What is a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter?
Career Description 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.
List of Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter Job Duties
- Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
- Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
- Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Remove and replace worn components.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Gas Line Servicer
- Marine Steam Fitter
- Plumber and Tinner
- Sprinkling System Installer
- Sprinkler Fitter
Job Demand for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters
There were about 480,600 jobs for Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 61,000 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Salary for a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters make between $32,100 and $93,700 a year.
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters who work in Illinois, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters 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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters:
- 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?
Where Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.