what is a pipefitter?
A pipefitter is a specialized tradesperson trained in assembling, organizing, and maintaining mechanical piping systems. You work on industrial, high-pressure installations for heating and cooling systems, steam, ventilation, fuel systems, and chemical transmission.
Contrary to popular belief, pipefitters are not plumbers. Plumbers work in the water and sanitation industries; pipefitters use metals - like stainless steel and carbon - instead of alloy metals and work in a wide range of industries. In this role, you shape components to exact specifications for industrial use. You put together blueprints and review plans.
As a pipefitter, you select pipes and other materials and equipment needed for a project. You also use your skills to manipulate the shapes and settings of pipes. You install these systems to avoid obstructions or the disruption of building operations. As a pipefitter, you perform tests, fix glitches and leaks, and eliminate hazards. Your job is to ensure the pipes provide optimal performance in high-pressure environments. If you discover any issues, you make adjustments to ensure the system runs smoothly. As well as installing new systems, you perform repairs and maintenance tasks on existing systems.
Would working as a pipefitter suit your mechanical skills and knack for designing and repairing things? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a pipefitter role.
pipefitter jobs near youaverage pipefitter salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a pipefitter is $59,880 or $28.79 per hour. However, your actual salary as a pipefitter depends greatly on where you work. Big cities come with big piping needs, and as such, they need a greater labor force of pipefitters. For example, the annual median income of a pipefitter in New York is $83,410.
Since many pipefitters belong to a union, they get great benefits packages. These benefits can include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Union pipefitters also often have excellent paid leave benefits.
types of pipefitters
There are different types of pipefitters based on industry specialization and levels of experience. Some types of pipefitters include:
- master pipefitters: A master pipefitter is a licensed tradesman who typically supervises apprentice and journeymen pipefitters. As a master pipefitter, you work on new construction projects overseeing the whole process. You also maintain and inspect existing systems.
- general pipefitters: As a general pipefitter, you design, fabricate, install and maintain industrial piping systems. You work on systems to ensure they meet commercial, manufacturing, and industrial specifications.
- steamfitters: As a steamfitter, you specialize in designing and constructing systems that manage the flow of gases and liquids at high pressure. You also test systems for functionality and perform repairs or routine maintenance tasks.
- gasfitters: A gasfitter is a technician who uses technical expertise to pipe gas safely. Gas is a volatile element that requires a specialist's experience. Gasfitters are responsible for the delicate balance between equipment, piping, and meters.
- sprinkler fitters: As a sprinkler fitter, you specialize in piping for fire suppression systems. You install, inspect, and certify all air, antifreeze, water, chemical, and anti-fire foam solutions.
working as a pipefitter
Working as a pipefitter involves juggling multiple tasks and finding solutions to problems as they emerge. Let's explore pipefitters' specific duties, responsibilities, work schedules, and job outlooks.
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pipefitter job description
Some of the tasks performed by pipefitters include:
- reading and designing blueprints: You design and assemble piping systems. Some new construction projects require you to design blueprints for piping that conveys hot liquids or chemicals in industrial facilities. If you have blueprints, you read and interpret the technical drawings during construction.
- installing complex pipes: Your primary responsibility is to lay out, assemble and install piping systems. You use the blueprints to lay out the pipes. Installation work involves using saws, pipe threaders, and cutting torches to cut, hammer, and thread pipes to the desired specifications. Sometimes, you weld, braze, solder, or cement joints to secure pipes or fittings.
- maintaining and repairing pipes: You perform routine maintenance on piping systems to ensure they maintain their structural integrity. You also oversee repairs and replacement of worn-out parts. If the automatic pipe control systems aren't working as expected, you check for issues in the installation and adjust the settings.
- responding to emergencies: Your job involves responding to emergencies in the piping systems. For instance, any blockages or leakage during transportation can cause problems. Your job is to fix the issues promptly.
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pipefitter work environment
Pipefitters are full-fledged journeymen. While you have a central office where you plan and work, you are usually out and about. You go where your skills are currently needed. Most pipefitters work from construction sites, warehouses, and businesses. Pipefitters are also essential in many fields that require industrial operations, such as power stations, factories, and offshore installations. If you're a supervisor, teacher, or trainer, you spend a lot of time behind a desk. When you are a trainer, you can work remotely. However, most provide their services in person.
As a pipefitter, expect to travel to sites regularly. Many jobs require working in damp, dark spaces - wherever pipes and related systems are found. You often work in tight areas, climb ladders, and lift heavy tools.
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who are your colleagues?
As a pipefitter, your colleagues might include thermal insulation engineers, engineering operatives, and welders. You also work with heating and ventilation engineers as well as other specialists that could include plumbers, cost planners, and maintenance technicians.
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work schedule
As a pipefitter, your work schedule will be unique. While many pipefitters do work 40-hour weeks, your schedule and working days vary wildly, especially if you are a union pipefitter. Some pipefitters may work nights and some may work days. There is certainly a lot of room for overtime hours. Pipefitters can work nights, weekends, and holidays, and some may be on call for emergency services. Pipefitters who work independently or are in strong unions may have a degree of freedom in setting their own schedules.
One pipe fitter may work four 10-hour shifts one week and then only a couple of short shifts the next, while another pipe fitter may work steady eight-hour days five days a week. Some pipefitters may choose to even work 60+ hours a week and then take a month off entirely. Your work schedule will depend heavily on your local union and the type of projects you are working on.
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job outlook for pipefitters
As a pipefitter, you can progress to a supervisor position or become an engineering workshop manager. Some pipefitters improve their skills and work in welding inspection or quality control. Other specialization opportunities are in engineering design and insulation work.
In terms of the job growth outlook for pipefitters, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% growth over the coming decade. While that may seem small at first glance, keep in mind that that is still 48,600 job openings a year! As long as society continues to function, pipefitting and related jobs such as plumbing and steamfitting, will always be available and stable careers.
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benefits of working for randstad as a pipefitter
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a pipefitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too!
pipefitter skills and education
As with many blue-collar jobs, becoming a pipefitter means entering an apprenticeship and then becoming a certified journeyman.
First, you need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, you must be at least 18 years old, and you must be physically fit. Most pipefitters enter the trade through an apprenticeship program. These programs typically last four to five years and involve a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Finally, to become a bona fide pipefitter journeyman after your apprenticeship program, you must become certified. You will need to pass a certification exam that demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to work independently as a pipefitter.
Certification exams and requirements vary in each state, so you will need to research what your state’s pipefitter certification process looks like.
pipefitter skills and competencies
Pipefitting requires you to have a variety of skills and competencies. The most successful pipefitters have the following skills:
- communication: Pipefitters constantly share information. You do critical work and are responsible for knowing what's happening. Pipefitters also deal with managers, laborers, and vendors. Communication skills help you interact with everyone appropriately.
- flexibility: Pipefitters handle equipment and adjust to situations on the spot. The ability to adapt on the go is a characteristic that benefits any pipefitter.
- knowledge of mechanics: As a pipefitter, it is important to stay on top of the latest technology in your industry. You should know how to assemble, repair, and manage the materials necessary to implement piping systems. Expect to read blueprints to ensure piping systems are functional and safe. Advanced math is necessary, as precise measurements are important. It is also crucial to know all the industry's toolkits.
- physical strength and dexterity: Pipefitters use tools, materials, and equipment that is often heavy. Since you lift and carry these things, you should be in relatively good shape.
- troubleshooting skills: It's important to be confident in developing new piping systems. Delicate operations and emergencies often require quick thinking and careful problem-solving.
- welding and HVAC experience: A good pipefitter should understand how to create safe bonds between metals. You should also know when to step aside and let a pro do the welding. Some pipefitters put together HVAC infrastructures for large commercial and industrial HVAC units. In these jobs, you set up gas and water supply lines and see that hot water or steam is distributed safely to all units.
FAQs about working as a pipefitter
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about pipefitters.
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is pipefitting a good job?
Pipefitting is a great job for people who enjoy working with their hands, have good problem-solving skills, and enjoy welding and building along with fixing high-pressure industrial systems. It is important to understand that pipefitting is a very physically demanding job, but it can be rewarding and enjoyable for physically fit, hard-working individuals. On top of that, it is a stable (often unionized) job that has great benefits and pay.
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how is pipefitting different from plumbing?
While there is certainly a lot of overlap between the two careers, pipefitting involves the welding, installation, assembly, fabrication, and repair of piping systems that carry liquids, gases, and other materials. Plumbing deals more so with the installation, repair, and maintenance of systems that carry water, sewage, and drainage.
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in simple terms, what exactly does a pipefitter do?
A pipefitter is a specialized tradesperson who installs and maintains piping systems for heating, cooling, ventilation, fuel, and chemicals in industrial and high-pressure environments. They choose materials and equipment, manipulate pipes, and install systems without disrupting building operations. They also perform tests, fix leaks and hazards along with ensuring optimal system performance. Pipefitters perform repairs and maintenance on existing systems.
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is pipefitting dangerous?
As with any trade that involves working with heavy equipment, tools, and materials, pipefitting comes with its hazards, and injuries on the job can happen. However, strict regulations, safety procedures, protocols, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and years of extensive training during apprenticeships greatly minimize the risk of personal injury.
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what other career paths can a pipefitter take?
Because pipefitters' skills overlap in a lot of industries, pipefitters can choose to take several different career paths down the line if they wish. These could include becoming a welder, HVAC technician, construction supervisor, project manager, or independent contractor.
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how do I find a job as a pipefitter?
Applying for a pipefitter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our production manager jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
