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Drain Cleaner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EXPERIENCED Drain Cleaner

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach as a Drain Cleaner and become an essential part of our dedicated team. We are committed to providing top-notch plumbing services with a focus on customer ...

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

Dynamic Drain Cleaner

Sioux Falls, SD ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ongoing training and career development Your Role - Drain Cleaning Technician You'll be on the front lines helping residential and commercial customers get back to normal by providing expert-level ...

Drain Cleaner Technician

Newberg, OR ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rooter Plumbing of Salem as a Drain Cleaner-Technician, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring our customers' plumbing systems are running smoothly. Be part of a dedicated team that prides itself ...

Drain Cleaner Technician

Salem, OR ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rooter Plumbing as a Drain Cleaner-Technician, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring our customers' plumbing systems are running smoothly. Be part of a dedicated team that prides itself on ...

Drain Cleaner Technician

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Rooter Plumbing as a Drain Cleaner-Technician, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring our customers' plumbing systems are running smoothly. Be part of a dedicated team that prides itself on ...

Drain Cleaner

Freehold, NJ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

Showing results 41-60

Drain Cleaner information

See salary details

$14

$26

$42

How much do drain cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for drain cleaner in the United States is $26.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $32.93 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 cities are hiring for Drain Cleaner jobs?

Cities with the most Drain Cleaner job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drain Cleaner jobs?

The most popular types of Drain Cleaner jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Drain Cleaner jobs?

The top employers for Drain Cleaner jobs are:

What states have the most Drain Cleaner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drain Cleaner jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Drain Cleaner jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Drain Cleaner jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Drain Cleaner jobs?

For Drain Cleaner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drain Cleaner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,852 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Experienced Plumber and/or Drain Cleaner

North Jersey Sewer & Drain Cleaning

Fairfield, NJ โ€ข On-site

$50K - $120K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Plumber and/or Drain Cleaner
Salary Range
60-100k+
Job Summary

Aquino Plumbing and North Jersey Sewer & Drain Cleaning are looking for an experienced drain cleaner to come join a quickly growing business. Based in Fairfield, NJ.

Your primary responsibility will be to unclog sewer and drains in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Your expertise and skills will be crucial in ensuring the proper functioning of plumbing systems and addressing the specific needs of our clients. Below are the main job tasks and requirements for this position:

General Accountabilities

  • Unclogging Sewer and Drains: Utilize various drain cleaning equipment and techniques to effectively unclog sewer and drains in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.
  • High-Pressure Water Jetting: Perform high-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn clogs and blockages in sewer lines and drains.
  • Camera Inspections: Conduct camera inspections to identify the cause and location of clogs and blockages within sewer and drain systems.
  • Estimating: Ability to diagnose issues, provide solutions, and provide customer with an estimate/ proposal while on site with clear next steps
  • Communication: Explain and communicate with customers
  • Detailed notes: Provide detail notes, pictures and invoicing of job performed
  • Tidiness: Follow protocol to ensure a clean job site and protective materials used to show customers that job is being performed with care and to preserve the surrounding areas
  • Job Qualifications
  • Experience: Proven 2+ years experience in drain cleaning, including working with small and large snakes, high-pressure water jetting, and camera inspections.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot drainage systems and address complex clogging issues effectively. Must always be solution oriented and providing options with clear next steps.
  • Job Site / Project Management: Experience managing dig jobs or other plumbing jobs. Knowledge of how to approach job, setup, safety, materials needed, estimated time to complete, etc.
  • Safety Awareness: Maintain safety standards and adhere to company policies to ensure the safety of yourself and others while unclogging drains.
  • Customer Service: Strong communication and customer service orientation to interact with clients and address their drain cleaning needs effectively.
  • Overtime Availability: Technician must be available for a rotating off-hours schedule to provide emergency services, if needed
  • Drivers License: A valid drivers license is require to operate company vehicles

Pay & Benefits

  • This is an hourly rate role. The rate is negotiable and competitive.
  • Bonuses/Incentive pay for a variety of tasks such as: Responding to emergency/off-hour calls, annual bonus pay, paid holidays, overtime pay

Company Description

For over 16 years, the licensed plumber at North Jersey Sewer & Drain Cleaning has been providing exceptional plumbing solutions in North Jersey. He worked with other small businesses, a franchised plumbing company, and a large major regional hospital. Today, our family-owned and operated business maintains the same principles of professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction to meet and exceed the needs of both residential and commercial clients. Our goal is to cultivate relationships with our clients by providing fast responses, honest assessments, and long-lasting plumbing solutions.

www.njseweranddraincleaning.com