What Do Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Do?
Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter 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.
List of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Job Duties
- Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Prepare cost estimates for clients.
- Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every 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
- Pipefitter
- Plumbing Technician
- Fire Sprinkler Service Technician
- Water Mechanic
- Steamfitter
Job Opportunities for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 480,600 jobs in the United States for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter. 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 Salary
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
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?
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?

The table below shows the approximate number of Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters employed by various 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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |