Construction projects provide only temporary employment so when a project ends, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working on the project may experience bouts of unemployment. Because construction activity varies from area to area, job openings, as well as apprenticeship opportunities, fluctuate with local economic conditions. However, employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is generally less sensitive to changes in economic conditions than some of the other construction trades. Even when construction activity declines, maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of existing piping systems, as well as the growing installation of fire sprinkler systems, provide many jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. 14.00 Apprentices usually begin at about 50 percent of the wage rate paid to experienced plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Wages increase periodically as skills improve.
After an initial waiting period, apprentices receive the same benefits as experienced plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Many plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. National Fire Sprinkler Association, Robin Hill Corporate Park, Rt. 22, Box 1000, Patterson, NY 12563.