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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median Salary
61,550
Job Outlook
+1%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

75%

Self-employed

16%

State and local government

6%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 43,300 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$26,250

10%

$61,550

Median

$94,500

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    43%

  • High school

    34%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Less than high school

    7%

  • Some college

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Plumbing Technology/Plumber
  • Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other
  • Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter

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

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Design
  • Mechanical
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Physics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • 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.