Career overview

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

O*NET-SOC 47-2152.00

Median pay / yr$62,970

OutlookRapid 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 it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.

Skills employers look for

Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
RepairingRepairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge areas

Building and ConstructionKnowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.