Finding and keeping great HVAC techs and plumbers isn’t easy in today’s labor market. There’s more demand than ever, and skilled tradespeople have options, especially those with experience. If a company wants to attract top-tier talent, they’ve got to offer more than just a paycheck and company truck. The best workers are looking for a career with growth opportunities, benefits that actually matter, and a company culture where they feel valued.

Here’s how to make your business a place that top talent actually wants to work for:

Bonuses Can Show You’re Serious 💰

Competitive pay is just a basic requirement. To really standout, you need to get creative. Signing bonuses are an easy way to grab attention fast. If a licensed tech has multiple offers on the table, a few thousand dollars upfront could tip the scales in your favor. You can also include a retention requirement, which means the candidate must stay for a specific amount of time (ie. 1 year) or else they must forfeit the bonus.

Relocation bonuses are another great tool if you're open to hiring from out of town. Moving is expensive and stressful. Covering those costs or offering a relocation stipend shows you’re serious and willing to invest in the right person.

Actually Help Them Plan for the Future 🗺️

A 401k with a solid match is a huge plus. A lot of people in the trades are thinking about long-term financial stability and have families to care for. Helping them save for retirement shows you're not just focused on what they can do for you today.

If you really want to go the extra mile, partner with a financial planner or offer resources that help your team make smart money decisions. That kind of support sticks with people and builds loyalty.

Provide Health Benefits Above the Bare Minimum 🏥

This one is non-negotiable. Skilled trades are physical jobs, and employees need to know they’re covered if something happens. A strong health plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage is a must.

If you want to really stand out, offer extra resources like mental health support, telehealth, or coverage for physical therapy. This is very uncommon in the skilled trades, and it shows that you're looking out for the whole person, not just the worker that can make you money.

Make Career Growth a Real Possibility 📈

Nobody wants to stay in the same role forever. In fact, promotion timelines are more accelerated today than ever before. If you're serious about attracting top talent, you need to show them a path forward. Early on, set up a clear promotional path (ie. apprentice to journeyman to lead tech or supervisor) and be transparent about what it takes to move up.

Paying for licenses and ongoing training can be another big win for candidates. It’s a great way to build a team for the future while rewarding your employees for taking the time to gain a new skill.

No A**holes Allowed❌

You can offer all the money and benefits in the world, but if your company culture is toxic, people won’t stay. Treat your team withrespect. Listen to them. Recognize when they’re doing a great job.

Simple things like shout-outs, monthly recognition, team lunches, or company BBQs can go a very long way. People want to feel like they’re part of something and not just a number on a schedule that reports to a boss.

In short, don’t be an a**hole or let any of them join your team.

Allow for a Real Work-Life Balance🎉

This one matters more than you might think. Tradespeople work hard, and burnout is real. Offering flexible scheduling or protected days off can make your company more attractive than one that just pushes for overtime every weekend. Of course, certain times require all hands on deck, but don’t call someone in to work a weekend unless it’s absolutely critical.

Even if you can't offer total flexibility, small things like predictable hours or a set rotation for emergency calls can make a big difference.

Make Hiring Simple ✔️

If your hiring process is full of paperwork, outdated job boards, or endless back-and-forth emails, you’re going to lose candidates. Today’s workers want quick, smooth hiring processes. That’s where platforms like TradeRunner come in. They connect licensed plumbers and HVAC techs directly to full-time jobs without all the hassle. It’s faster for them, and it’s faster for you. ✅

Wrap-Up 💭

The size of a paycheck is absolutely important, but there are other factors nowadays that people care about. The best people out there are looking for good benefits, career growth, and a company that gives them options. Offer signing and relocation bonuses. Set up real paths for advancement. Invest in solid health coverage and a strong retirement plan. Build a culture where people want to stay.

If you can do that, you’ll build a team that sticks around and helps your business grow for years to come. And most importantly, you won’t have to scramble to fill open positions!

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