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What Does it Take to Be a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
Occupation Description Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.
Daily Life Of a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
- Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
- Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
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Things a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Types of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
- Equipment Service Associate (ESA)
- Pipefitter
- Service Technician
- Gas Plumber
- Marine Steam Fitter
Are There Job Opportunities for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters?
In the United States, there were 480,600 jobs for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 75,200 new jobs for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter by 2026. There will be an estimated 61,000 positions for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter per year.
The states with the most job growth for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter are Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters is somewhere between $32,100 and $93,700.
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters who work in Illinois, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,260 |
| Alaska | $75,520 |
| Arizona | $48,950 |
| Arkansas | $43,540 |
| California | $61,410 |
| Colorado | $53,350 |
| Connecticut | $63,780 |
| Delaware | $61,640 |
| District of Columbia | $69,800 |
| Florida | $44,200 |
| Georgia | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $73,810 |
| Idaho | $47,320 |
| Illinois | $79,400 |
| Indiana | $60,030 |
| Iowa | $52,060 |
| Kansas | $55,140 |
| Kentucky | $55,890 |
| Louisiana | $54,940 |
| Maine | $50,830 |
| Maryland | $60,610 |
| Massachusetts | $70,320 |
| Michigan | $61,620 |
| Minnesota | $74,220 |
| Mississippi | $45,280 |
| Missouri | $63,550 |
| Montana | $60,940 |
| Nebraska | $55,110 |
| Nevada | $55,600 |
| New Hampshire | $55,180 |
| New Jersey | $71,370 |
| New Mexico | $45,420 |
| New York | $73,820 |
| North Carolina | $43,750 |
| North Dakota | $53,800 |
| Ohio | $55,640 |
| Oklahoma | $50,710 |
| Oregon | $73,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,380 |
| South Carolina | $44,970 |
| South Dakota | $43,600 |
| Tennessee | $48,850 |
| Texas | $49,180 |
| Utah | $51,970 |
| Vermont | $51,210 |
| Virginia | $50,330 |
| Washington | $67,090 |
| West Virginia | $60,000 |
| Wisconsin | $68,510 |
| Wyoming | $53,550 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Internet browser software
How do I Become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
Learn what Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
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