How To Become A Pipe Layer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pipe layer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A Pipe Layer is a skilled tradesman who lays pipes for water, drainage, or sewage disposal before construction starts. He/She measures and configures pipe routes and digs and grades trenches for pipes. He/She lays sections of pipes and connects them as required. His/Her job involves installing and maintaining pipelines. He/She uses magnetic or radio indicators to locate installed piping systems and repair or replace them. As a pipe layer, you train and supervise less-experienced pipelayers in the process. You also drill holes for auxiliary lines.

This position requires a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must have a certification in pipe laying and a minimum of three years of experience. They must be able to perform intense labor. They must also be familiar with pipe laying techniques. Applicants must possess skills like communication, problem-solving, analytical, and welding skills. A pipelayer makes an average annual salary of $38,820. This ranges between $27,470 and $68,030.

ScorePipe LayerUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $37,742

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 1.07%

Black or African American 9.12%

Hispanic or Latino 28.26%

Unknown 2.50%

White 57.96%

Gender

female 2.61%

male 97.39%

Age - 34

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 34

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.3

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pipe layer

Explore pipe layer education requirements

Most common pipe layer degrees

High School Diploma

68.9 %

Diploma

15.2 %

Associate

7.2 %

Start to develop specific pipe layer skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	14.17%
Asphalt	9.79%
Water Mains	8.65%
Pipe Systems	5.80%
PVC	5.27%

Complete relevant pipe layer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pipe layers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pipe layer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pipe layer resumes.

Research pipe layer duties and responsibilities

Make sure the trench for pipe are dug and on grade.
Pipe layer, run heavy equipment, general labor
Operate equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
Pipe layer, with experience in c900, cast iron, RCP.

Prepare your pipe layer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pipe layer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a pipe layer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable pipe layer resume templates

Build a professional pipe layer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your pipe layer resume.