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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Part of Architecture & Construction, in the Construction pathway.

Bright outlookJob zone 3: medium preparationO*NET 47-2152.00

What the work is

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.

On a typical day

  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
  • Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
  • Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
  • 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.

What it pays

$58,180
Median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX metro
New workers start near $37,240
Experienced workers reach $78,530
  1. $37k10th
  2. $46k25th
  3. $58kMedian
  4. $69k75th
  5. $79k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $37,240, 25th $46,230, Median $58,180, 75th $68,510, 90th $78,530

About 3,190 people do this job in the San Antonio area.

Job outlook

Alamo region (Bexar and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034. U.S. figures from the BLS for comparison.

+10.2%

employment change in the Alamo region, 3,580 to 3,946 jobs · U.S. +5%

342

openings a year in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 44,000

3,580

employed in the Alamo region in 2024 · U.S. 504,500

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent · Training: Apprenticeship

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Critical Thinking3.5
  2. Troubleshooting3.1
  3. Repairing3.1
  4. Judgment and Decision Making3.1
  5. Monitoring2.9
  6. Coordination3.0
  7. Operations Monitoring3.0
  8. Complex Problem Solving2.9

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. High school or less43%
  2. Certificate43%
  3. Some college5%
  4. Associate degree9%

Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • St. Philip's
  1. Plumbing Trades

    Certificate · Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics

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