what is a pipefitter?
A pipefitter is a specialised tradesperson trained in assembling, organising and maintaining mechanical piping systems. You work on industrial, high-pressure installations for heating and cooling systems, steam, ventilation, fuel systems and chemical transmission.
Contrary to popular belief, pipefitters are not plumbers. Even steamfitters, who do a type of plumbing, are responsible for completely different high-pressure piping from other plumbing systems. Plumbers work in the water and sanitation industries; pipefitters use metals like stainless steel and carbon instead of alloy metals and work in a wide range of industries. In this role, you shape components to exact specifications for industrial use. You put together blueprints and review plans.
As a pipefitter, you select pipes and other materials and equipment needed for a project. You also use your skills to manipulate the shapes and settings of pipes. You install these systems to avoid obstructions or the disruption of building operations. As a pipefitter, you perform tests, fix glitches and leaks and eliminate hazards. Your job is to ensure the pipes provide optimal performance in high-pressure environments. If you discover any issues, you make adjustments to ensure the system runs smoothly. As well as installing new systems, you perform repairs and maintenance tasks on existing systems.
Would working as a pipefitter suit your resilience under pressure? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a pipefitter role.
pipefitter jobsaverage pipefitter salary
According to National Careers, the median compensation package for pipefitters ranges from £20,000 to £40,000 per year. Entry-level workers with minimal skills and experience take home as little as £20,000 a year, while pipefitters with extensive experience can demand higher salaries.
what factors affect the salary of a pipefitter?
As a pipefitter, your compensation package depends on your education, experience and scope of work. When you have better qualifications like a diploma or certificate, your earnings are higher than a pipefitter on an apprenticeship. Having minimal experience also reduces your salary prospects since you possess limited skills. However, you can negotiate a higher salary when you have over five years of experience with expert-level knowledge.
As a pipefitter, you work on new construction projects for pipes and hydraulic systems or perform maintenance tasks. New construction projects are large-scale and complex with huge budgets. Hence, your salaries are higher due to the complex tasks involved. Maintenance and repair work attracts lower salaries as you fix a small portion of the system.
types of pipefitters
The types of pipefitters depend on the level of experience and industry specialisation. Some include:
- master pipefitters: a master pipefitter is a licenced tradesman who typically supervises apprentice and journeymen pipefitters. As a master pipefitter, you work on new construction projects overseeing the whole process. You also maintain and inspect existing systems.
- general pipefitters: as a general pipefitter, you design, fabricate, install and maintain industrial piping systems. You work on systems to ensure they meet commercial, manufacturing and industrial specifications.
- steamfitters: as a steamfitter, you specialise in designing and constructing systems that manage the flow of gases and liquids at high pressure. You also test systems for functionality and perform repairs or routine maintenance tasks.
- gasfitters: a gasfitter is a technician who uses technical expertise to pipe gas safely. Gas is a volatile element that requires a specialist's experience. Gasfitters are responsible for the delicate balance between equipment, piping and meters.
- sprinkler fitters: as a sprinkler fitter, you specialise in piping for fire suppression systems. You install, inspect and certify all air, antifreeze, water, chemical and anti-fire foam solutions.
working as a pipefitter
Working as a pipefitter involves juggling multiple tasks and finding solutions to problems as they emerge. Let's explore pipefitters' specific duties, responsibilities, work schedules and job outlook.
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pipefitter job description
Some of the tasks performed by pipefitters include:
- reading and designing blueprints: you design and assemble piping systems. Some new construction projects require you to design blueprints for piping that conveys hot liquids or chemicals in industrial facilities. If you have blueprints, you read and interpret the technical drawings during construction.
- installing complex pipes: your primary responsibility is to lay out, assemble and install piping systems. You use the blueprints to lay out the pipes. Installation work involves using saws, pipe threaders and cutting torches to cut, hammer and thread pipes to the desired specifications. Sometimes, you weld, braze, solder or cement joints to secure pipes or fittings.
- maintaining and repairing pipes: you perform routine maintenance on piping systems to ensure they maintain their structural integrity. You also oversee repairs and replacement of worn-out parts. If the automatic pipe control systems aren't working as expected, you check for issues in the installation and adjust the settings.
- responding to emergencies: your job involves responding to emergencies in the piping systems. For instance, any blockages or leakage during transportation can cause problems. Your job is to fix the issues promptly.
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work environment
Pipefitters are fully-fledged journeymen. While you have a central office where you plan and work, you are usually out and about. You go where your skills are currently needed. Most pipefitters work from construction sites, warehouses and businesses. Pipefitters are also essential in many fields that require industrial operations, such as power stations, factories and offshore installations. If you're a supervisor, teacher or trainer, you spend a lot of time behind a desk. When you are a trainer, you can work remotely. However, most provide their services in person.
As a pipefitter, expect to travel to sites regularly. Many jobs require working in damp, dark spaces - wherever pipes and related systems are found. You often work in tight areas, climb ladders and lift heavy tools.
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who are your colleagues?
As a pipefitter, your colleagues might include thermal insulation engineers, engineering operatives and welders. You also work with engineering construction craftworkers and heating and ventilation engineers, as well as other specialists that could include plumbers, cost planners and maintenance technicians.
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work schedule
Pipefitters generally work 46 to 48 hours weekly, but this is not set in stone. Some employers require you to work on weekends, overnight and public holidays. Construction sites often require pipefitters on day and night shifts. A government contract may need a pipefitter at the weekend. Last-minute calls to handle an emergency are not unusual. As a pipefitter, you should be prepared for the demands of erratic scheduling.
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job outlook
As a pipefitter, you can progress to a supervisor position or become an engineering workshop manager. Some pipefitters improve their skills and work in welding inspection or quality control. Other specialisation opportunities are in engineering design and insulation work.
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advantages of finding a pipefitter job through randstad
Finding your pipefitter job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a pipefitter is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too
education and skills
Some of the routes for getting into the role include:
- college course: to become a pipefitter, you should complete a college course. You can become a trainee pipefitter when you complete a Level 2 certificate in welding or a Level 2 diploma in engineering, plumbing and heating. Some pipefitters complete a Level 3 Diploma or T Level in building services engineering.
- apprenticeship: if you don't qualify for the college courses, pursue advanced apprenticeship opportunities in engineering pipefitter or pipe welder to join the role. The apprenticeships allow you to study as you work.
pipefitter skills and competencies
Pipefitting requires you to have a variety of skills and competencies. The most successful pipefitters have the following skills:
- communication: pipefitters constantly share information. You do critical work and are responsible for knowing what's happening. Pipefitters also deal with managers, labourers and vendors. Communication skills help you interact with everyone appropriately.
- flexibility: pipefitters handle equipment and adjust to situations on the spot. The ability to adapt on the go is a characteristic that benefits any pipefitter.
- knowledge of mechanics: as a pipefitter, it is important to stay on top of the latest tech in your industry. You should know how to assemble, repair and manage the materials necessary to implement piping systems. Expect to read blueprints to ensure piping systems are functional and safe. Advanced maths is necessary, as precise measurements are important. It is also crucial to know all the industry's toolkits.
- physical strength and dexterity: pipefitters use tools, materials and equipment that can be heavy. Since you lift and carry these things, you should be in relatively good shape.
- troubleshooting skills: it's important to be confident in developing new piping systems. Delicate operations and emergencies often require quick thinking and careful problem-solving.
- welding and hvac experience: a good pipefitter should understand how to create safe bonds between metals. You should also know when to step aside and let a pro do the welding. Some pipefitters put together HVAC infrastructures for large commercial and industrial HVAC units. In these jobs, you set up gas and water supply lines and see that hot water or steam is distributed safely to all units.
FAQs
Here are the most FAQs about working as a pipefitter
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what exactly do pipefitters do?
Pipefitters install and assemble piping systems for transporting various components. Your job is to read the blueprints and design the piping systems to transport water, chemicals, fuel and gases. You also maintain and repair the pipes to ensure they perform optimally.
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is pipefitter a good job?
With expected industry demand and growth, pipefitting is a great job if you have a knack for construction and work well with your hands. Furthermore, pipefitting is a solid career move for financial and personal expansion.
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how much money does a pipefitter make?
As a pipefitter, your earnings depend on your experience and the project's complexity. Your compensation package ranges from £20,000 to £40,000 per year.
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is pipefitting dangerous?
Pipefitters use volatile machinery and work under extreme conditions. Burns and lacerations are not uncommon, and everyone on-site should follow regulations that promote safety. However, this is where classwork and on-the-job training helps. Apprentice pipefitters are eased into the more dangerous aspects of the job, and more experienced professionals know how to handle hazardous situations safely.
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how do I apply for a pipefitter vacancy?
Applying for a pipefitter job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our pipefitter job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
