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Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Pipefitter
  • Plumber
  • Sprinkler Fitter
  • Steamfitter
  • Drain Technician
  • Fire Sprinkler Service Technician

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