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Construction47-2152.00Specialization

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.

$61,550
Median Pay
6 months to 2 years
Training
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Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 4/6: low AI task exposure means AI will assist but humans remain essential

🟡AI-Augmented

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Low+2

10% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+5% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Moderate+1

EPOCH score: 16/25

Total Score4/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09
View full methodology →

Key Responsibilities

  • 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.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

Post-secondary certificate

Time to Job Ready

1-3 years

Based on Job Zone 3. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

CAD softwareEstimating softwareMicrosoft OfficeCode reference softwarePipe fitting calculatorsDiagnostic tools

Key Abilities

Problem SensitivityFinger DexterityNear VisionDeductive ReasoningManual DexterityInductive ReasoningTrunk StrengthFar VisionOral ComprehensionCategory Flexibility

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Compensation Details

$38,690
10th Percentile
$61,550
Median
$103,140
90th Percentile

Based on 436,160 employed workers

Also Known As

Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment MechanicAircraft Hydraulic MechanicAircraft Plumbing MechanicCommercial PlumberCorrosion Control FitterDiesel Engine PipefitterDrain CleanerDrain TechnicianDry Docks Utility Systems Repair OperatorEquipment Service Associate (ESA)

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 47-2152.00