Pipelayers
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.
Also called: Cast Iron Drain Pipe Layer, Drain Layer, Drain Tiler, Pipe Assembly Worker, Pipe Caulker, Pipe Connector
Median pay
$49,000
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$37,730 – $80,170
People employed
33,050
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 7.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Pipelayers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What pipelayers do
- 01Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
- 02Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
- 03Cut pipes to required lengths.
- 04Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
- 05Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
- 06Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from pipelayers
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners86% · +2%
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers83% · +95%
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters83% · −14%
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining80% · +17%
- Millwrights77% · +34%
Change into pipelayers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners86% · $49,880
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters82% · $42,360
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers78% · $39,630
- Helpers--Electricians77% · $42,670
- Helpers--Roofers76% · $44,160