What Do Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Do?
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.
A Day in the Life of a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
- Remove and replace worn components.
- Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
- Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
- Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
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What a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Should Know
These are the skills Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Gas Fitter
- Steamfitter
- Piping Designer
- Journeyman Pipe Fitter
- Hydraulic Plumber
Job Outlook for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
There were about 480,600 jobs for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 61,000 job openings in this field each 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.
Do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter ranges 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Use?
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?
What education is needed to be a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Work?
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters work in the following industries:
Related Careers
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
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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