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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in North Carolina
Want to work as a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in North Carolina? Here’s what you need to know. Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
What do Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Make in North Carolina?
For plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in North Carolina, the typical annual salary is $50,990 per year (or about $24.52/hour).Earnings range from $37,690 at the 10th percentile to $72,650 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| 25th percentile | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Median (50th) | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| 75th percentile | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| 90th percentile | $72,650 | $34.93 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in North Carolina relative to the national average — is 0.99.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median of $78,994 per year ($37.98/hour), lower than the North Carolina median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 611,912 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters nationwide. In North Carolina alone, approximately 14,300 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 6,350 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Top North Carolina Metros for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The largest metro-area employers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Carolina.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 4,210 | $55,550 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 2,520 | $55,560 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 1,160 | $50,700 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 900 | $48,870 |
| Wilmington, NC | 640 | $48,770 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 590 | $58,980 |
| Asheville, NC | 510 | $61,840 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 410 | $50,440 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 320 | $51,470 |
| Greenville, NC | 290 | $58,910 |
| Burlington, NC | 240 | $48,740 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 220 | $51,820 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 140 | $48,620 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | 130 | $46,830 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 90 | $50,790 |
Top States for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Employment
View the states that employ the most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 45,460 |
| Texas | 42,290 |
| Florida | 26,730 |
| New York | 22,630 |
| Illinois | 18,730 |
| Massachusetts | 15,670 |
| Ohio | 14,490 |
| North Carolina | 14,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 13,990 |
| Virginia | 13,190 |
| Michigan | 12,830 |
| Arizona | 12,330 |
| Washington | 12,210 |
| Indiana | 11,620 |
| Maryland | 11,490 |
| Colorado | 9,970 |
| New Jersey | 9,840 |
| Wisconsin | 9,120 |
| Louisiana | 9,040 |
| Tennessee | 8,810 |
Highest-Paying States for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Where plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn the most: plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $96,200 |
| Oregon | $93,110 |
| Minnesota | $83,280 |
| Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| Alaska | $83,090 |
| District of Columbia | $81,950 |
| Washington | $79,070 |
| Hawaii | $78,540 |
| Wisconsin | $78,510 |
| New York | $78,460 |
Skills
Top plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically:
- Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Scheduling Work and Activities
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Intuit QuickBooks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include:
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Construction Laborers
- Electricians
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
- Pipelayers
Also Known As
Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic, Commercial Plumber, Corrosion Control Fitter, Diesel Engine Pipefitter, Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Dry Docks Utility Systems Repair Operator, Equipment Service Associate (ESA), Fire Control System Installer, Fire Hydrant Mechanic, Fire Sprinkler Fitter, Fire Sprinkler Installer, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-2152.00
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