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
350 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringTime ManagementSpeakingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationQuality Control AnalysisInstallationEquipment SelectionMathematicsInstructingEquipment MaintenanceActive LearningManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesPersuasionNegotiationTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesScienceOperations AnalysisProgramming
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionMechanicalDesignMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and TechnologyPhysicsEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingProduction and ProcessingChemistryLaw and GovernmentTransportationAdministrativeSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingComputers and ElectronicsPsychologyCommunications and MediaFood ProductionMedicine and DentistryTelecommunicationsTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyForeign LanguageBiologySociology and AnthropologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
AEC Design Group CADPIPEAtlas Construction Business FormsAutodesk Building SystemsBentley Systems AutoPIPEBookkeeping softwareCOADE CAESAR IIComputer aided design CAD softwareDatabase softwareDrawing and drafting softwareElite Software DPIPEElite Software FIREElite Software HSYMElite Software Plumbing CADElite Software SpipeElite Software Sprinkler CADEmail softwareEstimating softwareFastEST FastPipeFastEST softwareHeat loss calculation softwareHorizon Engineering Sigma Plumbing CalculatorInsight Direct ServiceCEOInternet browser softwareIntuit QuickBooksJob costing softwareKRS Enterprises Service First!Klear EstimatorMaintenance management softwareMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordPipepro PipefittingPiping construction costs estimation softwarePipingOfficePricePointQuickenQuote Software QuoteExpressSpreadsheet softwareVision InfoSoft Plumbing Bid Manager
Representative tasks
Getting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentThinking CreativelyCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesWorking with ComputersSelling or Influencing Others
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
84 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment MechanicAircraft Hydraulic MechanicAircraft Plumbing MechanicCommercial PlumberCorrosion Control FitterDiesel Engine PipefitterDrain CleanerDrain TechnicianDry Docks Utility Systems Repair OperatorEquipment Service Associate (ESA)Fire Control System InstallerFire Hydrant MechanicFire Sprinkler FitterFire Sprinkler InstallerFire Sprinkler Service TechnicianFire Sprinkler TechnicianFitterGas Line InstallerGas Line RepairerGas Line ServicerGas Main FitterGas Meter InstallerGas Pipe LayerGas PlumberGasfitterGreen PipefitterGreen PlumberHeating MechanicHeating Unit InstallerHot Water Heater InstallerHydrant SetterHydraulic PlumberIndustrial GasfitterIrrigation System InstallerIrrigation TechnicianJourneyman PlumberLicensed PlumberLocomotive PipefitterMaintenance PlumberManhole Steamline Inspector