Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

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Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters 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.

Salary
$61100
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality



Job description

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters 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.

  • 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.
  • Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
  • Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
Read more about what does a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$58150 per year

Average hourly wage
$28 per hour


Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters with little to no experience tend to make between $32100 and $40250 while the more experienced ones can earn over $71140 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
IL $38 $79,400
AK $36 $75,520
MN $36 $74,220
NY $35 $73,820
HI $35 $73,810

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter is to move to a higher paying state like IL. Right now, the highest paying states for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters are IL, AK, MN, NY and HI.

However, a higher pay at IL doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at IL might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Post-secondary certificate

We asked other Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by a High School Diploma.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
Plumbing Technology/Plumber
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other
Read more about how to become a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Good salary (earns more than 50% of the careers out there)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
62%

Is this job meaningful
63%


62% of Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Organizers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.



Learn more about Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters job description, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters salary, Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters information, what is the job of a Pipe Fitter and Steamfitter like, pros and cons about Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters, colleges and universities for Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters, is Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters the right career for me, careers in Construction and Extraction

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