What Are Some Different Jobs in the Plumbing Trade?

</p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseCareers">Important Facts About These Careers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Median Annual Salary (2021) </td><td> $59,880 (<i>for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021 - 2031) </td><td> 2% (<i>for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Required Education </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr> <tr><td> Professional Certification </td><td> Licensing requirements vary, but most states require licensing for all plumbers to work independently</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---Pipelayers">Pipelayers</h3> <p>Pipelayers provide the major framework for outside plumbing systems. They install the actual pipe to build these systems. Pipelayers begin by digging trenches and preparing the grade where the pipes will lay. They may dig manually or use machines. Once the trenches are dug, pipelayers line the trenches with clay, concrete or plastic. Piping is laid in these trenches for sewers, drains or water mains. These workers also construct oil and gas lines, and they typically solder, weld or cement pipes together in place. </p> <h3 id="section---Plumbers">Plumbers</h3> <p>Plumbers work within residential, commercial or industrial properties to install and maintain water systems, including disposal, drainage and gas systems. In new construction, they work with blueprints to configure and install the plumbing systems. For maintenance and repair jobs, plumbers sometimes need to perform minor carpentry, such as cutting holes in walls to access pipes or hanging supports to hold pipes in place. They also install fixtures, such as showerheads, sinks and bathtubs, and appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and water heaters. </p> <h3 id="section---Pipefitters">Pipefitters</h3> <p>Pipefitters generally work in power and industrial plants, where they install and maintain the pipe systems used for industrial purposes, such as manufacturing, power generation or large-scale heating and cooling systems. They work with both high-pressure and low-pressure systems. Pipefitters also install the automated controls that are used to regulate industrial systems, and they generally specialize in one specific type of system. </p> <h3 id="section---Steamfitters">Steamfitters</h3> <p>Like pipefitters, steamfitters also generally work in power or industrial plants. Steamfitters specialize in pipe systems that move high-pressure liquids or gases. </p> <h3 id="section---Sprinklerfitters">Sprinklerfitters</h3> <p>Sprinklerfitters are a highly specialized group of plumbers. Sprinklerfitters install and maintain automatic fire sprinkler systems, such as the ones found in office buildings, manufacturing and industrial plants and large or multi-unit residential properties.</p>