Pipefitter Career Guide

Learn how you can become an pipefitter, the daily job duties of a pipefitter and how much money a pipefitter can make

Pipefitters are trained to install, maintain and repair a wide variety of mechanical equipment, plumbing equipment and various piping materials. Pipefitters typically work on new installations, however, they can also do service work especially during slow construction times. The work of a Pipefitter is diverse and constantly changing. Today, the pipefitter trade is in high demand and employers are looking to hire skilled trades workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Pipefitter is welding and installing a flange on a pipe.

Pipefitter welding a flange onto a pipe.

Job that is in demand
The pipefitter trade is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in pipefitting trade.
Interesting and Challenging
Pipefitters are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve challenging problems. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Pipefitter. Many Pipefitters have acquired training through apprenticeships, trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as a Pipefitter

The skills that Pipefitters develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to commercial/industrial construction.

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in the Pipefitting field can easily find jobs as Pipefitters, Plumbers, Building engineers, HVAC workers and general maintenance workers. These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Construction

Installation of various mechanical equipment and its associated piping is a challenging and constantly changing work environment. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. Installation workers have been in high demand lately due to new construction and facility upgrades.

Sprinklerfitter (Fire Suppression)

Sprinklerfitter's typically do both service, maintenance and installation of fire suppression equipment and associated piping in Commercial/Industrial facilities. They work with large heavy equipment, on ladders, frequently stand, climb, work near moving parts, work from high locations, noisy equipment rooms and around electrical voltage. In addition, these workers are typically provided company work trucks to drive to various service locations and can work significant overtime.

Commercial and Industrial Pipefitter

Commercial/Industrial Pipefitters work on a wide variety of Mechanical equipment and associated piping materials that is typically found in large commercial buildings, factories, production facilities, and hospitals. They work with large heavy equipment and piping, on ladders, frequently stand, climb, work near moving parts and noisy equipment rooms. Commercial/Industrial Pipefitters frequently assist other trades such as Plumbers and HVAC Technicians with piping repairs. They are trained in codes, regulations and safety standards to ensure buildings operate safely. These workers are typically provided work trucks to travel to various job sites. Work is steady year round and overtime can be significant.

Career Progression Idea’s

Here are some career progression idea's for journeyman pipefitters that have several years of experience and training.

Facility Manager/Supervisor

Pipefitters can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Mechanical inspectors, Plumbing inspectors and building inspectors ensure new installations, buildings and various mechanical and plumbing equipment are safe for operation. These inspectors typically provide inspection of new installations or upgrades in residential, commercial and industrial locations. Many state and local Governments employ Mechanical, Plumbing and building inspectors. Inspectors typically need to be licensed and have several years of experience and training.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Plumbing/HVAC Engineer/Designer

How much money you can make as a Pipefitter and how to get started

Compensation

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Pipefitter is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information for various occupations throughout the United States.

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on compensation for Pipefitters- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm

Pipefitter Apprenticeship Programs

A great way to get started in the commercial and industrial Pipefitting field is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. https://ua.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and Pipefitter Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have Plumbing/Pipefitting programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of Plumbing equipment and pipe fitting techniques. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what Plumbing and Pipefitters programs may be available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training Plumbers and Pipefitters. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local Plumbing contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the Plumbing and Pipefitting field. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local Plumbing, HVAC and Pipefitting contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trade or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Plumbers and Pipefitters employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/water-and-fuel-systems-maintenance

Navy:

Click here for more information on Hull Maintenance Technicians employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate Plumbing equipment on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based Plumbing equipment and install and maintain various piping systems-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Damage Controlman employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers/enlisted-careers/view-job-descriptions/dc

Army:

Click here for more information on Plumbers and Pipefitters employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/plumber.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Water Support Technicians (MOS 1171). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.