What Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders"; "Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints"; "Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods"; "Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications"; "Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is apprenticeship.
Job outlook for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 510,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 545,200 in 2035, an increase of 34,600 jobs (+6.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 42,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 8.0% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,800, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn the most
Across the 13 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $59,383 in Texas to $94,052 in Illinois, a gap of $34,669 (1.58 times). 11 of those 13 states average above the BLS national median of $63,800 and 2 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 47,060, which is 15.7% of the 300,440 counted across them. Texas follows with 42,970.
Highest-paying states
Illinois ($94,052), New Hampshire ($92,917) and Massachusetts ($90,379) lead the ranking, while Texas ($59,383) and Arizona ($62,546) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: pay against the cost of living
We compare 14 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $57,312. The smallest margin is $17,585 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 14 of the 14 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 18.0% and 54.5% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (47-2000) include Electricians, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, Carpenters and Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.
Frequently asked questions about Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
What is the national median wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $63,800. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $59,383 to $94,052.
Which state pays Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters the most?
Illinois, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $94,052. New Hampshire is next at $92,917.
What is the job outlook for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 42,000 openings a year.
What education do Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and apprenticeship, according to BLS.
Where can Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $57,312 on a median wage of $103,380.