Searching

Career Exploration

  1. Home

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Also called: Pipefitter, Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
  • Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • building and construction
  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • physics

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • hold or move items with your hands

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • use rules to solve problems

Physical Strength

  • use your lower back and stomach
  • exercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired

Spatial

  • imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Leadership
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Analytical Thinking

Accounting software

  • Bookkeeping software
  • Intuit QuickBooks

Analytical or scientific software

  • Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
  • Watter Hammer Software Hytran

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Drawing and drafting software
  • ViziFlow

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $60,090

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Construction industry.