Pipefitter
Industrial systems run because of you.
Median Salary
$61,550
Apprenticeship
5 years
Union Presence
Strong
Physical Demand
High
Job Demand
High
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure piping systems for steam, gas, chemicals, and industrial processes. Unlike plumbers who work in buildings, pipefitters primarily work in power plants, refineries, manufacturing facilities, and large commercial mechanical rooms.
What Pipefitters Earn
National data — Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS
25th Percentile
$44,380
Entry level
Median
$61,550
Mid-career
75th Percentile
$82,720
Experienced
90th Percentile
$100,180
Top earners
Salary by State
Teal bars = above national median · Blue bars = below national median · Source: BLS OEWS
Career Path
From day one to running your own operation
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.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Industrial work commands premium wages — shutdowns pay significant overtime
- ✓Very strong union presence (UA) with excellent benefits and pension
- ✓Less seasonal than residential trades — industrial facilities need maintenance year-round
- ✓Working in power, energy, and manufacturing provides long-term job security
- ✓Travel opportunities to large industrial projects across the country
Challenges
- ✕5-year apprenticeship is one of the longer ones in the trades
- ✕Work often requires travel to remote industrial sites
- ✕High-pressure systems mean strict safety requirements and serious consequences for errors
- ✕Industrial work can be physically demanding with heavy pipe and tools
How to Get Started
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 →
Get the Free Pipefitter Salary Guide
Median wages for pipefitters across all 50 states, pulled directly from BLS data. Free, no strings.