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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)	Projected Growth (2024-2034)
National Statistics	$62970	44000	4.5%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$62970

Median Wage (USD, 2024)

44000

Projected Job Openings (2024-2034)

4.5%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years

Detailed Work Activities

Cut metal components for installation.
Fabricate parts or components.
Create construction or installation diagrams.
Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
Weld metal components.
Install plumbing or piping.
Clean equipment or facilities.
Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
Select construction materials.
Install gauges or controls.
Record operational or environmental data.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Estimate construction project costs.
Estimate construction project labor requirements.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
Install green plumbing or water handling systems.
Cut openings in existing structures.
Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
Operate pumps or compressors.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Remove parts or components from equipment.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

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.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Keep records of work assignments.
Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Repair or remove and replace system components.
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
Repair hydraulic or air pumps.
Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.

Work Styles

Innovation

A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Innovation

Achievement Orientation

Intellectual Curiosity

Tolerance for Ambiguity

Initiative

Adaptability

Self-Confidence

Perseverance

Leadership Orientation

Humility

Sincerity

Empathy

Cooperation

Optimism

Social Orientation

Cautiousness

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Stress Tolerance

Self-Control

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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