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Pipe Fitter or Steamfitter

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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?

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

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Where Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters employed by various industries.

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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.

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