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How to hire a journeyman pipe fitter

Journeyman pipe fitter hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring journeyman pipe fitters in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a journeyman pipe fitter is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per journeyman pipe fitter on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 60,468 journeyman pipe fitters in the US, and there are currently 6,230 job openings in this field.
  • San Diego, CA, has the highest demand for journeyman pipe fitters, with 2 job openings.

How to hire a journeyman pipe fitter, step by step

To hire a journeyman pipe fitter, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a journeyman pipe fitter, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step journeyman pipe fitter hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a journeyman pipe fitter job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new journeyman pipe fitter
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the journeyman pipe fitter you need to hire. Certain journeyman pipe fitter roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a journeyman pipe fitter to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a journeyman pipe fitter that fits the bill.

    The following list breaks down different types of journeyman pipe fitters and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Journeyman Pipe FitterDescriptionHourly rate
    Journeyman Pipe FitterPlumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.$19-36
    Fire Sprinkler InstallerA fire sprinkler installer is primarily in charge of installing and maintaining sprinkler systems that activate when it detects fire. Before installing the sprinkler systems, they usually meet with clients or representatives to identify their needs and preferences, visit sites to conduct measurements and assessments, understand blueprints and diagrams, and process the necessary paperwork... Show more$12-25
    Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticeA sprinkler fitter apprentice is responsible for assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of sprinkler systems. Day-to-day duties will typically include connecting piping systems to supply tanks, pumps, control equipment, and compressors, installing brackets, hangers, and clamps to support the sprinkler and piping system, and selecting, measuring, and threading pipes... Show more$13-24
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • HVAC
    • Hot Water
    • OSHA
    • Cooling Towers
    • SMAW
    • Water Pumps
    • PVC
    • Carbon Steel
    • Pipe Supports
    • Brazing
    • Pneumatic Equipment
    • Tack Welding
    • Processing Systems
    • Demo
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Fabricate copper, stainless, PVC, galvanize and carbon steel pipe in the shop.
    • Dirty pipe, schedule 80 PVC pipe systems inch up to 10 inch.
    • Direct inbound or outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, or logistics quality management.
    • Direct inbound or outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, or logistics quality management.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your journeyman pipe fitter job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A journeyman pipe fitter can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, journeyman pipe fitters' average salary in south carolina is 57% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level journeyman pipe fitters 47% less than senior-level journeyman pipe fitters.
    • Certifications. A journeyman pipe fitter with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a journeyman pipe fitter's salary.

    Average journeyman pipe fitter salary

    $55,319yearly

    $26.60 hourly rate

    Entry-level journeyman pipe fitter salary
    $40,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 2, 2026
  4. Writing a journeyman pipe fitter job description

    A journeyman pipe fitter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a journeyman pipe fitter job description:

    Journeyman pipe fitter job description example

    Typically 3 years and above documented field experience in chosen craft discipline with ability to read and interpret instructions and document, plan and perform work activities independently. Lays out, fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, pipe supports, fixtures, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water fixtures and equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling and production and processing systems.
    Primary Job Function:

    + Selects type and size of pipe and related materials and equipment, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to job specifications.

    + Inspects worksite to determine presence of obstructions.

    + Plans sequence on installation to avoid obstructions and activities of other workers.

    + Cuts pipe using hacksaw, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch and pipe cutting machine.

    + Threads pipe using threading machine.

    + Bends pipe by hand or with pipe-bending tools and machine.

    + Mounts pipe hangers and brackets on walls and ceiling to hold pipe.

    + Assembles and installs a variety of metal or nonmetal pipes and pipe fittings, using threaded caulked, soldering, brazen, fused, or cemented joints, and hand tools.

    + Secures pipes to structure with bracket, clamps, and hangers, using hand and power tools.

    + Installs and maintains refrigeration and air conditioning systems, including compressors, pumps, meter, pneumatic and hydraulic controls and piping,

    + Test piping systems for leaks by increasing pressure in pipes and observing gauges attached to pipes for indication of leaks.

    + Welds pipe supports to structural steel members.

    + May observe production machines in assigned area of manufacturing facility to detect machinery malfunctions. May operate machinery to verify repair.

    + Loads, transports and unloads material, tools, equipment and supplies.

    + May assist in lifting, positioning and securing of material and work pieces during installation.

    + Performs minor maintenance of cleaning activities of tools and equipment.

    + Respiratory protection is common and may be required.

    + Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. Perform other duties as required.

    Experience/Education:

    + May require a high school diploma or its equivalent, typically with at least 3 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

    + Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

    + Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision.

    + Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

    Competencies:

    + Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.

    + Make decisions based on measurable criteria.

    + Apply shop mathematics to solve problems

    + Plan work and select proper tools.

    + Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.

    + Work at heights without fear.

    + Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.

    Other Criteria:

    + Complies with Strike's policies and procedures.

    + Complies with Strike's Drug & Alcohol Policy maintaining favorable drug testing results throughout employment.

    + Performs job safely with respect to others, property and individual safety.

    + Works effectively with others to encourage teamwork and productivity.

    + Eligible to work in the United States.

    Strike is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    Powered by JazzHR
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right journeyman pipe fitter for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your journeyman pipe fitter job on Zippia to find and attract quality journeyman pipe fitter candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit journeyman pipe fitters, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new journeyman pipe fitter

    Once you have selected a candidate for the journeyman pipe fitter position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new journeyman pipe fitter first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a journeyman pipe fitter?

Before you start to hire journeyman pipe fitters, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire journeyman pipe fitters pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $55,319 per year for a journeyman pipe fitter, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for journeyman pipe fitters in the US typically range between $19 and $36 an hour.

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