How to become plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitterseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$63,800

25th–75th pct. $50,190–$85,110

Top pay (est.)

$140,900

Top 10% $108,420

Pay in 5 years

$75,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$89,700est.

$77,100–$104,100

Outlook score

76/100

★★★★☆ Good

AI replacement risk

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.8%

42K openings / yr

How to become plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Apprenticeship

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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Key skills

Critical Thinking

3.5

Judgment and Decision Making

3.1

Troubleshooting

3.1

Repairing

3.1

Coordination

3.0

Operations Monitoring

3.0

Complex Problem Solving

2.9

Operation and Control

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction

5.4

Design

5.0

Mechanical

4.9

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

Physics

4.0

Administration and Management

4.0

Engineering and Technology

4.0

Mathematics

3.8

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

VisualizationProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionExtent FlexibilityDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate

43%

High school diploma

35%

Associate's degree

Less than high school

Some college

Training before entry

4–10 years

33%

2–4 years

15%

None / short demo

14%

1–2 years

11%

Over 10 years

11%

Up to 1 month

1–3 months

3–6 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

57%

None

19%

6–12 months

11%

Over 10 years

2–4 years

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

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

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Painters, Construction and Maintenance Paint walls, equipment, buildings, bridges, and other structural surfaces, using brushes, rollers, and spray guns.	$49,400	66/100	9%

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.