### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersPlumbers inspect pipes for damage.							
						Quick Facts:     Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2023     Median Pay
            						$61,550     per year
										$29.59     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    ApprenticeshipNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    482,700Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    2% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    10,900What Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Do
                                                
                        
                        
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. Plumbers are often on call for emergencies, so evening and weekend work is common.
            
                                                How to Become a Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
                                                
                        
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow							 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Do 
            

			Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersPipefitters install a variety of pipes to move liquids and gasses.			
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
Duties
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters typically do the following:
Prepare cost estimates for clients
Read blueprints and follow state and local building codes
Determine the materials and equipment needed for a job
Install pipes and fixtures
Inspect and test installed pipe systems and pipelines
Troubleshoot malfunctioning systems
Maintain and repair plumbing sysemsAlthough plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters have distinct responsibilities, they often have similar duties. For example, they all install pipes and fittings that carry water, gas, and other fluids and substances. They determine the necessary materials for a job, connect pipes, and test pressure to ensure that a pipe system is airtight and watertight. Their tools include drills, saws, welding torches, press fitting tools, and drain cleaning tools.
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters may use different materials and construction techniques, depending on the project. For example, residential water systems use copper, steel, and plastic pipe that one or two plumbers install. Industrial plant water systems, in contrast, are made of large steel pipes that usually take a crew of pipefitters to install.
Journey- and master-level plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters frequently direct apprentices and helpers.
Master plumbers on construction jobs may help develop blueprints that show the placement of pipes and fixtures. Their input ensures that a structure’s plumbing meets building codes, stays within budget, and works well with the location of other features, such as electric wires. Many diagrams are created digitally with Building Information Modeling (BIM), which allows workers in several occupations to collaborate in planning a building’s physical systems.
Some of the specific tasks performed by these workers are as follows:
***Plumbers*** install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They install plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs and toilets, and appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. They clean drains, remove obstructions, and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures. Plumbers also help maintain septic systems—large, underground holding tanks that collect waste from houses that are not connected to a sewer system.
***Pipefitters and steamfitters***, sometimes simply called *fitters*, install and maintain pipes that may carry chemicals, acids, and gases. These pipes are mostly in manufacturing, commercial, and industrial settings. Fitters install and repair pipe systems in power plants, as well as heating and cooling systems in large office buildings. *Steamfitters* specialize in systems that are designed for the flow of liquids or gases at high pressure. Other fitters may specialize as gasfitters or sprinklerfitters.
 Work Environment
			Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersPlumbers risk getting burned as they solder pipes.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters held about 482,700 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were as follows:
        Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors
                64%Self-employed workers
                10Heavy and civil engineering construction
                4Government
                4Manufacturing
                3Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. Plumbers and fitters lift heavy materials, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces. Some plumbers travel to worksites every day. Outdoor work, in all types of weather, may be required.
Injuries and Illnesses
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters sometimes get injured on the job. Common injuries include cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes and soldering equipment, and falls from ladders.
Work Schedules
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work full time, including nights and weekends. They are often on call to handle emergencies. Self-employed plumbers may be able to set their own schedules.
 How to Become a Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter

			Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfittersMost plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn their jobs through an apprenticeship.			
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some also attend vocational-technical school. Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter. Vocational-technical schools offer courses in pipe system design, safety, and tool use. They also offer welding courses that are required by some pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeship training programs.
Training
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn their trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship. Apprentices typically receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training, as well as some technical instruction, each year. Technical instruction includes safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, and blueprint reading. Apprentices also study mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by unions, trade associations, and businesses. Most apprentices enter a program directly, but some start out as helpers or complete a pre-apprenticeship training programs in plumbing and other trades.
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters complete an apprenticeship program and pass the required licensing exam to become journey-level workers. Journey-level plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are qualified to perform tasks independently. Plumbers with several years of plumbing experience who pass another exam earn master status. Some states require master plumber status in order to obtain a plumbing contractor’s license.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary, states and localities often require workers to have 2 to 5 years of experience and to pass an exam that shows their knowledge of the trade before allowing plumbers to work independently.
Plumbers may also obtain optional certification, such as in plumbing design, to broaden career opportunities. In addition, most employers require plumbers to have a driver’s license.
Some states require pipefitters and steamfitters to be licensed; they may also require a special license to work on gas lines. Licensing typically requires an exam or work experience or both. Contact your state’s licensing board for more information.
Advancement
After completing an apprenticeship and becoming licensed at the journey level, plumbers may advance to become a master plumber, supervisor, or project manager. Some plumbers choose to start their own business as an independent contractor, which may require additional licensing.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Plumbers must be able to direct workers, bid on jobs, and plan work schedules. Plumbers also talk to customers regularly.
***Dexterity.*** Plumbers must be able to maneuver parts and tools precisely, often in tight spaces.
***Mechanical skills.*** Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters choose from a variety of tools to assemble, maintain, and repair pipe systems.
***Physical strength.***Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters must be able to lift and move heavy tools and materials.
***Troubleshooting skills.***Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters find, diagnose, and repair problems. They also help with setting up and testing new plumbing and piping systems.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersMedian annual wages, May 2023Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters$61,550  Construction trades workers$52,000  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,140.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Manufacturing
                $63,650Government
                63,500Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors
                61,400Heavy and civil engineering construction
                59,090Apprentices earn less than fully trained plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. However, their pay increases as they learn to do more.
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work full time, including nights and weekends. Plumbers are often on call to handle emergencies. Self-employed plumbers may be able to set their own schedules.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Construction trades workers3%  Total, all occupations3%  Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow				 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for plumbers will stem from new construction and from the need to maintain and repair plumbing systems in existing residences and other buildings. Employment of sprinklerfitters is expected to increase as states continue to adopt changes to building codes that require the use of fire suppression systems.
			

                        Employment projections data for     plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters**
			47-2152
			482,700
			493,600
			2
			10,900
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Boilermakers**
            Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $71,140**Construction and Building Inspectors**
            Construction and building inspectors ensure that construction meets building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $67,700**Construction Laborers and Helpers**
            Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
            See How to Become One
            $44,310**Construction Managers**
            Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.
            Bachelor's degree
            $104,900**Electricians**
            Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,590**General Maintenance and Repair Workers**
            General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $46,700**Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers**
            Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $57,300**Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights**
            Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,170**Water Transportation Workers**
            Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water.
            See How to Become One
            $64,930**Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers**
            Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,940
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, including apprenticeship opportunities, visit
Mechanical Contractors Association of America
NCCER
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
American Fire Sprinkler Association
National Fire Sprinkler Association
United Association: Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs
For apprenticeship information from the U.S. Department of Labor, visit the Apprenticeship program online or call 877-872-5627. To search for opportunities, visit apprenticeship.gov.
For more information about apprenticeship or other opportunities, contact the offices of the state employment service; the state apprenticeship agency; local plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors or firms that employ fitters; or local union–management apprenticeship committees.
For more information about pre-apprenticeship training, visit
Home Builders Institute
Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association
National Building Trades Union
CareerOneStop
For a career video on plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, visit
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersSolar Thermal Installers and Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm (visited *May 20, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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