Occupation · SOC 47-2152
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
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.
Median wage
$62,970
$40,670–$105,150
Projected growth
+4.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
2,270
per year
Employed (US)
455,940
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
351 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringSpeakingCoordinationComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionMechanicalDesignMathematicsCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Computer aided design CAD softwareWord processing softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareAccounting softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative 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.Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Valve keys and wrenches — identify and use to shut off steam, water, or gas from pipe sections under direct supervision on an active job site.Basic pipe fittings and couplings — assemble using clamps, screws, or plastic solvent following step-by-step instruction in a residential construction setting.Measuring instruments such as rulers and levels — locate and mark pipe installation positions on walls and floors under journeyman guidance.Hand saws and pipe cutters — cut pipe to specified lengths following supervisor-provided dimensions on a residential plumbing project.Blueprint symbols and basic pipe diagrams — recognize and interpret with direct support to understand work scope before starting assigned tasks.Underground water and sanitary piping components — assist with installation by digging trenches and positioning pipe sections under close supervision.Safety protocols for working with torches and soldering equipment — follow established procedures to prevent injury during pipe assembly tasks.Pipe threading tools and benders — operate under direct instruction to prepare pipe sections to specification on a commercial job site.Work orders and material lists — read and confirm correct materials are gathered before beginning assigned pipe installation tasks.Basic mathematics for pipe measurements — apply addition, subtraction, and measurement conversions to calculate cut lengths under journeyman oversight.
developing
Pipe system shutoff procedures — execute independently using valve keys and wrenches to isolate sections safely during repair work on multi-unit residential buildings.Copper, PVC, and steel pipe assemblies — join using soldering, brazing, cement, or threaded couplings with consistent quality across routine residential and light commercial installations.Pipe layout positions and passage holes — mark accurately using levels and rulers with minimal oversight on standard new-construction framing packages.Cutting torches, pipe threaders, and pipe benders — operate routinely to fabricate pipe sections to specification on commercial construction projects.Blueprints and building codes — review and apply to plan pipe routing and select appropriate materials for familiar installation scenarios.Underground storm and sanitary piping systems — install and extend to connect fixtures following engineered drawings on residential subdivision projects.Troubleshooting common pipe leaks and blockages — diagnose and repair using systematic inspection techniques during service calls with limited supervision.Full-scale pipe layout drawings — lay out on-site from blueprint dimensions to guide installation of supports and equipment in standard mechanical rooms.Time and task sequencing — manage personal workload across concurrent plumbing tasks to meet project milestones on mid-size commercial job sites.Customer and building occupant communication — explain repair scope and expected disruption clearly and professionally during service and maintenance visits.
proficient
Complex pipe system layouts for steam, water, and gas — plan and execute installation from blueprints across the full scope of large commercial or industrial projects without supervision.Non-routine pipe failures and pressure anomalies — troubleshoot using deductive and inductive reasoning to identify root causes and implement lasting repairs in occupied facilities.High-pressure steam and process piping assemblies — fabricate and install to code using welding, brazing, and specialized fittings on industrial or institutional job sites.Building codes, OSHA standards, and project specifications — interpret and apply autonomously to ensure all pipe system work meets regulatory and contractual requirements.CAD software and pipe layout tools — use to produce or review detailed pipe system drawings that coordinate with structural and mechanical trades on complex builds.Underground utility conflicts and soil conditions — assess and resolve during storm, sanitary, and water main installations to keep projects on schedule.Pipe system commissioning and pressure testing — conduct independently, analyze results, and certify system integrity before final inspection on new construction projects.Critical thinking and judgment — apply when evaluating multiple repair or installation approaches to select cost-effective, code-compliant solutions for non-standard field conditions.Operations monitoring during system startup — observe gauges, temperatures, and flow indicators to verify performance and adjust controls in newly commissioned mechanical systems.Coordination with general contractors and inspectors — lead pre-installation and inspection meetings to align plumbing scope with overall project schedule and quality standards.
advanced
Pipe system design standards and installation methodologies — develop and codify for organizational adoption, ensuring consistency and code compliance across all company projects.Apprentice and journeyman plumbers — mentor and evaluate through structured on-the-job training programs tied to apprenticeship standards and competency milestones.Project-level pipe system plans and specifications — review and approve before construction begins, integrating engineering requirements, building codes, and constructability considerations.Organizational estimating and project management processes — lead using CAD, project management software, and accounting tools to deliver accurate bids and profitable project outcomes.Complex problem-solving on high-value or high-risk installations — direct field teams through unprecedented technical challenges on industrial, healthcare, or large-scale infrastructure projects.Safety culture and compliance programs — establish and enforce across all job sites, reducing incident rates and ensuring adherence to OSHA and public safety standards.Vendor and subcontractor relationships — manage strategically to secure material quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery that support organizational growth objectives.Emerging piping technologies and materials — evaluate and pilot for organizational adoption, incorporating findings from engineering and technology advances into standard practice.Cross-trade coordination at the executive level — facilitate alignment between plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural teams to prevent conflicts and optimize construction sequencing.Organizational performance metrics for quality, productivity, and compliance — analyze using data management tools and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plumbing division.
Also known as
131 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Utilities Officer (Marine Corps 1120)Water Softener ServicerFire Sprinkler TechnicianHydrant SetterHydraulic PlumberFire Sprinkler Service TechnicianDry Docks Utility Systems Repair OperatorCorrosion Control FitterValve RepairerShip and Boat CoppersmithFire Hydrant MechanicPipe Fitter, Diesel Engine ICoppersmith ApprenticeAuxiliary Equipment Technician (Navy 001519)Combat Engineer (Marine Corps 1371)Water Pump InstallerGreen PipefitterSteamfitter Furnace InstallerGas PlumberSprinkler InstallerMaterial Maintenance Specialty (Coast Guard MAT)Public Works Officer (Navy 4250)Gas Pipe LayerSteam Trap ManLocomotive PipefitterWater and Fuel Systems Maintenance Craftsman, Fuel Systems Maintenance (Air Force 3E471A)Seabee Technical Security Specialist (STSS) (Navy B19A)Irrigation System InstallerMaintenance PlumberSteam PipefitterGreen PlumberWater MechanicDamage Controlman (Coast Guard DC)Diesel Engine PipefitterFitterWater-Softener Servicer-And-InstallerSteam Heating InstallerWater and Fuel Systems Maintenance Craftsman (Air Force 3E471)Hull Systems Technician (Navy 003556)Sprinkler Fitter