CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Pipelayers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Pipelayers
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Median pay

$48,710
Median annual pay for Pipelayers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

34,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Pipelayers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Control Precision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Static Strength
  5. 5Depth Perception
  6. 6Extent Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Cooperation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Controlling Machines and Processes
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  4. 4Contact With Others
  5. 5Frequency of Decision Making
  6. 6Spend Time Standing

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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