Plumber Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Plumbers can get visa sponsorship through the H-2B visa program for seasonal and temporary work or the EB-3 Skilled Workers category for permanent positions if you have two or more years of experience. The nationwide plumber shortage is well-documented and works in your favor during the labor market test. Plumbing contractors, commercial construction companies, and property management firms are the most common sponsors. Commercial and industrial plumbing experience gives you a significantly stronger visa case than residential work since the specialized knowledge is harder to find domestically. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska and certified as a Lincoln Family-Friendly workplace, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.
We invest in our employees:
- Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- No-cost life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Parental leave.
- Retirement plans.
- Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
- Exclusive employee discounts.
- Professional development through training and education.
- And many more!!
This position is part of a career ladder with pay commensurate with each level. Job duties are cumulative by level. Positions at higher levels are expected to perform the duties identified for that level as well as those established for preceding levels.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Plumber I, you will:
- Periodically inspect, clean, and perform preventative maintenance of plumbing equipment and spaces to identify and repair and/or report any potential problems.
- Maintain and repair general plumbing equipment, components, and mechanical parts and systems to manufacturers’ specifications.
- Perform phases of general, aesthetic, and preventive maintenance of equipment.
- Assist trade-based or licensed technicians to complete daily tasks.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Ensure cleanliness and organization in assigned work areas and compliance with regulations such as applicable codes, and university and departmental standards and guidelines.
- Complete work orders and utilize an electronic timekeeping system daily.
As a Plumber II, you will:
- Use schematics, blueprint drawings, trade tools, and applicable systems.
- Maintain and install new plumbing systems with minimal supervision.
- Communicate and coordinate with outside vendors and manufacturers relative to repair and replacement of building components.
- Learn the basics of equipment management controls (EMCS) to be able to start, stop, seek status, or change conditions on HVAC and hydronic systems.
As a Plumber III, you will:
- Maintain and repair backflow prevention devices.
- Assist with the maintenance, repair, commission, and installation of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Communicate and coordinate with external parties, manufacturers, engineers, and consultants relative to repair and replacement of building components and projects.
- Trend data and reset building maintenance meters utilizing an EMCS.
- Generate activity and outage notifications.
As a Plumber IV, you will:
- Ensure proper daily operations, maintenance, repair, commission, and installation of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Utilize life safety decisions for installation and maintenance of natural gas equipment and to locate and repair natural gas leaks.
- Contribute to fostering a positive work environment, motivate and encourage staff to improve, and research and participate in professional development opportunities.
- Support leadership and contribute to the development and implementation of departmental vision and goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Plumber I:
- High school or equivalent experience.
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Thinking and reasoning skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Thoroughness and attention to detail.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- Familiar with and able to operate tools and machinery.
Plumber II:
- 2+ years of experience with general plumbing and maintenance or demonstrate equivalency.
- Good analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
- Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
- Thoroughness and high attention to detail.
- Understanding of building and construction principles.
- Ability to independently troubleshoot plumbing systems.
- Knowledge, experience, and ability to operate a variety of tools and machinery.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to research, read, interpret, and work with project blueprints and specifications.
- Knowledgeable of and skilled in the processes, procedures, and codes required of the trade.
Plumber III:
- 2+ years experience installing, assembling, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems.
- Ability to comprehend and follow complex and technical information.
- Strong analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of building and construction principles.
- Strong documentation skills.
Plumber IV:
- 5+ years experience installing, assembling, fabricating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical piping systems or demonstrating equivalency.
- 2+ years experience with domestic and pure water systems, hydronic heating and chilled water-cooling systems, compressed air, electronic and pneumatic controls, natural gas, steam, and condensate including all types of piping materials.
- 4+ years of experience in plumbing and hydronic systems or demonstrate equivalency.
- 1+ year of experience brazing copper line joints to withstand high temperatures and pressure conditions.
- Skilled in brazing copper line joints.
This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., work from ladders and/or aerial equipment, be available by phone to assist with campus emergencies, and participate in regular rotations on the weekend and after-hours on-call schedule.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Plumber I, II, III, and IV:
- Associates degree in relative building trade, participation or completion of a relative apprenticeship program, and/or equivalent experience.
- City of Lincoln Plumbing Journeyman License.
- Grade 6 Operator License.
Plumber I:
- 6+ months experience replacing bearing and seals on centrifugal pumps.
- Familiar with an EMCS and CMMS.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
- Knowledge of or experience with building, electrical, and fire codes.
Plumber II:
- 6+ months experience brazing copper line joints to withstand high temperatures and pressure conditions.
- Proficient using an EMCS or CMMS.
- Completion of all UNL and BSM required training courses.
Plumber III:
- Skilled in brazing copper line joints.
Plumber IV:
- Skilled in welding carbon steel or black iron piping.
Preferred qualifications are cumulative by level and are not required for consideration.
POSTED SALARY
Salary commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
INTRODUCTION
Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska and certified as a Lincoln Family-Friendly workplace, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.
We invest in our employees:
- Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- No-cost life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Parental leave.
- Retirement plans.
- Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
- Exclusive employee discounts.
- Professional development through training and education.
- And many more!!
This position is part of a career ladder with pay commensurate with each level. Job duties are cumulative by level. Positions at higher levels are expected to perform the duties identified for that level as well as those established for preceding levels.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Plumber I, you will:
- Periodically inspect, clean, and perform preventative maintenance of plumbing equipment and spaces to identify and repair and/or report any potential problems.
- Maintain and repair general plumbing equipment, components, and mechanical parts and systems to manufacturers’ specifications.
- Perform phases of general, aesthetic, and preventive maintenance of equipment.
- Assist trade-based or licensed technicians to complete daily tasks.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Ensure cleanliness and organization in assigned work areas and compliance with regulations such as applicable codes, and university and departmental standards and guidelines.
- Complete work orders and utilize an electronic timekeeping system daily.
As a Plumber II, you will:
- Use schematics, blueprint drawings, trade tools, and applicable systems.
- Maintain and install new plumbing systems with minimal supervision.
- Communicate and coordinate with outside vendors and manufacturers relative to repair and replacement of building components.
- Learn the basics of equipment management controls (EMCS) to be able to start, stop, seek status, or change conditions on HVAC and hydronic systems.
As a Plumber III, you will:
- Maintain and repair backflow prevention devices.
- Assist with the maintenance, repair, commission, and installation of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Communicate and coordinate with external parties, manufacturers, engineers, and consultants relative to repair and replacement of building components and projects.
- Trend data and reset building maintenance meters utilizing an EMCS.
- Generate activity and outage notifications.
As a Plumber IV, you will:
- Ensure proper daily operations, maintenance, repair, commission, and installation of complex hydronic and piping systems and equipment.
- Utilize life safety decisions for installation and maintenance of natural gas equipment and to locate and repair natural gas leaks.
- Contribute to fostering a positive work environment, motivate and encourage staff to improve, and research and participate in professional development opportunities.
- Support leadership and contribute to the development and implementation of departmental vision and goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Plumber I:
- High school or equivalent experience.
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Thinking and reasoning skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Thoroughness and attention to detail.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- Familiar with and able to operate tools and machinery.
Plumber II:
- 2+ years of experience with general plumbing and maintenance or demonstrate equivalency.
- Good analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
- Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
- Thoroughness and high attention to detail.
- Understanding of building and construction principles.
- Ability to independently troubleshoot plumbing systems.
- Knowledge, experience, and ability to operate a variety of tools and machinery.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to research, read, interpret, and work with project blueprints and specifications.
- Knowledgeable of and skilled in the processes, procedures, and codes required of the trade.
Plumber III:
- 2+ years experience installing, assembling, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems.
- Ability to comprehend and follow complex and technical information.
- Strong analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of building and construction principles.
- Strong documentation skills.
Plumber IV:
- 5+ years experience installing, assembling, fabricating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical piping systems or demonstrating equivalency.
- 2+ years experience with domestic and pure water systems, hydronic heating and chilled water-cooling systems, compressed air, electronic and pneumatic controls, natural gas, steam, and condensate including all types of piping materials.
- 4+ years of experience in plumbing and hydronic systems or demonstrate equivalency.
- 1+ year of experience brazing copper line joints to withstand high temperatures and pressure conditions.
- Skilled in brazing copper line joints.
This position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., work from ladders and/or aerial equipment, be available by phone to assist with campus emergencies, and participate in regular rotations on the weekend and after-hours on-call schedule.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Plumber I, II, III, and IV:
- Associates degree in relative building trade, participation or completion of a relative apprenticeship program, and/or equivalent experience.
- City of Lincoln Plumbing Journeyman License.
- Grade 6 Operator License.
Plumber I:
- 6+ months experience replacing bearing and seals on centrifugal pumps.
- Familiar with an EMCS and CMMS.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
- Knowledge of or experience with building, electrical, and fire codes.
Plumber II:
- 6+ months experience brazing copper line joints to withstand high temperatures and pressure conditions.
- Proficient using an EMCS or CMMS.
- Completion of all UNL and BSM required training courses.
Plumber III:
- Skilled in brazing copper line joints.
Plumber IV:
- Skilled in welding carbon steel or black iron piping.
Preferred qualifications are cumulative by level and are not required for consideration.
POSTED SALARY
Salary commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
See all 299+ Plumber Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Plumber roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Plumber Jobs
Specialize in commercial or industrial plumbing systems
Experience with medical gas piping, fire suppression systems, commercial HVAC piping, and industrial process plumbing makes you significantly more valuable for sponsorship. These specialties require knowledge that most residential plumbers don't have, which directly helps the labor market test. If you have certifications in medical gas installation (ASSE 6010/6020) or backflow prevention, highlight them prominently. The wages for commercial work are also higher, which helps meet prevailing wage requirements.
Target large plumbing contractors and mechanical companies
Companies like Emcor, Comfort Systems USA, and APi Group operate nationwide and have the HR infrastructure to handle visa sponsorship. Large mechanical contractors that handle plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection on major construction projects are your best targets. Check ENR's top specialty contractors list for leads. These companies work on complex commercial projects where skilled plumbers are constantly needed and harder to recruit locally.
Apply in states with construction booms and plumber shortages
Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and the Pacific Northwest have ongoing construction surges with persistent plumber shortages. Employers in these areas are more motivated to sponsor because local hiring genuinely can't keep up with demand. States with simpler licensing processes make it easier to start working after arrival. Research state-level plumber employment data from the BLS to identify where the shortage is most acute.
Get your journeyman or master plumber documentation organized
Gather all documentation of your plumbing training, apprenticeship completion, licensing, and work history from your home country. Detailed letters from previous employers describing your specific skills and the types of systems you've worked on are essential for visa petitions. If you completed a formal apprenticeship program, get official completion certificates. This documentation is what separates an EB-3 Skilled Worker petition from a weaker Other Worker classification.
Consider green building and sustainable plumbing as a specialization
Plumbers with experience in water-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and solar thermal installations are in growing demand. LEED-certified construction projects often require plumbers with sustainability knowledge. This specialization is relatively new, so the domestic supply of qualified plumbers is limited. If you have training or experience in green plumbing systems, it's a strong differentiator for sponsorship.
Use the returning worker exemption for H-2B advantage
If you work one successful H-2B season as a plumber, you may qualify as a returning worker in subsequent years. Returning workers can be exempt from the annual H-2B visa cap, making approval much more likely. This turns your first seasonal stint into a long-term advantage. Maintain strong relationships with your employer between seasons so they file for your return. Some plumbing contractors bring the same H-2B workers back every year for their busy construction season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can plumbers get H-1B visas?
No, standard plumbing positions don't qualify for H-1B visa because the visa requires a specialty occupation with a bachelor's degree requirement. Plumbing doesn't meet that threshold regardless of your skill level or experience. Your realistic visa options are H-2B visa for temporary positions and EB-3 Skilled Workers for a green card. Plumbing engineers who design piping systems with engineering degrees might qualify for H-1B, but that's a different role entirely.
Do I need a U.S. plumbing license to get sponsored?
You don't need a license before getting sponsored, but you'll need one to work in most states. Plumbing licensing requirements vary significantly by state. Some states like Texas have a statewide licensing system, while others like California license at the contractor level rather than the individual plumber level. Your foreign plumbing credentials won't transfer directly, but they demonstrate experience that helps with both visa petitions and eventual U.S. licensing. Many employers help sponsored workers navigate the licensing process after arrival.
Is the plumber shortage bad enough to help with visa sponsorship?
The plumber shortage is very real. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand growth, and industry groups like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association regularly report tens of thousands of unfilled positions. The average age of U.S. plumbers keeps rising as fewer young workers enter the trade. This shortage directly helps your visa case because employers can legitimately demonstrate they tried and failed to hire domestically. Areas with major construction booms are especially undersupplied.
What's the EB-3 Skilled Workers process for plumbers?
Your employer first files a prevailing wage determination with the DOL, then conducts labor market recruitment to show no qualified U.S. workers are available. After that, they file the PERM labor certification application. Once PERM is approved, the employer files an I-140 immigrant petition. After I-140 approval, you wait for your priority date to become current before filing for adjustment of status or going through consular processing. The whole process takes roughly 2 to 4 years, though country-specific backlogs can extend this.
Do commercial plumbers get sponsored more easily than residential plumbers?
Yes, commercial and industrial plumbing experience gives you a clear advantage. Work involving medical gas systems, fire suppression piping, high-pressure steam systems, and industrial process piping requires specialized knowledge that's harder to find domestically. Employers filing for commercial plumbers can make a stronger case during the labor market test because fewer local applicants have these skills. Residential plumbing, while in demand, attracts more domestic applicants and is harder to justify for sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Plumber jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a plumber in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search tool.
How to find Plumber jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find plumber jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting skilled tradespeople with sponsoring employers. Focus on construction companies, maintenance firms, and commercial plumbing contractors that commonly sponsor workers under skilled worker visas. These employers often need qualified plumbers and are familiar with the sponsorship process for trade professionals.