What does a pipe fitter do?
A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.
Pipe fitter responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real pipe fitter resumes:
- Certify GTAW & SMAW in various alloys on pipe and pipeline within various refineries.
- Join piping by threading, caulking, wiping, soldering, brazing, fuse, or cement joints.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe theaters.
- Read blue prints and ISO metric drawings.
- Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
- Collaborate with journeymen of many trades to complete tasks.
- Stay after work hours to practice TIG and Mig welding.
- Program, make changes to logic and troubleshoot PLC's.
- Weld pipes and supports using all welding processes including aluminum.
- Ship fitter helper fabrication tac weld torch work blue print reading.
- Help troubleshoot and problem solve bringing all systems up to code.
- Perform installation by climbing to heights and scaffolding while lifting all equipment.
- Work off of lifts, ladders, scaffolds to install piping to proper areas according to design and fire sprinkler code.
- Observe and enforce safety regulations to ensure compliance with OSHA, local and state laws.
- Apply safety and shop fundamentals to power and hand tools, and obtain training in OSHA safety standards.
Pipe fitter skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Pipe Fitters are proficient in Carbon Steel, Hand Tools, and Safety Procedures. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Pipe Fitters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Carbon Steel, 16%
Arrange the material according to kind of steel like alloy, low temp, carbon steel, stainless, etc.
- Hand Tools, 11%
General pipe fitting; utilizing all hand tools including brazing, copper, soldering copper fitting, utilized portable man lifts.
- Safety Procedures, 7%
Discussed safety procedures with appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies.
- Isometric Drawings, 6%
Translated information from customer design to Isometric Drawings using AutoCAD.
- Hot Water, 5%
Perform residential service calls that include faucets, tub and shower valves, hot water heaters, drain repairs, sum-pumps.
- Pipe Supports, 5%
Lay out, assemble, install, and maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
Most pipe fitters use their skills in "carbon steel," "hand tools," and "safety procedures" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential pipe fitter responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a pipe fitter to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "plumbers must be able to direct workers, bid on jobs, and plan work schedules." Pipe fitters often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "assemble fire hydrants to pipe lines skills used teamwork, heavy equipment skills, effective communication skills, time management skills. "
Dexterity. Many pipe fitter duties rely on dexterity. "plumbers must be able to maneuver parts and tools precisely, often in tight spaces.," so a pipe fitter will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways pipe fitter responsibilities rely on dexterity: "steam tracing, plant air, hot oil lines, big bore piping, screw pipe, forklift operating, etc. "
Troubleshooting skills. pipe fitters are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to pipe fitter responsibilities, because "plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters find, diagnose, and repair problems." A pipe fitter resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "led and directed pipe fitting crew responsible for troubleshooting and fixing sewer lines"
Mechanical skills. pipe fitter responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters choose from a variety of tools to assemble, maintain, and repair pipe systems." This resume example shows what pipe fitters do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "used hand torch, band saws and grinders to demo existing piping to 14 mechanical room hvac units. "
Physical strength. Another crucial skill for a pipe fitter to carry out their responsibilities is "physical strength." A big part of what pipe fitters relies on this skill, since "plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters must be able to lift and move heavy tools and materials." How this skill relates to pipe fitter duties can be seen in an example from a pipe fitter resume snippet: "installed and then tested installed pipe lines; used pressure gauges, hydrostatic testers, physical observation, and other methods. "
The three companies that hire the most pipe fitters are:
- Tradesmen International159 pipe fitters jobs
- Huntington Ingalls Industries5 pipe fitters jobs
- Cenergy International Services3 pipe fitters jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable pipe fitter resume templates
Build a professional pipe fitter resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your pipe fitter resume.
Compare different pipe fitters
Pipe fitter vs. 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. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between pipe fitters and mason. For instance, pipe fitter responsibilities require skills such as "carbon steel," "hand tools," "isometric drawings," and "hot water." Whereas a mason is skilled in "masonry," "scaffolding," "safety regulations," and "dump truck." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Masons tend to reach similar levels of education than pipe fitters. In fact, masons are 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Pipe fitter vs. 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. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that pipe fitter responsibilities requires skills like "isometric drawings," "hot water," "pipe supports," and "pneumatic equipment." But a journeyman might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "plumbing," and "osha."
Journeymen earn a higher average salary than pipe fitters. But journeymen earn the highest pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $62,379. Additionally, pipe fitters earn the highest salaries in the construction with average pay of $57,501 annually.journeymen earn similar levels of education than pipe fitters in general. They're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Pipe fitter vs. Journeyman plumber
A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from pipe fitter resumes include skills like "isometric drawings," "hot water," "pipe supports," and "pneumatic equipment," whereas a journeyman plumber is more likely to list skills in "plumbing," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "drainage systems. "
Journeyman plumbers earn the best pay in the construction industry, where they command an average salary of $57,788. Pipe fitters earn the highest pay from the construction industry, with an average salary of $57,501.journeyman plumbers typically earn similar educational levels compared to pipe fitters. Specifically, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Pipe fitter vs. Journeyman ironworker
Types of pipe fitter
Updated January 8, 2025
