What Does a Pipe Fitter Do?
Pipe Fitters are welding and plumbing professionals who install and apply routine maintenance to buildings’ pipe systems and fixtures. They’ll inspect a work area to see if there are any potential damages or hazards that could affect potential pipe systems. Once inspected, they’ll clear any obstructions and will begin studying blueprints and planning where to place and install the pipe systems.
As the Pipe Fitter installs and fixes the pipe systems, they’ll use different tools and equipment to measure and mark the tools according to certain specifications and regulations. When installing the pipes, they’ll be sure to secure them safely onto the walls and fixtures using tools like clamps, brackets and other welding equipment items.
Pipe Fitter Skills and Qualifications
Pipe Fitters must possess a wide range of technical skills related to their profession. For example, they must be familiar with all the tools needed to assemble, fit and repair pipes and their associated plumbing systems. Pipe Fitters need welding experience and must be able to customize piping systems to meet a customer’s needs. They must have experience with all components of piping systems, including brackets, clamps and hangers. Other important skills and qualifications for Pipe Fitters include:
- Customer service skills, as Pipe Fitters must communicate with clients or customers on a daily basis
- Technical skills to do their job accurately, including math and science skills
- Physical capabilities, as Pipe Fitters work in a physically demanding field and must be able to fit into tight spaces
Pipe Fitter Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Pipe Fitter is $28.26 per hour. The pay may vary, though, depending on factors like the candidate’s experience and whether they’ll be working part- or full-time.
Pipe Fitter Salary Expectations
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Common salary:
29.66 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
10.50 -58.35 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Pipe Fitter Education and Training Requirements
Pipe Fitters can find work with a high school diploma and apprenticeship training. Apprenticeship programs are typically paid roles where the apprentice learns the basics of the job under the supervision of a qualified Pipe Fitter. If you’re looking for candidates with a few years of experience, it’s important to list apprenticeship training as a requirement for the role. Some Pipe Fitters may also complete training through a trade school.
Pipe Fitter Experience Requirements
An entry-level Pipe Fitter may gain the experience they need through an apprenticeship program. During this paid training, Pipe Fitters learn things like how to cut and fit pipes so that they don’t leak, how to drill holes through walls and how to repair or replace fixtures. If you’re hiring a Pipe Fitter Journeyman or a Pipe Fitter with any prior experience, they should already have completed their apprenticeship.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
Pipe fitting is a highly technical career, so it’s easy to focus only on skills related to physically installing or repairing pipes. For a broader look at the skills you might include, check out our job description samples for a few similar roles:
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