How to Become a Pipefitter in Mississippi
Industrial systems run because of you.
Median Salary (MS)
$57,960
Apprenticeship
5 years
License Required
Yes
Job Demand
High
What Pipefitters Earn in Mississippi
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Mississippi Median
$57,960
per year
National Median
$61,550
per year
Entry Level (25th)
$44,380
Median
$61,550
Experienced (75th)
$82,720
Top Earners (90th)
$100,180
National percentiles shown. Mississippi-specific percentile data varies.
Career Path
From apprentice to running your own operation in Mississippi
Apprentice Pipefitter
$36,000–$54,000Years 0–5
Complete a 5-year UA apprenticeship learning to read isometric drawings, weld and thread pipe, and work with high-pressure systems. Industrial pipefitting has some of the most rigorous apprenticeships in the trades.
Journeyperson Pipefitter
$58,000–$85,000Years 5–10
Work on large industrial projects — power plants, chemical plants, refineries. Shutdowns and turnarounds at industrial facilities often pay significant overtime.
Foreman / General Foreman
$80,000–$110,000Years 8–15
Supervise crews on large industrial construction or maintenance projects. Foremen in the industrial sector earn well and typically travel to project sites.
Superintendent / Mechanical Contractor
$95,000–$175,000+Years 12+
Move into project management or start your own industrial mechanical contracting firm. Industrial mechanical contractors take on large-scale projects with strong margins.
How to Get Started in Mississippi
Step-by-step path into the pipefitter trade
- 1
Apply to a UA (United Association) pipefitter local (ua.org) — the union path has the best wages, pension, and safety training in the industry.
Browse UA apprenticeship programs → - 2
Some areas offer pre-apprenticeship programs that strengthen your application — ask your local UA hall or check online.
Find pre-apprenticeship programs → - 3
Welding skills give you a major edge when applying. Take a basic MIG or stick welding class before you submit your application.
Find welding programs → - 4
Once in, pursue pipe welding certification and your journeyperson ticket — it unlocks independent work and the highest wages.
Start exam prep →