What Do Pipelayer Do?
Pipelayer Job Description Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
Pipelayer Responsibilities
- Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
- Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
- Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
- Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
- Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
- Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
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Skills Needed to be a Pipelayer
Below is a list of the skills most Pipelayers say are important on the job.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Other Pipelayer Job Titles
- Pipe Setter
- Sewer Connector
- Pipe Wrapping Machine Operator
- Irrigation System Installer
- Machine Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Pipelayers?
In the United States, there were 44,100 jobs for Pipelayer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,600 new jobs for Pipelayer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Pipelayer are Nevada, Idaho, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Pipelayer Salary
The average yearly salary of a Pipelayer ranges between $26,870 and $68,930.
Pipelayers who work in Alaska, Illinois, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipelayers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $34,200 |
| Alaska | $73,810 |
| Arizona | $43,980 |
| Arkansas | $35,740 |
| California | $52,850 |
| Colorado | $45,420 |
| Connecticut | $55,930 |
| Delaware | $43,060 |
| District of Columbia | $45,030 |
| Florida | $40,060 |
| Georgia | $38,820 |
| Hawaii | $63,140 |
| Idaho | $42,350 |
| Illinois | $70,400 |
| Indiana | $51,390 |
| Iowa | $49,370 |
| Kansas | $38,530 |
| Kentucky | $35,450 |
| Louisiana | $33,050 |
| Maine | $39,250 |
| Maryland | $41,980 |
| Massachusetts | $70,020 |
| Michigan | $43,010 |
| Minnesota | $64,440 |
| Mississippi | $32,830 |
| Missouri | $50,000 |
| Montana | $48,930 |
| Nebraska | $38,360 |
| Nevada | $53,950 |
| New Hampshire | $47,280 |
| New Jersey | $64,850 |
| New Mexico | $38,920 |
| New York | $58,260 |
| North Carolina | $34,120 |
| North Dakota | $53,330 |
| Ohio | $50,770 |
| Oklahoma | $37,300 |
| Oregon | $55,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,740 |
| South Carolina | $37,220 |
| South Dakota | $36,690 |
| Tennessee | $36,160 |
| Texas | $34,280 |
| Utah | $39,190 |
| Vermont | $42,480 |
| Virginia | $36,080 |
| Washington | $62,950 |
| West Virginia | $46,620 |
| Wisconsin | $62,940 |
| Wyoming | $35,360 |
What Tools do Pipelayers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pipelayers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
How do I Become a Pipelayer?
Individuals working as a Pipelayer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Pipelayer?
Where Pipelayers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Pipelayers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Pipelayer may also be interested in:
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers
Career changers with experience as a Pipelayer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Helpers–Roofers
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Construction Laborers
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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