Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters

Also Called: Drain Technician, Pipe Fitter, Plumber, Steamfitter

Associate's degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$38,690

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters do

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Construction • Renewable Resources and Energy

Training Program Areas:

Building Construction Technology • Plumbing

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Spend Time Standing
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Specialty wrenches
  • Pipe or tube cutter
  • Drain or pipe cleaning equipment
  • Levels
  • Pressure indicators

Technology

Computer aided design CAD software
Drawing and drafting software
ViziFlow
Analytical or scientific software
Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
Watter Hammer Software Hytran
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software
Intuit QuickBooks

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
mechanical
building and construction
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Construction & Building Inspectors

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters Currently Selected

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Landscape Architects

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

 Job Training Match

Agricultural Technicians

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Edison - Job Corps

    Edison, New Jersey

ACT & College

  • Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS

    Hackensack, NJ

  • Albany Technical College

    Albany, GA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Initiative
  • Leadership

Values

  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Support

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Verbal
  • Controlled Movement

This is what Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters across the country typically make.

$18.60 / hour
$38,690 /year

Entry Level

$29.59 / hour
$61,550 /year

Median Level

$49.59 / hour
$103,140 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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