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 $61,550 in May 2023.

Job Outlook

Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 42,600 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many 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.