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Pipe Fitters & Steamfitters

Also called: Pipe Fitter, Pipefitter, Welder, Steamfitter

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Navy.

What they do:
Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.
On the job, you would:
  • Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
  • building and construction
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
  • management

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking
Attention
  • pay attention to something without being distracted
Controlled Movement
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • AEC Design Group CADPIPE
  • Pipe 2D software
Analytical or scientific software
  • AutoPIPE software
  • COADE CAESAR II
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • PipingOffice software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
high school diploma
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship Eligible for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$47,750
per year, on average
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Green
This work is part of the green economy.

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about pipe fitters and steamfitters.