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
Median pay (national)
$62,970
$40,670–$105,150 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
455,940
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.5%
~44,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $105,150 versus $40,670 at the bottom 10% — 2.6x. The median of $62,970 leaves roughly 67% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.5% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 44,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, Illinois pays the most for this role (median $96,200, +53% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $27,690 — a 247% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
- Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
- Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
- Keep records of work assignments.
- Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
- Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Tools & technology
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- AEC Design Group CADPIPE
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Autodesk Building Systems
- Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
- Bookkeeping software
- COADE CAESAR II
- Database software
- Drawing and drafting software
- Elite Software DPIPE
- Elite Software FIRE
- Elite Software HSYM
- Elite Software Plumbing CAD
- Elite Software Spipe
- Elite Software Sprinkler CAD
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security