How to hire a pipe fitter apprentice

How to hire a pipe fitter apprentice, step by step

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

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the pipe fitter apprentice you need to hire. Certain pipe fitter apprentice 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?

   Yes

   No

   A pipe fitter apprentice's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pipe fitter apprentices from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of pipe fitter apprentices.

   Type of Pipe Fitter Apprentice	Description	Hourly rate
   Pipe Fitter Apprentice	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$13-23
   Mason	A mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise... Show more	$13-32
   Journeyman	A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman... Show more	$18-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pipe Systems
   • Caulking
   • Brazing
   • Hand Tools
   • Plumbing
   • Safety Regulations
   • Ladders
   • Tape Measure
   • Processing Systems
   • Sprinkler Systems
   • PPE
   • Torches
   • PVC
   • System Layout

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Install PVC, copper gas lines, and PEX water lines.
   • Apprentice in the trade of pipe fitting for an employee own HVAC company.
   • Assemble numerous valves for refinery pipelines.
   • Move significant load with safe use of slings, chains, shackles, hooks, cables, and rigging equipment.
   • Use of technical mathematics, blueprint interpretation, and applicable codes and standards.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, pipe fitter apprentices' average salary in south carolina is 53% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pipe fitter apprentices 41% less than senior-level pipe fitter apprentices.
   • Certifications. A pipe fitter apprentice 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 pipe fitter apprentice's salary.

   Average pipe fitter apprentice salary

   $38,503yearly

   $18.51 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level pipe fitter apprentice salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a pipe fitter apprentice job description

   A pipe fitter apprentice 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a pipe fitter apprentice job description:

   Pipe fitter apprentice job description example

   Req_Number: 2022-6929
   Category: Construction
   Type: Regular Full-Time
   
   Job Summary
   
   Assists with layout, assembly and installation of plumbing systems. These systems may consist of pipes, fittings, piping systems, fixtures and equipment for heating, cooling, gas, steam, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial processing systems. Works with various types of tools, materials and equipment under the guidance and direction from supervisor.
   
   Company Overview
   
   Established in 1946, TDIndustries has developed into one of America's premier Mechanical Construction and Facility Services companies serving clients through the full life-cycle of a facility, to include engineering, construction, operations and maintenance. For 70 years, our employee-owned company has provided innovative services that optimize the performance of world-class mechanical and electrical systems that serve healthcare facilities, hotels, schools, sports arenas, mission critical facilities and industrial complexes and other essential institutions.
   
   Our employees, whom we call "Partners" are the heart of our success and what sets us apart from our competitors. FORTUNE Magazine recognized TDIndustries as one of the "100 Best Places to Work", "Top 50 Training Organizations" and "Top 30 Companies to Retire From" due to our solid commitment to the personal and professional development of each employee.
   
   Essential Duties
   
   • Assists in the layout, assembly, and installation of plumbing systems.
   
   • Conducts assigned daily job requirements with the utmost safety, quality, and productivity in mind.
   
   • Responsible for skilled use of tools, equipment, and materials pertinent to the pipefitter trade. Keeps tools and work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
   
   • Has and maintains proper use of all Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
   
   • Familiarizes self with project task safety plans, documentation, practices and procedures and executes them during the work day.
   
   • Completes trade related training as required.
   
   • May provide guidance to less experienced colleagues.
   
   • Performs other duties as required.
   
   Minimum Requirements
   
   High School Diploma or GED. Craft training is preferred. 2-4 years of experience as a Pipefitting Apprentice is required.
   
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   TDIndustries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. TDIndustries recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. EOE Minorities/ Females/ Protected Veterans/ Disabled
   
   The following factors are considered when evaluating an applicant's background and criminal record, if any: the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the nature of the risk it poses in the particular job. Disqualification for Employment:
   
   Although not intended to be an exhaustive list, examples for grounds of rejection of an applicant include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   • Falsification or omission of information on the employment application or during any phase of the employment process, including if the person is hired before the falsification or omission is discovered.
   
   • If the applicant will be operating a company or mileage-reimbursed vehicle that is a requirement of the job and currently has a suspended license or, during the past three years, has received more than two moving violations,} or has been convicted of, has entered a plea of nolo contendere, or is/ has been the subject of a deferred adjudication agreement of driving or operating a vehicle under the influence in violation of applicable laws.
   
   • Persons who test positive for the presence of any illegal drug or controlled substance as outlined in the Drugs and Alcohol Policy, will not be hired, or if hired conditionally, pending drug screening results.
   
   • Not authorized to work in the United States.
   
   PI194471681

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find pipe fitter apprentices for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your pipe fitter apprentice job on Zippia to find and recruit pipe fitter apprentice candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with pipe fitter apprentice candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 pipe fitter apprentice

   Once you've found the pipe fitter apprentice candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new pipe fitter apprentice. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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