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: Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic, Commercial Plumber, Corrosion Control Fitter, Diesel Engine Pipefitter
Median pay
$63,800
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$44,150 – $108,420
People employed
465,840
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.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary in every state →
What plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do
- 01Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- 02Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- 03Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- 04Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- 05Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- 06Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
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 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers88% · −4%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door85% · +17%
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators82% · +23%
- Millwrights80% · +3%
- Commercial Divers79% · +14%
Change into plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers91% · $61,010
- Commercial Divers88% · $72,990
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General86% · $49,590
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door83% · $74,340
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters82% · $42,360
Majors that lead here
- Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
- Plumbing Technology/Plumber
- Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.