Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
SOC Code: 47-2152Also known as:
Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic, Commercial Plumber, Corrosion Control Fitter
Median Annual Salary
$62,970
+4.5% growth (2024-2034)
44K
Openings/Year
505K
Current Jobs
What Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Do
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.
💰 Salary
$62,970
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
44K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeship
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
504,500
Projected Employment (2034)
527,200
Related Careers
Engineers, all other
$117,750 •
+2.1% growth
Boilermakers
$73,340 •
-2.4% growth
Pipelayers
$48,710 •
-4.1% growth
Solar photovoltaic installers
$51,860 •
+42.1% growth
Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$39,270 •
+4.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Installation
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Quality Control Analysis
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters:
Plumbing Technology/Plumber
2,780 degrees awarded •
138 colleges offer this program
Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
613 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other
71 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make?
The median annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $62,970.
What education do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters need?
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Plumbing Technology/Plumber, Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter, Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other.
Is becoming plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters a good career choice?
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to see +4.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 44,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Top colleges for aspiring plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include
Polytech Adult Education, Union County Vocational Technical School, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton, Arizona Western College, Dixie Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters may also be 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, Fire Sprinkler Technician, Fitter, Gas Line Installer, Gas Line Repairer, Gas Line Servicer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.