CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
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Median pay

$62,970
Median annual pay for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

44,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

504,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+22,700
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Apprenticeship.
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. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Design
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Far Vision

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Performing General Physical Activities
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Frequency of Decision Making
  6. 6Exposed to Contaminants

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyIntuit QuickBooks · hot technologyAEC Design Group CADPIPEJob costing softwareKlear EstimatorKRS Enterprises Service First!Maintenance management softwarePipepro PipefittingPipingOffice

Sources

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

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