Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Virginia
Want to work as a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Virginia? Here’s what the data says. 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 do Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Make in Virginia?
For a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in Virginia, wages run about $59,560 per year (or roughly $28.64/hour).Annual wages span from $41,050 at the 10th percentile to $76,650 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,050 | $19.73 |
| 25th percentile | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| Median (50th) | $59,560 | $28.64 |
| 75th percentile | $66,830 | $32.13 |
| 90th percentile | $76,650 | $36.85 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Virginia nationwide is 1.10.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median of $78,994 per year ($37.98/hour), below the Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 611,912 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the U.S.. In Virginia alone, about 13,190 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 6,350 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Top Virginia Metros for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The metro areas below employ the most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 4,980 | $61,020 |
| Richmond, VA | 2,060 | $59,970 |
| Roanoke, VA | 470 | $50,190 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 340 | $50,990 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 290 | $53,580 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 280 | $54,400 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 210 | $50,750 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 140 | $54,600 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA | 90 | $49,940 |
Top States for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Employment
View the states that employ the most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 45,460 |
| Texas | 42,290 |
| Florida | 26,730 |
| New York | 22,630 |
| Illinois | 18,730 |
| Massachusetts | 15,670 |
| Ohio | 14,490 |
| North Carolina | 14,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 13,990 |
| Virginia | 13,190 |
| Michigan | 12,830 |
| Arizona | 12,330 |
| Washington | 12,210 |
| Indiana | 11,620 |
| Maryland | 11,490 |
| Colorado | 9,970 |
| New Jersey | 9,840 |
| Wisconsin | 9,120 |
| Louisiana | 9,040 |
| Tennessee | 8,810 |
Highest-Paying States for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Where plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn the most: plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $96,200 |
| Oregon | $93,110 |
| Minnesota | $83,280 |
| Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| Alaska | $83,090 |
| District of Columbia | $81,950 |
| Washington | $79,070 |
| Hawaii | $78,540 |
| Wisconsin | $78,510 |
| New York | $78,460 |
Skills
The most important plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
- Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
- Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Scheduling Work and Activities
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Intuit QuickBooks
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Plumbing & Water Supply
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include:
- Boilermakers
- Carpenters
- Construction Laborers
- Electricians
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
- Pipelayers
Also Known As
Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic, Commercial Plumber, Corrosion Control Fitter, Diesel Engine Pipefitter, Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Dry Docks Utility Systems Repair Operator, Equipment Service Associate (ESA), Fire Control System Installer, Fire Hydrant Mechanic, Fire Sprinkler Fitter, Fire Sprinkler Installer, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 47-2152.00
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