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Construction Pipefitter / Steamfitter
Salary Range Jobs Available
$38,800 - $86,800 49,200+

What Does a Pipefitter or Steamfitter Do?

Pipefitters and steamfitters are responsible for installing pipes and maintaining piping systems used for chemicals, acids or gases. These skilled craftsmen are sometimes collectively called fitters. They work primarily on large commercial and industrial construction projects.

These careers are for those who love to create something out of nothing. They start with a blueprint or drawing and make it reality.

Wondering about the difference between pipefitter and steamfitter jobs? The primary difference between them is the material transported through the pipe systems they design, install or maintain. Pipefitters work with low-pressure and high-pressure systems that are used in heating and cooling, manufacturing and electricity generation. Steamfitters specialize in systems designed for the flow of liquids or gases at high pressure. There are other piping specialists called gasfitters and sprinklerfitters. 

These careers offer steady work and the opportunity to ply your trade in different settings, such as large office buildings or power plants. Plus, the value of getting paid to train through an apprenticeship means even entry-level fitters can start earning a salary earlier than most four-year college graduates. 

A pipefitter cuts a steel pipe before installation
Your comfort level with the tools of trade will be a key to your success as a pipefitter or steamfitter. (Credit: OtmarW/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Cut, thread or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders or pipe benders
  • Read blueprints and make pipe systems based on those specifications
  • Assemble or secure pipes, tubes and fittings by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering or threading joints
  • Inspect, examine and test installed systems
  • Modify, clean, maintain and repair pipe systems
  • Prepare cost estimates for clients (if you are working independently)

How To Become a Pipefitter or Steamfitter: FAQs

The bottom line:

These in-demand, high-paying jobs are wonderful opportunities for someone who wants to go deep to learn a trade. That’s one of the reasons it’s one of SkillPointe's highest paying trade jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. Once you’ve earned your license as a pipefitter or steamfitter, the opportunities will be everywhere. (And did we mention little to no debt compared to other routes?) On top of that, this is a trade where you can continue to learn new skills and technologies. Sound interesting? Learn more about training options below. 

Steamfitter Todd Clements

What is it like to be a steamfitter?

Todd Clements gets a lot of satisfaction knowing that the work he does is saving lives — maybe not like an EMT saves lives, but just as crucial. Todd is a steamfitter, and he creates piping systems for industrial processes, including systems for the pharmaceutical industry. 

He didn't know what the job involved until he learned about an apprenticeship program with UA Local 440 in Indianapolis.

"I didn’t know anything about the trade before I got accepted. With the great instructors and on-the-job training, it helped me develop the skills needed to be a great mechanic in our trade."

Read more about why Todd enjoys being a steamfitter.

Find Pipefitter / Steamfitter Training In Your Area

Salt Lake City

Plumber/Pipefitter JATC Technology Apprenticeship, A.A.S.

Plumber/Pipefitters fabricate, remodel and repair all classes of piping systems. This program is registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and...
Salt Lake City

Plumber/Pipefitter JATC Technology Apprenticeship, A.A.S.

Plumber/Pipefitters fabricate, remodel and repair all classes of piping systems. This program is registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and...
Pleasant Hill

Steamfitting Apprenticeship

Diablo Valley College's Steamfitting program is a great option for anyone who is interested in a hands-on career in installing pipe systems that move...
Appleton

Steamfitting Apprentice

A steamfitter constructs, installs and repairs pipes and equipment made to withstand high pressure. You'll learn how to install wet heating systems...
Appleton

Steamfitting Service Apprenticeship

Steamfitters doing refrigeration and service work will install, maintain, troubleshoot, diagnose and service systems for heating, ventilation, air...
Appleton

Pipe Fabricator Apprentice

A pipe fabricator typically works in a fabrication shop with overhead cranes and hoists, a variety of hand tools, grinders and cutting equipment. In...
Appleton

Pipefitting Apprentice

In the Fox Valley area, pipefitters are primarily employed in the papermaking industry, though there are other businesses that require the...
Milwaukee

Steamfitter (Construction) Apprenticeship

Construction registered apprenticeships are sponsored by local committees, not individual employers. Follow the steps below to jumpstart your...
Milwaukee

Steamfitter (Refrigeration) Apprenticeship

Construction registered apprenticeships are sponsored by local committees, not individual employers. Follow the steps below to jumpstart your...
Milwaukee

Industrial Pipe Fitter Apprenticeship

The Department of Workforce Development lists featured sponsors that have apprenticeship opportunities, but applicants apply directly with the...
Green Bay

Steamfitter Apprenticeship

A steamfitter installs, services and repairs pipes and equipment that must withstand high pressure for the distribution of steam or other types of...

Industrial Pipefitter (Sprinkler Fitter/Pipefitter) Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a method of training individuals, in a trade, using a combination of on-the-job skills development and classroom/lab related... Read More

Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship

Certifications earned through registered apprenticeship programs are recognized nationwide. Apprentices who complete registered apprenticeship... Read More

Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship

The mission of this program is to progress employees (working at one of our apprenticeship partners) through a three- to four-year program (depending... Read More

Plumbers/Pipefitters Apprenticeship, A.S.

This degree includes the training for plumbers to meet the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) journey worker guidelines for the plumbers... Read More
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