Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
SOC Code: 47-2152 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $62,941 | $82,763 | $102,586 | $122,408 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $55,162 | $74,797 | $94,432 | $114,067 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $59,883 | $77,792 | $95,701 | $113,610 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $55,266 | $74,048 | $92,851 | $111,634 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $56,430 | $74,485 | $92,560 | $110,614 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $58,219 | $75,234 | $92,227 | $109,242 |
| Vineland, NJ | $51,542 | $70,741 | $89,918 | $109,117 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $57,013 | $73,944 | $90,896 | $107,827 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $52,374 | $70,616 | $88,858 | $107,099 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $54,413 | $71,261 | $88,088 | $104,936 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.5 | |
| Troubleshooting | 3.2 | |
| Repairing | 3.2 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.2 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Speaking | 3.0 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Building and Construction | 4.3 |
| Mechanical | 4.3 |
| Design | 3.8 |
| Mathematics | 3.8 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.6 |
| Administration and Management | 3.3 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.2 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.2 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Some college | 43.3% |
| High school diploma | 34.8% |
| Associate's degree | 9.3% |
| Less than high school | 7.9% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 4.6% |
Typical Tasks
- 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.
- Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
- Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word AEC Design Group CADPIPE Atlas Construction Business Forms Autodesk Building Systems Bentley Systems AutoPIPE Bookkeeping software COADE CAESAR II Computer aided design CAD software Database software Drawing and drafting software Elite Software DPIPE
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