Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Pipefitter
- Plumber
- Sprinkler Fitter
- Steamfitter
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Finger Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Far Vision
- Trunk Strength
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Independence
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable slip lock nut wrenches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Air operated grinders
- Air pressure gauges
- Air wire brushes
- Air-acetylene torches
- Allen wrenches
- Alternating current AC welding equipment
- Amp meters
- Angle air grinders
- Augers
- Automatic levels
- Backhoes
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Spend Time Standing
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Frequency of Decision Making
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,670 |
| Median | $62,970 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $105,150 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 455,940
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,270
Boilermakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $73,340
Pipelayers
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $48,710
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $48,620
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,140
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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.