Pipefitter
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Build the systems that power American industry
Pipefitters lay out, assemble, and maintain the piping systems that carry steam, chemicals, fuel, and water through refineries, power plants, factories, and ships. You will read blueprints, cut and thread pipe, weld or bolt it into place, and test systems that run at high pressure and temperature.
Most pipefitters learn through a four- to five-year apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Most states require a license, and steady work comes from both new construction and ongoing maintenance.
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What it takes to build the trade
- Blueprint reading.
- Turning piping drawings and isometrics into accurate layouts and cut lists.
- Cutting, threading, and welding.
- Fabricating pipe from steel, copper, and plastic and joining it to spec.
- Pressure testing.
- Checking finished systems for leaks and making sure they meet safety codes.
- Troubleshooting.
- Tracking down failing valves, leaks, and blockages in complex systems.
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The numbers behind the opportunity
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, experience, and employer.
- $63,800
- Median annual wage, May 2025
- 42,000
- Projected openings each year, 2025–35
- 6.8%
- Projected employment growth, 2025–35
See where you stand
Take our skills assessment or upload your resume to see how your strengths map to a career in the trades.
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