Life As a Pipelayer
Pipelayer Job Description Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
Daily Life Of a Pipelayer
- Cut pipes to required lengths.
- Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
- Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
- Train or supervise others in laying pipe.
- Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors.
- Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
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Things a Pipelayer Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Pipelayers say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Irrigation System Installer
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Pipe Layer
- Piper Installer
- Pipelaying Fitter
Job Demand for Pipelayers
In the United States, there were 44,100 jobs for Pipelayer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,600 new jobs for Pipelayer by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,700 positions for Pipelayer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Pipelayer are Nevada, Idaho, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Pipelayer
The typical yearly salary for Pipelayers is somewhere between $26,870 and $68,930.

Pipelayers who work in Alaska, Illinois, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipelayers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,200 |
Alaska | $73,810 |
Arizona | $43,980 |
Arkansas | $35,740 |
California | $52,850 |
Colorado | $45,420 |
Connecticut | $55,930 |
Delaware | $43,060 |
District of Columbia | $45,030 |
Florida | $40,060 |
Georgia | $38,820 |
Hawaii | $63,140 |
Idaho | $42,350 |
Illinois | $70,400 |
Indiana | $51,390 |
Iowa | $49,370 |
Kansas | $38,530 |
Kentucky | $35,450 |
Louisiana | $33,050 |
Maine | $39,250 |
Maryland | $41,980 |
Massachusetts | $70,020 |
Michigan | $43,010 |
Minnesota | $64,440 |
Mississippi | $32,830 |
Missouri | $50,000 |
Montana | $48,930 |
Nebraska | $38,360 |
Nevada | $53,950 |
New Hampshire | $47,280 |
New Jersey | $64,850 |
New Mexico | $38,920 |
New York | $58,260 |
North Carolina | $34,120 |
North Dakota | $53,330 |
Ohio | $50,770 |
Oklahoma | $37,300 |
Oregon | $55,660 |
Pennsylvania | $55,740 |
South Carolina | $37,220 |
South Dakota | $36,690 |
Tennessee | $36,160 |
Texas | $34,280 |
Utah | $39,190 |
Vermont | $42,480 |
Virginia | $36,080 |
Washington | $62,950 |
West Virginia | $46,620 |
Wisconsin | $62,940 |
Wyoming | $35,360 |
What Tools & Technology do Pipelayers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pipelayers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
How to Become a Pipelayer
Are there Pipelayers education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Pipelayer?

Where do Pipelayers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Pipelayers work:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Pipelayer may also be interested in:
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Are you already one of the many Pipelayer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Helpers–Roofers
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Construction Laborers
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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