Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Plumbing Trades • Skilled Trades & Construction

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Typical Salary (Median)
$62,970
(2024 BLS data)
Half earn more, half earn less
Average Salary (Mean)
$69,940
Mathematical average of all salaries
National Employment
455,940
Education Required
High school + apprenticeship
BLS Code: 472152

Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.

Salary Distribution

National salary ranges for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (2024)

10th Percentile
$40,670
25th Percentile
$48,860
75th Percentile
$81,900
90th Percentile
$105,150

Top Industries

Industries with the most Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions

1
Cross-industry, Private, Federal, State, and Local Government
455,940
$69,940 avg
2
Cross-industry, Private Ownership Only
433,050
$69,920 avg
3
Sector 23 - Construction
374,640
$70,340 avg
4
Specialty Trade Contractors
341,890
$70,490 avg
5
Building Equipment Contractors
335,050
$70,690 avg

Work Environment

Construction site Various

Career Overview

💼 About This Career

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals work in skilled trades & construction, specifically in plumbing trades. This role typically requires high school + apprenticeship and offers a median salary of $62,970.

📊 Job Market Outlook

The job growth outlook for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is rated as Moderate. Currently, there are approximately 455,940 people employed in this occupation nationwide.

Related Skills & Keywords

plumber pipefitter steamfitter plumbing contractor

Data Source: Salary and employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program , 2024 data. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, and employer.