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Drain Cleaner Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Licensed Plumber

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Overview Licensed Plumber Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company ...

Licensed Plumber

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Licensed Plumber Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter is North America's largest plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services provider. Roto-Rooter operates businesses in over 100 company-owned ...

Showing results 21-40

Drain Cleaner information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$44

How much do drain cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drain cleaner in Oregon is $27.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $34.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drain cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drain Cleaner, you need a good understanding of plumbing systems, manual dexterity, and problem-solving abilities, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with drain cleaning machines, augers, pipe inspection cameras, and sometimes relevant safety certifications is typically required. Strong customer service skills, reliability, and attention to detail help set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, safety, and customer satisfaction when resolving plumbing issues.

What does a drain cleaner do?

A drain cleaner is a professional who specializes in clearing clogs and blockages from plumbing systems, such as sinks, toilets, and main sewer lines. They use specialized tools and techniques, like drain snakes, augers, and sometimes hydro-jetting equipment, to remove debris and restore proper water flow. Drain cleaners also inspect pipes for damage or recurring issues and may offer advice on preventing future blockages. Their work ensures that residential and commercial plumbing systems function efficiently and safely.

Do you have to be licensed to be a drain cleaner?

In many areas, drain cleaners do not need a specific license to perform basic cleaning tasks, but some jurisdictions require licensing or certification for specialized or hazardous work. It is important for drain cleaners to have knowledge of plumbing codes and safety procedures, and licensing requirements can vary by location and job scope.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a drain cleaner?

As a drain cleaner, you clear clogs from various types of drains and pipes such as floor drains, sinks, tubs, toilets, and urinals. You typically use equipment like electric snakes, high-velocity water jets, and sewer cameras for inspecting drain lines. More advanced positions have responsibilities involving technical service, such as repairing underground sewers and drains using excavation methods. Other duties include fixing frozen lines and steam thawing. You must maintain a safe work environment by following company rules and any state or local policies.

What is the difference between Drain Cleaner vs Plumber?

AspectDrain CleanerPlumber
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have training or licensesRequires plumbing license and certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily performs cleaning and unclogging tasks, often in residential or commercial settingsPerforms installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems in various settings
Industry UsageUsed mainly for drain cleaning and minor repairsInvolved in comprehensive plumbing services including repairs, installations, and inspections

Drain cleaners focus on clearing clogs and cleaning drains, often with specialized tools or chemicals. Plumbers have broader responsibilities, including installing and repairing plumbing systems, and typically hold certifications. While drain cleaners may work independently or for cleaning services, plumbers are licensed professionals providing a wide range of plumbing solutions.

How much money do drain cleaners make?

Drain cleaners typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, with annual salaries between $30,000 and $50,000. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a company, often requiring knowledge of plumbing tools and safety procedures.

What are some common challenges that drain cleaners face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Drain Cleaners often encounter challenges such as working in confined or awkward spaces, exposure to unpleasant odors, and dealing with tough blockages that require specialized tools. Staying up-to-date with the latest equipment and safety protocols helps address these challenges. Additionally, effective communication with clients and team members ensures the job is completed safely and efficiently, while wearing proper protective gear minimizes health risks.
What are popular job titles related to Drain Cleaner jobs in Oregon? For Drain Cleaner jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drain Cleaner jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Drain Cleaner jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Drain Cleaner jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Drain Cleaner job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Drain Cleaner jobs in OR? For Drain Cleaner jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Drain Cleaner job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,994 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Water System Service Technician / Plumbing Trainee

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Seattle

Hillsboro, OR

$80K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Mr. Rooter Plumbing turns "no industry experience" into a noble, long-term career


Performance pay with full benefits. $80,000 a year and up is a reasonable expectation. See more at the bottom of the listing. 


Would you prefer a career where you go home each night knowing that your work restored another person’s quality of life? 

If we asked your old coach to describe you would they say, “most hustle on the team?” Would you like to be paid for that work ethic and the measurable results that you control instead of your number of years on the job or who you know?

Are you a courteous professional who would relish partnering with your colleagues in the office and in the field to add another customer comment like this to the team’s collection of 3,000 five-star reviews?


 Mr. Jim & Mr. Cody were very prompt, professional, and very knowledgeable. They were patient and listened to my needs. They inspected the problem and then went on to solve my problem. They also offered suggestions as to solve issues that are causing this problem. They were very neat and kind with their time. I was very impressed and comfortable having them in my home. (Google Review)

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Vancouver we protect the health of our community through the most professional resolution of water and wastewater system problems. Every team member plays an expert role. And 80% of our team had no plumbing industry experience before they joined us. If you bring high character and ambition we will welcome you into a noble, long-term career and coach you to become an industry expert.

What Mr. Rooter Plumbing expects of the Service Professional

The role of the Service Professional is to diagnose and correct plumbing, drain, and sewer problems and to deliver an outstanding customer experience. Service Professionals use their Mr. Rooter vehicle to independently visit several customers daily throughout the greater Portland and Vancouver metropolitan area as assigned by the Dispatcher. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Follow the Mr. Rooter system to earn trust, diagnose residential plumbing and drain problems, and present multiple options with up-front pricing for customer approval before starting any work.
  • Perform the repair work with excellence using hand tools, fiber optic inspection cameras, electric drain cleaning machines, high-pressure drain cleaning machines, and occasionally a jack hammer as taught during on-the-job training.
  • Collaborate with Mr. Rooter Journeyman Plumbers and assist them when a diagnosis of a customer’s water system problem reveals the need for a licensed plumber. Remain current on plumbing code through in-house continuing education.
  • Embrace a technology-based, data-rich way of work. The one tool used on every job is a networked iPad for customer presentations and for data collection to support self-evaluation and performance coaching.
  • Achieve or exceed productivity targets while delivering outstanding customer service

 The ideal candidate brings these attributes and experiences:


  • Exemplifies the courteous, professional attributes of the Mr. Rooter brand in every personal interaction.  People trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help them in their homes during a time of vulnerability and need. We respect and serve all customers with an aim to restore their quality of life, whether their home is a new mansion or an aging trailer. Every job is followed by a customer satisfaction survey, linked to the Service Professional.
  • Knows how to be polished and is willing to get dirty. During a single customer visit the Service Professional may deliver an iPad presentation to a couple in their living room, crawl under the house to inspect pipes, and open a sewer cleanout as an access point for a 4,000 psi drain cleaning machine.
  • Possesses the confidence to work alone and the humility to win as a team. Service Professionals tackle most jobs solo and self-manage their pace of work. They also stay in constant communication with the Dispatchers, fellow Service Professionals, and Field Supervisor via text and phone, adjusting together as the day unfolds to ensure all customers are served.

How Mr. Rooter Plumbing supports the Service Professional 

The Service Professional will join a supportive team with a Field Supervisor who has served at Mr. Rooter for 6 years and an Operations Manager with 18 years at our company. Both are accessible instantly with a phone or video call from the jobsite. In addition to supportive management Mr. Rooter provides the tools and equipment required to succeed:

  • Vast potential market and a service that is non-discretionary. Every home is a possible customer and when there is a problem with the water or wastewater system it must be repaired. This is recession-proof work.
  • Proven history of generating consistent work for Service Professionals. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has served Portland & Vancouver since 1996. Our local team is in the top 5% of all plumbing companies in the nation by size. Today we are turning down work because demand exceeds the capacity of our team. 
  • Documented procedures and a full-time trainer. Mr. Rooter Plumber has written procedures that quickly guide new Service Professionals to high performance. These are refined and proven over time. We are also fortunate to have long-serving trainers who have a history of developing successful technicians. New Service Professionals who are willing to learn can be in their own truck running jobs in 90 days. 
  • Sophisticated tools for customer consultations. Networked iPad with presentation and quote building tools. Fiber optic video cameras to diagnose sewer line problems and show the customer exactly what their issue is and why the recommended, long-term solution is the best choice for resolution. Each van is fully equipped with parts and the heavy equipment required to complete work.
  • Opportunity for advancement. The top managers at Mr. Rooter have all grown their plumbing careers here, starting in entry-level positions. Many opportunities exist for those who commit to learning and have the ambition to grow. Within a short period of time, those who excel can earn a Water Heater Technician license or become a trainer – both positions come with a higher pay structure. Over time Supervisor and Manager positions are options.

Total compensation and benefits include:

  • Performance pay based on the value of completed jobs with no pay limit. In the last two months our Service Professionals averaged 40-hours a week and earned $4,800 to $8,300 / month.


  • 89% of our Service Professionals earned more than five thousand a month
  • 56% of our Service Professionals earned more than sixty five hundred a month
  • 22% of our Service Professionals earned more than eight thousand a month


  • Company van/truck that you drive home, fuel card, uniforms and laundry service, phone and iPad
  • 401K with employer generous match and immediate vesting. 100% match on the first 3%, 50% match on the next 2%.
  • 3 weeks of paid time off
  • 6 paid holidays
  • Excellent medical insurance with $6,180 per year paid toward your premium by Mr. Rooter


 Apply today to learn more and explore whether Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the right place for your new start.


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