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Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter

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All About Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters

Example of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Job 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

  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
  • Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
  • Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
  • Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
  • Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
  • Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.

Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Skills

When polled, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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 Jobs

  • Gas Fitter
  • Diesel Engine Pipe Fitter
  • Journeyman Pipefitter
  • Fire Sprinkler Fitter
  • Instrument Fitter

What Kind of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Job Opportunities Are There?

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. The BLS estimates 61,000 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Salary for a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters make between $32,100 and $93,700 a year.

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Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters who work in Illinois, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters in different U.S. states.

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?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters may use on a daily basis:

  • 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?

Are there Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters education requirements?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?

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Where Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters employed by various industries.

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Those interested in being a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

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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