Pipelayers

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

• Pipelayer
• Tailman

Alternate Job Titles

• Cast Iron Drain Pipe Layer
• Drain Layer
• Drain Tiler
• Pipe Assembly Worker
• Pipe Caulker
• Pipe Connector
• Pipe Cutter
• Pipe Fitter
• Pipe Installer
• Pipe Layer
• Pipe Liner
• Pipe Setter
• Pipe Wrapping Machine Operator
• Pipelayer
• Pipelaying Fitter

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
• Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
• Cut pipes to required lengths.
• Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
• Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
• Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
• Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Building and Construction

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Control Precision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Oral Comprehension
• Static Strength
• Near Vision
• Extent Flexibility
• Stamina
• Trunk Strength
• Visualization
• Reaction Time

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Cautiousness
• Perseverance
• Cooperation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Relationships
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Achievement

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software

Tools & Equipment

• Air compressors
• Air hammers
• Aligning clamps
• Backhoes
• Belting slings
• Bevel grinding machines
• Block and tackle equipment
• Boring machines
• Bulldozers
• Cable plows
• Caulking guns
• Combination squares
• Compactors
• Concrete saws
• Cutting torches

Work Environment

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
• Contact With Others

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$36,840
Median	$48,710
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$80,710

Workers Employed Nationally: 33,580

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.