Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

SOC code 47-2152 · O*NET-SOC 47-2152.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Plumbing follows the classic apprenticeship model: four to five years of paid work under licensed plumbers plus classroom hours, ending in a journeyman exam. Self-employed master plumbers sit at the top of the earnings range.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$63,800

a year

Hourly

$30.67

per hour

10th$44,150Median$63,80090th$108,420

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$72,170

$34.70 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,190 – $85,110

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$44,150 – $108,420

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

465,840

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $44,150; $21.22/hr
25th percentile: $50,190; $24.13/hr
Median percentile: $63,800; $30.67/hr
75th percentile: $85,110; $40.92/hr
90th percentile: $108,420; $52.13/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+4%

Growing faster than average

504,500

jobs in 2024

527,200

projected for 2034

About 22,700 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate43%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)35%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Less than a High School Diploma8%

Common questions

How much does a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?

The national median is $63,800 a year. The full range runs from $44,150 at the 10th percentile to $108,420 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 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.5/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Speaking3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction4.3/5
Mechanical4.3/5
Design3.8/5
Mathematics3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Administration and Management3.3/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Public Safety and Security3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring.