Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 356 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($148,080)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($122,930)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($110,240)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($109,910)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($106,040)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($105,850)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($105,310)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($104,920)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($104,300)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($104,000)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($101,370)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($98,100)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($97,550)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($97,550)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($97,150)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($96,710)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($96,660)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($95,480)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($95,320)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($93,790)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($92,650)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($92,460)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($92,100)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($90,230)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($87,520)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($86,380)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($83,910)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($83,050)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($81,390)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($80,730)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($80,730)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($79,920)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($78,790)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($78,540)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($78,350)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($78,350)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($78,000)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($77,970)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($77,320)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($76,870)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($76,410)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($76,210)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($76,170)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($75,920)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($75,440)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($75,420)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($74,990)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($74,690)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($74,500)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($74,310)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($72,300)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($72,080)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($72,060)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($69,960)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($69,390)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($68,380)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($68,080)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($67,890)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($67,530)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($66,770)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($66,270)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($65,700)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($65,380)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($65,160)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($64,400)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($64,120)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($64,050)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($63,820)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($63,800)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($63,800)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($63,580)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($63,190)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($62,890)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($62,640)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($62,620)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($62,470)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($62,370)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($62,280)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($62,280)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($62,130)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($62,120)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($61,860)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,810)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($61,800)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($61,770)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($61,290)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($60,600)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($60,550)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($60,390)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($60,190)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($60,070)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($60,020)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($59,650)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($59,050)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($58,940)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,870)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($58,750)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 82.43% / 61.59% / ($58,650)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($58,640)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,620)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($58,470)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($58,340)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,170)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($58,160)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($57,700)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($57,660)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($57,550)

Biological Technicians / 31.37% / 52.56% / ($57,510)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($57,430)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($57,390)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($57,080)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($57,020)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($56,850)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($56,600)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($56,550)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($56,460)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($56,210)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($55,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($55,690)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($55,490)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($55,290)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($55,090)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($55,010)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($54,920)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($54,890)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($54,560)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($54,430)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($54,210)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($53,750)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($53,710)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($53,040)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($52,720)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($52,600)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($52,540)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($52,260)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($52,140)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($52,130)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($52,000)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($51,810)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($51,430)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($51,330)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($51,320)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($51,130)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($51,120)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($50,990)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($50,960)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($50,690)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($50,670)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($50,620)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($50,610)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($50,440)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($50,400)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($50,340)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($50,340)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($50,290)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($50,270)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($50,260)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($50,160)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($50,140)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($50,020)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($49,940)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($49,880)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($49,740)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($49,690)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($49,640)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($49,630)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($49,630)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($49,610)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($49,400)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($49,230)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($49,230)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($49,120)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($49,100)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($49,080)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($49,000)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($48,990)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($48,750)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($48,740)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($48,570)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($48,540)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($48,520)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($48,470)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($48,430)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($48,430)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($48,250)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($48,220)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($48,110)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($48,070)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($48,040)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($47,980)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($47,940)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($47,920)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($47,920)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($47,880)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($47,730)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($47,700)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($47,670)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($47,550)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($47,540)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($47,520)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($47,450)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($47,380)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($47,340)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($47,260)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($47,180)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($47,160)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($47,120)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($47,030)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,960)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($46,880)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($46,800)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($46,460)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($46,420)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($46,420)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($46,380)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($46,350)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($46,340)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($46,330)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($46,330)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($46,170)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($46,080)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($45,990)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($45,930)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($45,920)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($45,780)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($45,760)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($45,750)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($45,690)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($45,660)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($45,570)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($45,330)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($45,260)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($45,130)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($45,010)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($44,910)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($44,860)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($44,810)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($44,770)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($44,660)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($44,580)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($44,540)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($44,390)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($44,350)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($44,080)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($43,960)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($43,680)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($43,600)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($43,530)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($43,380)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($43,370)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($43,350)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($43,310)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($43,220)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($43,030)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($42,770)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($42,670)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($42,660)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($42,540)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($42,420)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($42,360)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($42,290)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($42,290)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($42,260)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($42,240)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($41,740)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($41,730)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($41,670)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($41,640)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($41,600)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($41,590)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($41,380)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($41,340)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($41,330)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($41,300)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($41,220)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($40,960)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($40,710)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($40,610)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($40,470)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($40,410)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($40,240)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($40,240)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($40,140)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($40,130)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($39,990)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($39,530)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($39,460)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($39,390)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($39,320)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($39,280)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($39,160)

Helpers--Production Workers / 92.38% / 89.55% / ($39,070)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($38,950)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($38,770)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($38,760)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($38,670)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($38,630)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($38,630)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($38,300)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($38,290)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($38,270)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($38,180)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($38,150)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($38,140)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($38,100)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($38,020)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($38,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($38,010)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($37,800)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($37,680)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($37,640)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($37,580)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($37,450)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($37,390)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($37,080)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($36,910)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($36,840)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($36,670)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($36,670)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($36,560)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($36,480)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 89.23% / 53.66% / ($36,300)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($36,280)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($36,220)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($35,880)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($35,830)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($35,760)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($35,730)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($35,680)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($35,670)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($35,660)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($35,650)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($35,510)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($35,450)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($35,410)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($35,360)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($35,360)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($35,320)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($35,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($35,230)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($35,150)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($35,070)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($35,060)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($34,980)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($34,980)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($34,810)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($34,340)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($34,320)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($33,980)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($33,580)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($32,880)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($32,600)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($32,150)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($31,200)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($31,200)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2025): 510,600	U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.): 545,200
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.): 34,500 (6.8%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.): 42,000

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Importance: 98 (%)	Description: 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.
Importance: 97 (%)	Description: Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Importance: 91 (%)	Description: Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Importance: 91 (%)	Description: Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Repair or remove and replace system components.
Importance: 88 (%)	Description: Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Importance: 88 (%)	Description: Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Keep records of work assignments.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
Importance: 59 (%)	Description: Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
Importance: 57 (%)	Description: Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
Importance: 55 (%)	Description: Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Importance: 42 (%)	Description: Repair hydraulic or air pumps.
Importance: 42 (%)	Description: Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 84 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 80 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 75 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Clean equipment or facilities.
Create construction or installation diagrams.
Cut metal components for installation.
Cut openings in existing structures.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Estimate construction project costs.
Estimate construction project labor requirements.
Fabricate parts or components.
Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
Inspect work sites to determine condition or necessary repairs.
Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
Install gauges or controls.
Install green plumbing or water handling systems.
Install plumbing or piping.
Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Operate pumps or compressors.
Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
Record operational or environmental data.
Remove parts or components from equipment.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Select construction materials.
Weld metal components.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Assemble equipment or components.

Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.

Activity: Create visual designs or displays.

Activity: Cut materials.

Activity: Determine resource needs of projects or operations.

Activity: Direct construction or extraction activities.

Activity: Disassemble equipment.

Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.

Activity: Fabricate devices or components.

Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment.

Activity: Inspect facilities or equipment.

Activity: Install plumbing or piping equipment or systems.

Activity: Join parts using soldering, welding, or brazing techniques.

Activity: Maintain facilities or equipment.

Activity: Maintain operational records.

Activity: Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment.

Activity: Operate pumping systems or equipment.

Activity: Plan work activities.

Activity: Position materials or components for assembly.

Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.

Activity: Repair tools or equipment.

Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

Emerging Tech Skills

Accounting software:

Intuit QuickBooks

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Web platform development software:

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Accounting software:

Bookkeeping software
Job costing software
KRS Enterprises Service First!
Quicken

Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):

Bentley Systems AutoPIPE

COADE CAESAR II

Elite Software DPIPE

Elite Software FIRE

Elite Software HSYM

Elite Software Spipe

Heat loss calculation software

Klear Estimator

Pipepro Pipefitting

Quote Software QuoteExpress

Watter Hammer Software Hytran

Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):

AEC Design Group CADPIPE

Autodesk Building Systems

Drawing and drafting software

Elite Software Plumbing CAD

Elite Software Sprinkler CAD

Horizon Engineering Sigma Plumbing Calculator

ViziFlow

Data base user interface and query software:

Database software
Insight Direct ServiceCEO
PricePoint
Wintac Pro

Electronic mail software:

Email software

Facilities management software:

Maintenance management software

Project management software (scroll table below):

Estimating software

FastEST FastPipe

FastEST software

Piping construction costs estimation software

Vision InfoSoft Plumbing Bid Manager

Spreadsheet software:

PipingOffice

Word processing software:

Atlas Construction Business Forms
Wilhelm Publishing Threshold

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 43.3 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 34.8 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 9.3 (%)	Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 7.9 (%)	Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 4.6 (%)	Level of Education: Some College Courses

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 56.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 18.6 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 10.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 6.8 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.5 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Frequency of Attainment: 0.3 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

Local Salary Information

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Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

IAPMO - UPC Residential and Commercial Inspector
Journey Level Pipefitter-Steamfitter
Medical Gas Certification
Plumbing
Plumbing Plans Examiner
STAR Fire SprinklerFitter Mastery
UPC Journeyman Plumber

Professional Associations

Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC)
United Association (UA)

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment Mechanic

Aircraft Hydraulic Mechanic

Aircraft Plumbing Mechanic

Commercial Plumber

Corrosion Control Fitter

Diesel Engine Pipefitter

Drain Cleaner

Drain Technician

Dry Docks Utility Systems Repair Operator

Equipment Service Associate (ESA)

Fire Control System Installer

Fire Hydrant Mechanic

Fire Sprinkler Fitter

Fire Sprinkler Installer

Fire Sprinkler Service Technician

Fire Sprinkler Technician

Fitter

Gas Plumber

Gasfitter

Green Pipefitter

Green Plumber

Heating Mechanic

Heating Unit Installer

Hot Water Heater Installer

Hydrant Setter

Hydraulic Plumber

Industrial Gasfitter

Irrigation System Installer

Irrigation Technician

Journeyman Plumber

Licensed Plumber

Locomotive Pipefitter

Maintenance Plumber

Manhole Steamline Inspector

Pipe Fitter

Pipe Welder

Pipefitter

Pipefitter Helper

Pipefitter Journeyman

Pipeline Technician (Pipeline Tech)

Piping Designer

Plumber

Plumbing Installer

Plumbing Mechanic

Plumbing Service Tech (Plumbing Service Technician)

Plumbing Technician

Residential Plumber

Residential Service Plumber

Service Plumber

Ship and Boat Coppersmith

Ship and Boat Pipe Fitter

Soft Water Mechanic

Sprinkler Fitter

Sprinkler Installer

Sprinkling System Installer

Steam Heating Installer

Steam Pipefitter

Steam Service Inspector

Steam Trap Man

Steam Trap Worker

Steamfitter

Steamfitter Furnace Installer

Tinner

Underground Steamline Inspector

Valve Repairer

Water Distribution Operator

Water Hydrant Installer

Water Mechanic

Water Meter Installer

Water Pipe Installer

Water Pump Installer

Water Regulator

Water Softener Installer

Water Softener Servicer

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
2 - Boilermakers
3 - Pipelayers
4 - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
5 - Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners
6 - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
7 - Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
8 - Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
9 - Construction Laborers
10 - Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
11 - Electricians
12 - Helpers--Electricians
13 - Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
14 - Sheet Metal Workers
15 - Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
16 - Structural Iron and Steel Workers
17 - Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
18 - Millwrights
19 - Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
20 - Carpenters

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" occupation.

Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page