Average salary, compensation, and wages for Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the United StatesPipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are among the highest paid construction occupations. In 2002, median hourly earnings of pipelayers were $13.70. The middle 50 percent earned between $10.96 and $18.43. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.20, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $24.31. Also in 2002, median hourly earnings of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were $19.31. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.68 and $25.87. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.23, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.27. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in 2002 are shown below.
Apprentices usually begin at about 50 percent of the wage rate paid to experienced pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Wages increase periodically as skills improve. After an initial waiting period, apprentices receive the same benefits as experienced pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Many pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. More information on Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters occupation Number of Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Working conditions for Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Significant points for Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Training requirements for Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |