DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
47-2152 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Occupational Description:
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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 9,950 | 537 | $36.44/hr | $1.09/hr | $19.73/hr | $26.45/hr | $36.21/hr | $45.51/hr | $51.33/hr |
| U S | 442,870 | 4,872 | $29.17/hr | $0.18/hr | $15.94/hr | $20.11/hr | $26.91/hr | $35.80/hr | $47.41/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 45,070 | $16.96/hr | 1.8% |
| Carpenters | 18,330 | $26.43/hr | 2.7% |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 10,020 | $22.42/hr | 1.5% |
| Rail Car Repairers | 1,190 | $32.76/hr | 4.3% |
| Pipelayers | 720 | $31.77/hr | 4.3% |
| Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians | 400 | N/A | 4.2% |
| Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers | 280 | $35.23/hr | 2.5% |
| Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 190 | $18.04/hr | 3.8% |
| Boilermakers | 40 | $35.56/hr | 2.2% |
| Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | 20 | $24.66/hr | N/A |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | N/A | N/A | -1.1% |
Tasks for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Plans pipe system layout, installation, or repair according to specifications.
- Operates motorized pump to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
- Turns valve to shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe section, using valve key or wrenches.
- Cuts and bores holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, and mains, using hand and power tools, prior to pipe installation.
- Coats nonferrous piping materials by dipping in mixture of molten tin and lead to prevent erosion, or galvanic and electrolytic action.
- Inspects work site to determine presence of obstruction and ensure that holes will not cause structure weakness.
- Lays out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, and related equipment, following blueprints.
- Modifies and maintains pipe systems and related machines and equipment components following specifications, using hand tools and power tools.
- Selects pipe sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Measures and marks pipes for cutting and threading.
- Inspects, examines, and tests installed systems and pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
- Assembles pipes, tubes, and fittings, according to specifications.
- Attaches pipes to walls, structures and fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools or welding equipment.
- Cuts, threads, and hammers pipe to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, and pipe threaders and benders.
- Repairs and maintains plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, and opening clogged drains.
- Fills pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observes pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Directs workers engaged in pipe cutting and preassembly and installation of plumbing systems and components.
- Cuts, threads, and bends pipe to required angle, using pipe cutters, pipe-threading machine, and pipe bending machine.
- Installs pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, and fixtures, such as sinks, toilets and tubs, using hand and power tools.
- Studies building plans and inspects structure to determine required materials and equipment and sequence of pipe installations.
- Locates and marks position of pipe installations and passage holes in structures, using measuring instruments, such as ruler and level.
- Cuts opening in structures to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
- Assembles pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using screws, bolts, solder, plastic solvent, and caulking.
- Guides pipe into trench and signals hoist operator to move pipe until specified alignment with other pipes is achieved.
- Inspects joint to verify uniformity of spacing and alignment of pipe surfaces.
- Corrects misalignment of pipe, using sledge hammer.
- Inserts spacers between pipe ends.
