Pipelayers
SOC code 47-2151 · O*NET-SOC 47-2151.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades
Pipelayers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$49,000
a year
Hourly
$23.56
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$54,700
$26.30 per hour
Middle 50%
$43,980 – $61,400
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$37,730 – $80,170
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
33,050
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $37,730
- $18.14/hr
- 25th percentile
- $43,980
- $21.15/hr
- Median percentile
- $49,000
- $23.56/hr
- 75th percentile
- $61,400
- $29.52/hr
- 90th percentile
- $80,170
- $38.55/hr
What does a pipelayer do?
Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
- Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
- Cut pipes to required lengths.
- Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
- Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
- Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
- Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
- Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
How to become a pipelayer
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma65%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)33%
- Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Common questions
How much does a pipelayer earn?
The national median is $49,000 a year. The full range runs from $37,730 at the 10th percentile to $80,170 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a pipelayer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction3.7/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Engineering and Technology3.0/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Design2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Coordination, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.