Construction & Extraction
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Also called: Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter
US median pay
$63,800
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
42,000
510,600 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Troubleshooting3.2/5
- Repairing3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.0/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
Knowledge
- Building and Construction4.3/5
- Mechanical4.3/5
- Design3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate43%
- High school diploma35%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.