Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn a median salary of $62,970 per year, ranking in the top 42% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.5% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn?

The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $62,970. That puts plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at #342 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is +4.5%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 504K positions in 2024 to 527K in 2034, a net change of 23K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
2. 2.Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
3. 3.Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
4. 4.Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
5. 5.Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
6. 6.Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
7. 7.Keep records of work assignments.
8. 8.Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.

Top skills for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitter?

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
  $106,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
  $78,690 median
• Roof Bolters, Mining
  $76,640 median
• Boilermakers
  $73,340 median
• Construction and Building Inspectors
  $72,120 median
• Pile Driver Operators
  $70,510 median

Common questions parents ask about plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters