About This Career Path
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.
Construction & Architecture
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.
Construction & Architecture Industry
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Average
$55,470
ANNUAL
$26.67
HOURLY
Entry Level
$29,480
ANNUAL
$14.18
HOURLY
Mid Level
$48,370
ANNUAL
$23.26
HOURLY
Expert Level
$78,940
ANNUAL
$37.95
HOURLY
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
13,540
Projected job openings through 2030
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Job Titles
Entry Level
JOB TITLE
Apprentice
Mid Level
JOB TITLE
Journeyman Plumber
Expert Level
JOB TITLE
Supervisor
Supporting Programs
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
01
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
02
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
03
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
04
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
05
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
06
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
07
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
08
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
09
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
10
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Building and Construction
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
Design
KNOWLEDGE
Mathematics
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Judgment and Decision Making
SKILL
Repairing
SKILL
Troubleshooting
SKILL
Monitoring
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Manual Dexterity
Construction & Architecture
Not sure where to begin?
Career Exploration