many years you trained, and any certifications you earned.
• Trade school or vocational program: Mention the name of the school, what you studied, and the year you finished.
• Community college degree or certificate: If you got formal education in plumbing, HVAC, or a related field, list it here.
• High school (If you’re just starting out): If you don’t have additional schooling yet, listing your high school diploma or GED is totally fine.
• Special certifications: If you have a plumbing license or other relevant certification (like OSHA safety training), you can include it too. 

If you don’t have trade school or college on your resume, focus on the training you do have. Even if you’re still an apprentice, that’s valid experience, so list it proudly.

Also, if you’ve taken any extra courses (like safety training, blueprint reading, or specialized plumbing certifications), those can go here too. Even if they were short programs, they still show your dedication to learning the trade.

7. How to select relevant optional sections for your plumber resume

The resume summary, skills section, and work experience are the foundation of any resume. If your CV includes these sections and fills an entire page, you can consider it good to go.

But what if you have a bit more room left on the page or feel like you have more to share? In that case, you can expand your resume with optional sections.

The key question is: should you add more?

• Yes: If you still have relevant details that would add value to your job application. If you can be more specific about your qualifications, experience, or achievements, adding extra sections can help you stand out.
• No: If the extra sections don’t provide much additional value and would just serve to fill up space. Adding unnecessary or irrelevant info could backfire. It might make your resume look cluttered, and hiring managers may lose interest halfway through. You don’t want that!

Now, let’s go through some options that could make a difference on your plumber resume:

• Licenses: If you hold any plumbing-related licenses (like Journeyman or Master Plumber), you should definitely add this section. It shows you're legally qualified to perform specific plumbing tasks.
• Tools & equipment: Listing tools you’re proficient with can help show you’re experienced with the job’s technical side. If you're familiar with high-end equipment or specific tools, mention them.
• Certifications: If you’ve earned certifications beyond what’s required by law (like safety training, backflow testing, or plumbing design), this can set you apart from others who may not have that extra knowledge.
• Awards & achievements: This section allows you to show off any recognitions you’ve received, like “Employee of the Month,” top performance in customer satisfaction, or any professional accolades you’ve earned in your plumbing career.
• Professional affiliations: Are you a member of any trade associations, like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)? Including this section shows you're committed to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry standards.
• Volunteering:  If you've done plumbing-related volunteer work, mention it! It’s a great way to show that you’re passionate about your trade and giving back to the community. It also shows your willingness to help others when needed.

If you've already listed your certificates and licenses in the education section, don’t repeat them in additional sections. Doing so would just add unnecessary repetition to your resume.

Just remember, don't force anything in just to make the resume look longer. Keep it relevant and specific to the job you’re applying for. The right sections can set you apart and make your resume stand out for all the right reasons.

8. How to steer clear of mistakes that can sabotage your resume 

So, you've sat down to write your resume. You’ve got the experience, the skills, and the motivation to land that next plumbing job. But before you hit “send,” let’s make sure you’re not falling into some of the most common traps that could quietly hurt your chances.

Here’s a quick list of mistakes to watch out for — and how to avoid them:

• Typos and grammar slips: It might seem like no big deal, but spelling mistakes and grammar errors can really hurt your chances. They make it look like you didn’t take the time to double-check your work.
• Messy formatting: Even if your experience is solid, a cluttered resume is hard to read. Make sure it’s neat and easy to scan. Use bullet points, pick a clean font, and keep things lined up. You want hiring managers to find what they’re looking for without having to dig for it.
• Using the same resume for every job: Tempting? Yes. A good idea? Nope. If you send the exact same resume to every employer, you’re missing the chance to show them you’re the right fit. Try tweaking your resume a bit to match what each job is asking for.
• Only listing job duties: It’s fine to talk about what you did day-to-day, but don’t stop there. What did you accomplish? Did you save customers money? Solve tricky problems fast? Train others? That’s the kind of stuff that makes you stand out.
• Forgetting numbers: Saying you “installed pipes” is okay, but saying you “installed plumbing systems in over 30 homes and small businesses” is way better. Numbers help paint a clearer picture of what you can actually do.
• Leaving out soft skills: Plumbing isn’t just about tools and pipes — it’s also about working with people. Showing up on time, explaining things clearly to customers, solving issues calmly — those are all part of the job. So don’t be afraid to include soft skills.
• Outdated contact info: It happens more than you’d think. If your phone number or email has changed, make sure your resume reflects that. You don’t want to miss a call because of a small slip-up.
• Ignoring keywords from the job ad: Many companies use software to scan resumes. If your resume doesn’t include the same words from the job posting, it might not even make it to a real person. Look at what the job ad is asking for, and use some of the same wording — naturally, of course.
• Adding things that don’t matter: Not everything needs to go on your resume. If something doesn’t help you get the plumbing job — like that summer you sold ice cream or a hobby that’s totally unrelated — leave it out. Keep it focused.

Mistakes happen, but taking the time to catch and correct them can be the key to making your resume stand out in the best way. Avoid these common errors, and your plumber resume will work like a charm.

9. How to add a matching cover letter to your job application

A cover letter and a resume go hand-in-hand — together, they make up the heart of your job application.

Yes, the two will share some of the same info. But that doesn’t mean your cover letter should just repeat your resume. Instead, think of it as a place to tell the story behind your experience — the “why” and “how,” not just the “what.”

What should your cover letter do?

A good cover letter should answer a few basic questions:

• Who are you?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why this company, specifically?
• What can you bring to the table?

So instead of saying, “Installed plumbing systems in new builds” like your resume might, your cover letter could say, “I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work, and after helping install full systems in both small homes and multi-unit buildings, I’ve learned how to work efficiently while keeping safety and quality at the top of my list.”

See? It adds some personality and gives a better sense of how you work.

How is a cover letter different from a resume?

Your resume is made up of sections — Work Experience, Skills, Education, and so on.

A cover letter, on the other hand, is written more like a short letter or note. It’s usually 4-6 short paragraphs that flow from one to the next.

This helps hiring managers get a quick feel for who you are — not just as a plumber, but as a person.

How to make your cover letter and resume visually consistent

• Use the same header: Put your name, phone number, email, and maybe your city and state at the top of both documents. Same style, same layout.
• Stick with the same font: If you used Calibri or Arial in your resume, do the same in your cover letter. Keep it clean and easy to read.
• Keep your margins the same: Around 1 inch on all sides works well. Don’t let one document look cramped and the other overly spaced out.
• Use the same color scheme (if any): If you added a pop of color to your resume, carry it over to your cover letter, too — just don’t go overboard.
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

This kind of visual consistency helps your application feel well put-together and shows that you care about the small stuff — something every plumber knows makes a big difference.

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10. What to expect in terms of salary and job growth in plumbing

Plumbing is one of those trades that people will always need. Whether it’s fixing a burst pipe, installing a new water heater, or working on big commercial projects, the demand for skilled plumbers isn’t going anywhere. 

In fact, with more new buildings going up, aging infrastructure needing repairs, and a growing focus on eco-friendly systems, plumbers are more in demand than ever.

As for pay? According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters reaches $61,550. 

Of course, your real salary may vary depending on several factors such as:

• Where you live
• Your experience level
• Licensing and certifications
• The type of work you do

Plumbing is a career where you can build a stable future, learn new skills, and even go out on your own one day if you want to start your own business. There’s a clear path to grow — from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber — and that sense of progress can be really rewarding.

And the job outlook? It's looking good. Plumbing is one of those essential services that can’t really be automated or outsourced. That’s why it probably won’t come as much of a surprise that the BLS predicts this profession will continue growing by 6% over the next decade — faster than the average for all occupations.

So if you're someone who enjoys hands-on work, solving problems, and helping people in a real, tangible way, plumbing offers both a solid paycheck and long-term career security.

11. Where to find the best resources for job-seeing plumbers

Whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience under your belt, knowing where to look can really help speed things up. There are tons of useful resources out there — the trick is knowing which ones are worth your time.

Here are some of the best places to kick off your job search:

• General job sites: Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter post thousands of jobs every day, including plumbing jobs. These are great for browsing listings and setting up job alerts so you don’t miss new openings.
• Industry-specific job sites: Want to skip all the unrelated stuff and go straight to plumbing jobs? Check out sites like People Ready Skilled Trades or iHireConstruction where you’ll find listings targeted specifically at tradespeople.
• Local union websites: If you're part of a union or looking to join one, your local union’s website can be a great resource for job leads and apprenticeships. You can find your local chapter through UA Local Unions.
• Plumbing associations: Groups like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) offer job boards, training, and networking opportunities — all geared toward plumbing pros.
• Apprenticeship and trade school directories: If you’re just getting into the trade or looking to add some new skills, check out Apprenticeship.gov or NCCER for programs in your area. These can help you get certified and job-ready.
• Online communities and forums: Talking to other plumbers can be a great way to hear about job leads, get advice, or even vent about the tough parts of the job. Try joining forums like r/Plumbing on Reddit or trade-specific LinkedIn groups.
• Continuous education & certifications: Want to stand out from the competition? Pick up extra certifications from places like OSHA, the Backflow Prevention Institute, or your local trade school. It shows employers that you’re serious about growing in your trade.

Finding a new job can feel like a full-time job in itself, but the right resources make it a lot easier. Keep showing up, stay motivated, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your network. The right opportunity is out there — and you’re one step closer to landing it.