Pipe Fitters
Architecture & Construction > ConstructionProjected Growth: Much faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Lay out, assemble, install, or maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, or related hydraulic or pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, or industrial production or processing systems.
Common job titles of Pipe Fitters include:
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Experience and Education
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.
43.74% said they needed a Post-Secondary Certificate.
36.76% said they needed a High School Diploma.
Tasks
Measure and mark pipes for cutting or threading.
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Cut or bore holes in structures, such as bulkheads, decks, walls, or mains, prior to pipe installation, using hand or power tools.
Assemble or secure pipes, tubes, fittings, or related equipment, according to specifications, by welding, brazing, cementing, soldering, or threading joints.
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
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.
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
Remove and replace worn components.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
Install or test gray water systems, such as recycling, treatment, or irrigation systems.
Dip nonferrous piping materials in a mixture of molten tin and lead to obtain a coating that prevents erosion or galvanic or electrolytic action.
Prepare cost estimates for clients.
Tools
Wire tracers
Winches
Welding hoods
Welding clamps
Water stoppers
Water samplers
Water pumps
All ToolsVertical bandsaws
Utility knives
Two-hole pins
Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
Tuggers
Truck cranes
Trenchers
Transit levels
Torch cutter guides
Tirfors
Stationary grinders
Stands
Split bubble levels
Soldering equipment
Slip joint pliers
Skip loaders
Single-cut mill saw files
Shielded arc welding tools
Screwdrivers
Scaffolding
Safety harnesses
Roll groovers
Reciprocating saws
Reamers
Rasps
Radius markers
Quality control QC welders’ gauges
Pulleys
Pry bars
Propane torches
Pressure gauges
Power hammers
Power hacksaws
Power drills
Portable welding machines
Portable grinders
Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters
Pocket levels
Pneumatic wire brushes
Pneumatic pipe bevelers
Plumb bobs
Plasma cutting guides
Pit depth gauges
Pipeline jacks
Pipe wrenches
Pipe vises
Pipe threading machines
Pipe threaders
Pipe lasers
Pipe flaring tools
Pipe flange aligners
Pipe fabrication shears
Pipe cutters
Pipe bending tools
Pipe bending mandrels
Phillips head screwdrivers
Personal computers
Pedestal grinders
Pavement stompers
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Ohmmeters
Offset grinders
Nylon strap wrenches
Null locators
Notebook computers
Mud pumps
Monkey wrench sets
Metal inert gas MIG welders
Metal hand saws
Metal cutting taps
Metal cutting dies
Measuring tapes
Material-hoisting slings
Manual pipe benders
Manlifts
Magnetic circle layout tools
Locking pliers
Loaders
Levels
Leak-testing gauges
Laser printers
Laser levels
Ladders
Jam-proof ratchet threaders
Jackhammers
Impact wrenches
Impact screwdrivers
Hydrostatic testers
Hydraulic valve turners
Hydraulic cranes
Hole saws
Hole cutting tools
Heat guns
Hand tachometers
Hand hacksaws
Hammers
Generators
Framing squares
Forklifts
Flow gauges
Flat head screwdrivers
Explosimeters
Dumpy levels
Drophead dies
Drill presses
Direct current DC arc welder
Desktop computers
Deburring tools
Cutting torches
Crescent wrenches
Combination squares
Cold chisels
Circular saws
Chain wrenches
Chain falls
Centering head tools
Calipers
Box end wrenches
Bolt cutters
Block and tackle equipment
Basin wrenches
Ball peen hammers
Backhoes
Automatic levels
Augers
Angle air grinders
Amp meters
Alternating current AC welding equipment
Allen wrenches
Air-acetylene torches
Air wire brushes
Air operated grinders
Air compressors
Adjustable wrenches
Technologies
AEC Design Group CADPIPE
Computer aided design CAD software
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
ViziFlow
Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
COADE CAESAR II
Email software
All TechnologiesInternet browser software
Pipepro Pipefitting
Piping construction costs estimation software
PipingOffice
Watter Hammer Software Hytran
Skills
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.