Do you have to be a licensed plumber to work for Roto-Rooter?

Author: Prof. Terence Parker DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

At Roto-Rooter, we're always hiring licensed and experienced plumbers because we stay busy and have plenty of work repairing residential and commercial plumbing. Roto-Rooter is a great place to work and build a career.

Do you need a plumbing license to work for Roto-Rooter?

Roto-Rooter is looking for ambitious, innovative and technically competent individuals. Good management skills and a desire to grow the business are also necessary. An independent contractor must possess or be willing to obtain a plumbing license, or the independent contractor must employ a licensed plumber.

What is the difference between a Roto-Rooter and a plumber?

If you're dealing with a stubborn clog or blockage, a rooter service may be the quickest solution. However, if you require comprehensive plumbing work, such as installing new pipes, repairing a leaking faucet, or addressing a more complex plumbing issue, a certified plumber is the right professional for the job.

How long is training for Roto-Rooter?

Roto-Rooter trains its service technicians at company-operated plumbing schools or in partnership with a local plumbing trade school. Initial training lasts 11-13 weeks and is paid for by the company. Ongoing training is also part of the job and that too is paid for by Roto-Rooter.

How much does an unlicensed plumber get paid?

Average Non-Licensed Plumber Plumber hourly pay in the United States is approximately $20.35, which is 26% below the national average. Salary information comes from 1 data point collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 24 months.

How Pipes Are Professionally Cleaned and Relined | Art Insider

Can a plumber make $100,000 a year?

Yes, plumbers make good money. Depending on experience level and location, a plumber's annual salary can be anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000 in the United States. The hourly rate for a plumber can range from $25 to more than $50 (depending on the job's difficulty).

How many hours does it take to become a licensed plumber?

Before you're qualified to get your journeyman plumber license, you'll need to complete high school or have your GED equivalent and complete a minimum of 6,800 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice plumber. Applicants must also complete 550 hours of plumbing and gas-fitting theory and pass a written exam.

What is Roto-Rooter hourly rate?

Average Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup hourly pay ranges from approximately $14.54 per hour for Maintenance Technician to $28.39 per hour for Manager.

How much do you get paid to be a rooter?

The average Rooter salary ranges from approximately ₹1,49,569 per year (estimate) for a Data Architect to ₹41,99,307 per year (estimate) for an Account Manager. Rooter employees rate the overall compensation and benefits package 4.1/5 stars.

How to get into plumbing with no experience?

The qualifications and skills you need to start a plumbing job with no experience include a high school diploma and the willingness to learn the trade. Apprenticeships are typically through trade unions or plumbing companies. Most companies and unions expect applicants to have basic mechanical skills.

How much does Roto-Rooter charge to snake a main line?

Sewer Main Line Unclogging Prices

Roto-Rooter sewer main line unclog service prices in 2024 may range from $400 to $600. A sewer main line is a large pipe that leads from your house to the larger municipal sewer line outside of your property line, usually buried under the street, and accessed by a drain cleanout.

Does insurance cover Roto-Rooter?

Most insurance companies will cover unexpected water damage. However, damage caused by an ongoing issue or structural problem may not be covered. Roto-Rooter makes the water damage insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company.

What company owns Roto-Rooter?

Roto-Rooter is one of the two subsidiary divisions of the publicly traded Chemed Corporation, of which the other one is a hospice care provider VITAS Healthcare.

Are Roto-Rooter employees plumbers?

At Roto-Rooter, you can go as far as you want in the plumbing trade, and you'll earn while you learn, cleaning drains and doing basic plumbing repairs* in the beginning, but taking on more responsibilities as you gain more advanced skills.

What is the dress code for Roto-Rooter?

Most Roto-Rooter locations require employees to wear professional attire, such as collared shirts, slacks or skirts, and closed-toe shoes.

Does Roto-Rooter make you buy a van?

At many of our locations, you'll need to show your commitment to the job by purchasing a new or gently used service van, which we'll decal for you, and we have a reimbursement program to help you recover your van investment over time.

Is Roto-Rooter a commission?

You will be making a minimum of a $10,000 investment to work this job. Pay is commission based.

How do plumbers make so much money?

Your pay as a plumber depends on how much experience you have and the kind of plumbing work you're doing. For example, journeyman residential plumbers who specialize in keeping pipes free and clear might not earn as much as master plumbers creating plumbing systems for new commercial construction.

Is Roto-Rooter a union job?

Roto Rooter is not unionized.

Which is better Mr Rooter or Roto-Rooter?

Verdict: Both Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter offer a standard lineup of plumbing services, including emergency response. However, Mr. Rooter has an edge with more comprehensive water line, well pump, and sewer repair and replacement services.

What is the work schedule for Roto-Rooter?

Roto-Rooter technicians typically work on-call shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. They are typically on-call 24 hours a day and may have to take on multiple jobs in one day. They may also need to travel to customer locations, which may require overnight stays.

How much does a Roto-Rooter supervisor make?

Average Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Field Supervisor yearly pay in the United States is approximately $77,003, which is 25% above the national average. Salary information comes from 55 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

What states don't require a plumbing license?

States that don't require licensing for plumbers include Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.

Do plumbers need to be certified?

To work as a plumber in California—whether as journeyman or master plumber—you're required to have a C-36 Plumbing Contractor's license or work under someone who does. As a licensed plumber your primary responsibility is to supply safe water and disposal of fluid waste.

Is 30 too late to become a plumber?

You can begin your career in plumbing at any age! Before you walk into the nearest plumbing warehouse and ask for a job, you should do a few things to prepare: Do Some Research - it's important that you choose a plumbing company that will fit your needs.

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