Career Profile Plumber

Plumber, Pipefitter & Steamfitter

Job Sector:

Architecture, Trades & Construction

Potential Salary (USD):

Low End: $40,670.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $62,970.00 /yr
High End: $105,150.00 /yr

Education Required:

  • Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree
  • Apprenticeship Training & License

Job Outlook:

The plumbing, pipefitting, and steamfitters job outlook is projected to grow 6% in the next 10 years in the United States.

Career Profile Overview:

A plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter installs, maintains, and repairs pipes and fixtures for water, drainage, and gas systems. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to safety codes. Their expertise is crucial for public health, sanitation, and the efficient operation of essential building systems.

A woman holding a pipe and torch wearing a welding helmet.
A male engineer wearing an orange hard hat and safety glasses works on industrial piping and machinery.
A person holding a pipe wrench tightening a pipe.

Interpret Blueprints:

  • Read drawings and specifications to design pipe layouts.

Fabrication:

  • Weld, braze, solder, or thread pipes and install components like valves and controls.

Installation:

  • Securely install entire piping systems and their supports.

Maintenance & Testing:

  • Test systems for leaks, clean components, and perform maintenance.

Repairing Systems:

  • Remove worn parts, replace them, and reactivate systems.

Educational Path:

  • High School: Courses in mathematics, physics, and technical education are beneficial.
  • Postsecondary: A certificate, associate’s degree or undergraduate degree is recommended to qualify for apprenticeship programs.

Certifications:

  • 4-5 year apprenticeship required.
  • A licensing exam is required to become a journeyperson.

Entry-Level

  • Plumbing Apprentice: Hands-on work with low-pressure water systems that transport water and waste.
  • Pipefitter & Steamfitter Apprentice: Hands-on work with high-pressure pipe systems transporting chemicals, gases, and oil.

Mid-Level

  • Journeyperson: 4-5 years of hands-on experience and licensed in a given piping system. Takes on apprentices in their trade.
  • Residential Service Technician: Hands-on installations, repairs, and maintenance in a home according to building code.
  • Industrial Service Technician: Maintaining systems in industrial complexes to comply with governing regulations.

Senior-Level

  • Project Manager – Plumbing, Pipefitting, Steamfitting: Managing the pricing, safety, and regulatory compliance of large industrial projects.
  • Master Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter: Direct apprentices in their trade, helping to develop blueprints to meet building code.
  • Tool Proficiency: This includes knowledge of various pipe materials, joining methods, and installation techniques. 
  • Problem-Solving: Understanding troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair techniques.
  • Regulation Knowledge: Working knowledge of government regulations and building codes.
  • Physical Endurance: Often required for lifting and moving tools or parts.
  • Dexterity: Working with small parts and tools requires precise hand movements

United States:

Atlanta Technical College (Georgia)

Purdue University (Indiana)

  • Program: Undergraduate Degree in Building Information Modeling
  • Website: Purdue University

Lee College (Texas)

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science – Pipefitting
  • Website: Lee College

Canada:

Lester B. Pearson Continuing Education (Quebec)

New Brunswick Community College (New Brunswick)

Canadore College (Ontario)

A man with a beard and a red plaid shirt adjusts a valve on a pipe connected to a red pressure gauge.
A close-up view shows a series of industrial pipes with blue valves and pressure gauges.
A plumber in a blue hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves uses a wrench to work on a system of pipes and gauges.

Resources and Further Reading: