Residential sprinkler system installer
Design and install lawn and garden sprinkler systems for homeowners and new builds.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
117,969 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.7% in a year
NAICS 561730 “Landscaping services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Designing and installing underground sprinkler and drip systems for yards and gardens, including trenching, pipes, valves, heads, controllers and rain sensors.
Your first three steps
- Learn the trade through a local irrigation supply store, community college course or an industry certification program such as those offered by the Irrigation Association
- Check your state and county for contractor or irrigation licensing rules before taking paid jobs
- Price three sample yard layouts, then offer quotes to neighbors and local landscapers
Who pays
Homeowners with new or renovated yards, landscapers who subcontract the work, and small builders.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per project based on zones, materials and labor, plus markup on parts and optional add-ons like smart controllers.
Skills that help
- Basic plumbing and pipework
- Reading a yard layout and planning zones
- Operating a trencher or digging by hand
- Quoting jobs accurately
Watch out for
- Many states require a contractor or specific irrigation license, check your state licensing board
- Call 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Backflow preventer rules and testing certification, check with your water utility
- Local watering restrictions and water-efficiency rules in dry regions
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: residential sprinkler system installer
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a sprinkler installation business?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your tools, trenching equipment and vehicle. Monthly revenue is also an estimate, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many installs you complete.
Do I need a license to install sprinkler systems?
Many states require a contractor or specific irrigation license, so check your state licensing board. Also check backflow preventer rules and testing certification with your water utility, local watering restrictions, and insurance. Call 811 before digging.
What skills and time does sprinkler installation take?
Expect at least about 20 hours a week. Useful skills include basic plumbing and pipework, reading a yard layout and planning zones, operating a trencher or digging by hand, and quoting jobs accurately.
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