Shigoto Zukan
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How to become pipelayerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,000
25th–75th pct. $43,980–$61,400
Top pay (est.)
$104,200
Top 10% $80,170
Pay in 5 years
$56,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$65,600est.
$56,500–$76,200
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
7%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
−3.1%
2,100 openings / yr

How to become pipelayers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Pipelayers

Key skills

Installation
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Operation and Control
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Repairing
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
4.5
Mechanical
3.5
Education and Training
3.3
Public Safety and Security
3.1
Design
2.9
Engineering and Technology
2.9
Production and Processing
2.9
Psychology
2.8

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionTrunk StrengthStatic StrengthControl PrecisionStaminaNear Vision

Education of workers

Less than high school
65%
High school diploma
33%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

1–3 months
18%
3–6 months
14%
None / short demo
12%
6–12 months
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
19%
6–12 months
16%
2–4 years
14%
None
12%
Over 10 years
12%
3–6 months
12%
1–3 months
3%
4–6 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as pipelayers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.