Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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.

Also called: Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter, Plumber, Plumbing Installer, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter, Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic, Commercial Plumber, Corrosion Control Fitter, Diesel Engine Pipefitter, Drain Cleaner, 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 Technician, Fitter, Gas Line Installer, Gas Line Repairer, Gas Line Servicer, Gas Main Fitter, Gas Meter Installer, Gas Pipe Layer, Gas Plumber, Gasfitter, Green Pipefitter, Green Plumber, Heating Mechanic, Heating Unit Installer, Hot Water Heater Installer, Hydrant Setter, Hydraulic Plumber, Industrial Gasfitter, Irrigation System Installer, Irrigation Technician, Journeyman Plumber, Licensed Plumber, Locomotive Pipefitter, Maintenance Plumber, Manhole Steamline Inspector, Marine Pipefitter, Marine Plumber, Marine Steamfitter, Meter Setter, Pipe Fitter, Pipefitter Helper, Pipefitter Journeyman, Pipeline Technician (Pipeline Tech), Piping Designer, Plumbing Mechanic, Plumbing Service Tech (Plumbing Service Technician), Plumbing Technician, Residential Service Plumber, Ship and Boat Coppersmith, Ship and Boat Pipe Fitter, Soft Water Mechanic, Sprinkler Installer, Sprinkling System Installer, Steam Heating Installer, Steam Pipefitter, Steam Service Inspector, Steam Trap Man, Steam Trap Worker, Steamfitter Furnace Installer, Tinner, Underground Steamline Inspector, Valve Repairer, Water Distribution Operator, Water Hydrant Installer, Water Mechanic, Water Meter Installer, Water Pipe Installer, Water Pump Installer, Water Regulator, Water Softener Installer, Water Softener Servicer

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Speaking
Coordination
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Time Management
Reading Comprehension

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (43.26% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

50,190–85,110 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 47-2152.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Build troubleshooting, preventive-maintenance, and controls experience; explore senior technician, maintenance planning, or lead responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (43.26% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters