Summary
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Quick Facts: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | |
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2020 Median Pay |
$56,330 per year
$27.08 per hour |
Typical Entry-Level Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
On-the-job Training | Apprenticeship |
Number of Jobs, 2020 | 469,900 |
Job Outlook, 2020-30 | 5% (Slower than average) |
Employment Change, 2020-30 | 23,400 |
What Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Do
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
Work Environment
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. Plumbers are often on call for emergencies, so evening and weekend work is common.
How to Become a Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $56,330 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 51,000 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.