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Industrial & mechanical piping
Pipefitter
Plumbing moves water; pipefitting moves everything else.
Typical pay
$55k-$115k
How you get in
5-year paid apprenticeship
Outlook
Strong; energy, pharma and manufacturing all drive demand
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure piping systems in industrial and commercial settings. Welded process piping, steam and refrigeration work pays substantially more than residential plumbing, and shutdown work pays more still.
A day in the life
- 6:00aJob briefing and permit review
- 6:30aRead isometric drawings and take field measurements
- 8:30aCut, bevel and fit spool pieces
- 11:30aLunch
- 12:00pRig and hang pipe, then tack for the welder
- 3:30pHydrostatic test a completed run
How to get in
Union apprenticeship (UA)
Duration
5 years
Cost
$0 — paid while you train
Credential
Journeyman pipefitter
- Apply to a United Association local when the books open
- Pass the aptitude test and interview
- Complete 10,000 hours plus classroom instruction in drawings, rigging and welding
- Add pipe welding certifications, which are where the money separates
Non-union industrial contractor
Duration
3-5 years
Cost
$0-$5,000
Credential
Welding certifications and safety training
- Get hired as a helper with an industrial mechanical contractor
- Learn isometric drawings, fitting and rigging on the job
- Test for 6G pipe welding certification
- Chase shutdown and turnaround work for the highest rates
HVAC or plumbing crossover
Duration
1-3 years
Cost
$0-$8,000
Credential
Existing trade experience plus pipe certifications
- Work as a plumber or HVAC tech first
- Move to commercial and industrial mechanical work
- Add process piping and welding credentials
- Refrigeration pipefitting is a particularly well-paid niche
What people love
- · Higher pay than most residential trades
- · Paid union apprenticeship
- · Shutdown and travel work pays a large premium
- · Welding certifications multiply your value
What wears people down
- · Industrial plants are hot, loud and hazardous
- · Travel and long shutdown schedules
- · Heavy rigging and awkward positions
- · Project-based work means gaps between jobs