Skilled Trades

How to Become a Pipefitter

Skilled TradesSeptember 29, 2024

Pipes are a critical component in most industrial settings, where they transport fuel, chemicals, and steam. Unlike the pipes found in residential bathrooms or kitchens, industrial pipes are made from different metals, are significantly larger, and are often welded to ensure airtight connections. Pipefitters are responsible for installing and maintaining these pipes, making them essential contributors to the operations of chemical plants and industrial manufacturing sites.

For those interested in a career that combines metalwork and science, learning how to become a pipefitter is just the first step. Pipefitters need significant hands-on experience before they can work independently, and a welding training program can help professionals develop the necessary skills to succeed in this field.

What Does a Pipefitter Do?

Pipefitters install, repair, and replace large industrial pipes that carry substances such as water, fuel, or food products. As opposed to plumbers who primarily work with pipes carrying water in residential settings, pipefitters typically work in large industrial settings, such as factories or energy plants.

Pipefitters work with large-caliber pipes designed for high-pressure systems. These pipes are often made of dense materials, such as steel and other metals, concrete, and PVC. To contain the high pressure and prevent leaks, welding is often involved in the pipefitting process. This makes pipefitting a good career option for those looking for welding jobs.

Working with large equipment can be physically demanding, and pipefitters must follow safety precautions to reduce and prevent injury or contact with potentially volatile materials. Testing is a regular part of the process; pipefitters are frequently on call for emergencies to replace or repair broken components as well as provide regular maintenance.

Pipefitters vs. Welders

For those considering a career as a pipefitter, it’s important to understand the distinction between the role of a pipefitter and that of a welder.

Welders heat, melt, and fuse metals together using various tools and techniques. They can apply these skills to a range of projects, including building construction, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, and industrial maintenance and repair.

By comparison, the role of pipefitters is more focused, involving the installation, maintenance, and repair of large pipes, primarily in manufacturing and industrial settings. Welding is one of many techniques pipefitters may use. Additionally, while welders almost exclusively work with metal, pipefitters work with other materials, including concrete and PVC.

In short, while pipefitters often use welding processes in their work and welders may apply their skills to laying or repairing pipes, they are typically distinct jobs.

Steps to Become a Pipefitter

The path to become a pipefitter may vary based on the employer’s needs or state’s qualifications. Here are a few steps to help put individuals on the path to a pipefitter career.

Step 1: Meet Education Requirements

Pipefitters are often required to have a minimum of a high school or GED diploma, but many employers may look for candidates who have completed a trade or technical school program. Some states may require a minimum number of education hours in addition to hands-on experience.

Given the importance of welding in a pipefitting career, prospective pipefitters may also benefit from a welding training program, which offers courses on different welding techniques, reading blueprints, and testing and maintaining welding equipment. These courses can also offer an opportunity to work hands-on, giving prospective pipefitters a leg up when entering the industry compared with those without on-the-job experience.

Step 2: Develop Key Skills

Pipefitting is a complex trade, requiring a mixture of physical labor, working well with others, and ensuring that all specifications and safety protocols are met while installing and maintaining pipework. The following are a few skills that pipefitters should develop to excel in this role:

  • Physical strength. Lifting heavy materials, such as metals and concrete, can be a standard part of a pipefitter’s job and often requires significant physical strength. Pipefitters frequently spend time on foot and around high temperatures when welding and should develop stamina for these work conditions.

  • Communication. As pipefitters often work in team settings, they should be able to direct instructions to co-workers and relay information to superiors quickly, especially in an emergency.

  • Attention to detail. Pipefitters must ensure that they follow blueprint specifications and use the right materials when installing pipes.

  • Safety protocol knowledge. Pipefitters regularly work with volatile materials that may be transported in pipes and high heat conditions when welding. To work safely, they should understand how to handle these materials properly and what to do in an emergency.

Step 3: Gain Experience

Gaining experience, either through courses or through training programs, is a key step to become a pipefitter. This step is also necessary for licensure in many states. To learn under the guidance of professionals, pipefitters may also seek apprenticeships, which can last several years but typically provide paid training while on the job. Apprenticeships may be required before a pipefitter can seek independent employment.

Step 4: Earn Certifications and Licensure

To ensure high-quality work, many states require pipefitters to be licensed before they can work independently. Licensing requirements vary by state.

Some employers hiring pipefitters to work with specific types of materials may look for candidates who have industry certifications, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30 certification or the STAR Steamfitting/Pipefitting Mastery certification.

Job Outlook for Pipefitters

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 2% between 2022 and 2032, about the same as the average projected growth for all careers. Most job openings for pipefitters will likely stem from workers retiring or leaving the profession.

Lay the Groundwork for Your Next Career Step

Understanding how to become a pipefitter may be the first step on your journey toward a new career path. The Fortis Welding Technology training program can help you develop your skills and gain hands-on experience in this field. The expertise you gain through the program can qualify you for a range of roles, whether you want to apply your skills more broadly as a welder or pursue a more specialized role, such as pipefitter.

In just 48 weeks, the program’s comprehensive curriculum covers welding techniques, blueprints, safety protocols, and other areas, imbuing you with the knowledge to start a rewarding career in welding or pipefitting in less than a year.

Discover your potential with Fortis.

Recommended Readings
Benefits of Trade School: Why a Hands-On Skilled Trades Career Might Be a Good Fit
Certified Welding Inspector: Career Overview
We Need Women in the Skilled Trades

Sources:
Aerotek, What Pipefitters Do and Why They’re Important
Construction Fanatics, “How to Become a Pipefitter”
Houston Chronicle, “What Is Needed to Be a Journeyman Pipefitter?”
Indeed, How to Become a Pipefitter Welder
Indeed, “What Does a Pipefitter Do? (With Salary and Job Outlook)”
Indeed, “What Does a Welder Do: Duties and Potential Jobs”
Indeed, Your Guide to Becoming a Pipefitter
Society for Human Resource Management, Pipefitter
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers