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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Pipelayers

Median Salary
47,330
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

82%

State and local government

9%

Self-employed

7%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

1%

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$26,460

10%

$47,330

Median

$85,650

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    71%

  • Less than high school

    24%

  • First professional degree

    4%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Mathematics
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.