🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 2% growth · Average

Steamfitter / Pipefitter

Steamfitters and pipefitters install high-pressure industrial pipe systems that carry steam, gases, and chemicals in power plants, refineries, and hospitals. Higher-paying and more specialized than residential plumbing.

$65,220 Median Salary
460K US Jobs
5 years Training
Paid apprenticeship Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$46,000
Median
$65,220
Experienced
$96,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

2%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
460K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
UA Pipefitters Local Union Journeyman
Required Credential
UA Pipefitters Local Union Journeyman

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Pipefitter Apprenticeship (5 years)
Program Length
5 years
Typical Tuition
Paid apprenticeship
Work Setting
Power plants, hospitals, chemical plants, refineries, shipyards
🏆 Credential Required: UA Pipefitters Local Union Journeyman

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Steamfitter / Pipefitter involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Power plants environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Steamfitter / Pipefitter by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC