All About Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
Job Description & Duties Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.
Daily Life Of a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
- Prepare cost estimates for clients.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
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Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Types of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Jobs
- Water Meter Installer
- Gas Main Fitter
- Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice
- Hydraulic Plumber
- Water Pipe Installer
Is There Going to be Demand for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 480,600 jobs in the United States for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 75,200 new jobs for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter by 2026. There will be an estimated 61,000 positions for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter per year.

The states with the most job growth for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter are Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Make?
The salary for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters ranges between about $32,100 and $93,700 a year.

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters who work in Illinois, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $45,260 |
Alaska | $75,520 |
Arizona | $48,950 |
Arkansas | $43,540 |
California | $61,410 |
Colorado | $53,350 |
Connecticut | $63,780 |
Delaware | $61,640 |
District of Columbia | $69,800 |
Florida | $44,200 |
Georgia | $48,680 |
Hawaii | $73,810 |
Idaho | $47,320 |
Illinois | $79,400 |
Indiana | $60,030 |
Iowa | $52,060 |
Kansas | $55,140 |
Kentucky | $55,890 |
Louisiana | $54,940 |
Maine | $50,830 |
Maryland | $60,610 |
Massachusetts | $70,320 |
Michigan | $61,620 |
Minnesota | $74,220 |
Mississippi | $45,280 |
Missouri | $63,550 |
Montana | $60,940 |
Nebraska | $55,110 |
Nevada | $55,600 |
New Hampshire | $55,180 |
New Jersey | $71,370 |
New Mexico | $45,420 |
New York | $73,820 |
North Carolina | $43,750 |
North Dakota | $53,800 |
Ohio | $55,640 |
Oklahoma | $50,710 |
Oregon | $73,810 |
Pennsylvania | $60,380 |
South Carolina | $44,970 |
South Dakota | $43,600 |
Tennessee | $48,850 |
Texas | $49,180 |
Utah | $51,970 |
Vermont | $51,210 |
Virginia | $50,330 |
Washington | $67,090 |
West Virginia | $60,000 |
Wisconsin | $68,510 |
Wyoming | $53,550 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Internet browser software
How do I Become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
What education is needed to be a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?

What work experience do I need to become a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?

Who Employs Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters?

Below are examples of industries where Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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