All About Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
Job 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.
Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Responsibilities
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
- Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.
- Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
- Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
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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.
Types of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Jobs
- Sprinkling System Installer
- Fitter
- Corrosion Control Fitter
- Gas Fitter Apprentice
- Gas Plumber
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.
Do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters ranges between about $32,100 and $93,700 a year.

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?
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 to Become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
Individuals working as a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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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