Pipe layer demographics and statistics in the US
Pipe layer demographics research summary. Zippia estimates pipe layer demographics and statistics in the United States by using a database of 30 million profiles. Our pipe layer estimates are verified against BLS, Census, and current job openings data for accuracy. Zippia's data science team found the following key facts about pipe layers after extensive research and analysis:
- There are over 32,266 pipe layers currently employed in the United States.
- 2.6% of all pipe layers are women, while 97.4% are men.
- The average pipe layer age is 35 years old.
- The most common ethnicity of pipe layers is White (58.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (28.3%), Black or African American (9.1%) and Unknown (2.5%).
- Pipe layers are most in-demand in Frisco, TX.
- Missoula, MT pays an annual average wage of $38,541, the highest in the US.
- In 2022, women pipe layers earned 101% of what men earned.
- Alaska is the best state for pipe layers to live.
- Pipe layers are 89% more likely to work at private companies in comparison to public companies.
On this page
Pipe layer demographics by:
Pipe layer gender statistics
2.6% of pipe layers are women and 97.4% of pipe layers are men.
- Male, 97.4%
- Female, 2.6%
Pipe layer gender ratio
| Gender | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Male | 97.4% |
| Female | 2.6% |
Pipe layer gender pay gap
Women earn $1.01 for every $1 earned by men
Male income
$37,664
Female income
$38,070
Pipe layer gender ratio over time
This data breaks down the percentage of men and women in pipe layer positions over time. Currently, 2.6% of pipe layers are female.
Pipe layer gender ratio by year
| Year | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 96.90% | 3.10% |
| 2011 | 97.33% | 2.67% |
| 2012 | 96.73% | 3.27% |
| 2013 | 95.82% | 4.18% |
| 2014 | 96.69% | 3.31% |
| 2015 | 97.03% | 2.97% |
| 2016 | 96.19% | 3.81% |
| 2017 | 97.48% | 2.52% |
| 2018 | 95.82% | 4.18% |
| 2019 | 94.16% | 5.84% |
| 2020 | 96.34% | 3.66% |
| 2021 | 97.39% | 2.61% |
Pipe layer related jobs gender ratio
We compared pipe layers with similar job titles to see how gender ratios vary. As you can see, water softener installer and insulation worker have the biggest gender ratio gaps.
| Job title | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Composition Floor Setter | 34% | 66% |
| Gas Fitter | 97% | 3% |
| Insulation Worker | 97% | 2% |
| Water Softener Installer | 97% | 3% |
| Pipe Layer | 97% | 3% |
Male
Female
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
Pipe layer demographics by race
The most common ethnicity among pipe layers is White, which makes up 58.0% of all pipe layers. Comparatively, 28.3% of pipe layers are Hispanic or Latino and 9.1% of pipe layers are Black or African American.
- White, 58.0%
- Hispanic or Latino, 28.3%
- Black or African American, 9.1%
- Unknown, 2.5%
- Asian, 1.1%
- American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
Pipe layer race
| Pipe layer race | Percentages |
|---|---|
| White | 58.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 28.3% |
| Black or African American | 9.1% |
| Unknown | 2.5% |
| Asian | 1.1% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 1.0% |
Pipe layer race and ethnicity over time
See how pipe layer racial and ethnic diversity trended since 2010 according to the United States Census Bureau data.
Pipe layer race and ethnicity by year
| Year | White | Black or African American | Asian | Hispanic or Latino |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 74.67% | 6.12% | 1.17% | 15.16% |
| 2011 | 73.64% | 6.15% | 1.53% | 15.97% |
| 2012 | 72.97% | 6.68% | 1.35% | 16.34% |
| 2013 | 74.36% | 6.01% | 1.14% | 15.73% |
| 2014 | 73.23% | 6.45% | 1.22% | 16.59% |
| 2015 | 73.18% | 6.24% | 1.35% | 16.86% |
| 2016 | 72.09% | 6.18% | 1.37% | 17.75% |
| 2017 | 72.55% | 6.27% | 1.39% | 17.27% |
| 2018 | 60.24% | 6.30% | 0.39% | 29.72% |
| 2019 | 63.58% | 7.59% | 1.01% | 25.80% |
| 2020 | 59.61% | 6.99% | 1.55% | 26.02% |
| 2021 | 57.96% | 9.12% | 1.07% | 28.26% |
Pipe layer wage gap by race
According to our data, white pipe layers have the highest average salary compared to other ethnicities. Black or african american pipe layers have the lowest average salary at $36,613.
| Ethnicity | Salary |
|---|---|
| Unknown | $38,166 |
| White | $38,853 |
| Black or African American | $36,613 |
| Asian | $37,807 |
| Hispanic or Latino | $36,924 |
Average pipe layer age
See how the average age of pipe layers varies based on ethnicity and gender.
Male
Female
Pipe layer age by race and gender
| Race | Male age | Female age |
|---|---|---|
| White | 33 | |
| Black or African American | 35 | |
| Hispanic or Latino | 37 |
Pipe layer age breakdown
The average age of pipe layers is 40+ years years old, representing 37% of the pipe layer population.
Pipe layer age breakdown
| Pipe Layer Years | Percentages |
|---|---|
| 40+ years | 37% |
| 30-40 years | 26% |
| 20-30 years | 35% |
Pipe layer educational attainment
The most common degree for pipe layers is high school diploma, with 69% of pipe layers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are diploma degree at 15% and diploma degree at 7%.
- High School Diploma, 69%
- Diploma, 15%
- Associate, 7%
- Bachelor's, 4%
- Other Degrees, 5%
Pipe layers by degree level
| Pipe layer degree | Percentages |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 69% |
| Diploma | 15% |
| Associate | 7% |
| Bachelor's | 4% |
| Other Degrees | 5% |
Pipe layer jobs you might like
Pipe layer wage gap by degree level
According to the data, pipe layers with a Associate degree earn more than those without, at $39,868 annually. With a Bachelor's degree, pipe layers earn a median annual income of $38,632 compared to $37,409 for pipe layers with an High School Diploma degree.
| Education | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $37,409 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $38,632 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $39,868 |
Pipe layer employment statistics
Most pipe layers work for a private in the construction industry.
Company size where pipe layers work
Below, you can see the size of companies where pipe layers work.
Pipe layer jobs by employer size
| Company size | Percentages |
|---|---|
| < 50 employees | 13% |
| 50 - 100 employees | 18% |
| 100 - 500 employees | 34% |
| 500 - 1,000 employees | 13% |
| 1,000 - 10,000 employees | 19% |
| > 10,000 employees | 4% |
Pipe layer jobs by company type
Employees with the pipe layer job title have their preferences when it comes to working for a company. For instance, most pipe layers prefer to work at private companies over public companies.
Pipe layer jobs by sector
| Company type | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Education | 1% |
| Public | 7% |
| Private | 89% |
| Government | 2% |
Pipe layer jobs by industry
The most common industries for pipe layers are construction, professional and manufacturing.
Pipe layer industry statistics
| Industry | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Construction | 43% |
| Professional | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 8% |
| Technology | 6% |
| Hospitality | 4% |
| Government | 3% |
| Media | 3% |
| Utilities | 3% |
| Health Care | 3% |
| Fortune 500 | 3% |
| Real Estate | 3% |
| Start-up | 2% |
| Retail | 2% |
| Transportation | 2% |
| Finance | 2% |
| Insurance | 2% |
| Internet | 1% |
| Energy | 1% |
| Non Profits | 1% |
| Education | 1% |
Pipe layer turnover and employment statistics
Pipe layer unemployment rate over time
The unemployment rate for pipe layers between 2008 and the most recent data has varied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pipe layer unemployment rate by year
| Year | Pipe layer unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16.79% |
| 2011 | 15.00% |
| 2012 | 11.39% |
| 2013 | 9.55% |
| 2014 | 7.35% |
| 2015 | 5.14% |
| 2016 | 5.26% |
| 2017 | 4.56% |
| 2018 | 4.68% |
| 2019 | 5.84% |
| 2020 | 10.55% |
| 2021 | 10.43% |
Average pipe layer tenure
The average pipe layer stays at their job for 1-2 years, based on the 1,156 pipe layers resumes in Zippia's database.
Pipe layer tenure statistics
| Number of years | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 34% |
| 1-2 years | 34% |
| 3-4 years | 12% |
| 5-7 years | 12% |
| 8-10 years | 4% |
| 11+ years | 3% |
Pipe layer LGBT ratio compared to similar jobs
Review the percent of pipe layers that are members of the LGBT community. You can see how this compares to similar jobs in the chart below.
| Job title | LGBT | Job openings |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Mason | 1.40% | 9,328 |
| Drywall Hanger | 1.75% | 13,655 |
| Pipe Layer | 2.07% | - |
| Steel Placer | 2.24% | 242 |
| Electric Sign Wirer | 2.76% | 14,505 |
| Tile Installer | 3.39% | 16,704 |
| Metal Hanger | 4.07% | 2,790 |
Similar pipe layer jobs LGBT demographics
| Profession | Percentages of LGBT | Job openings |
|---|---|---|
| Brick Mason | 1.40% | 9,328 |
| Drywall Hanger | 1.75% | 13,655 |
| Steel Placer | 2.24% | 242 |
| Electric Sign Wirer | 2.76% | 14,505 |
| Tile Installer | 3.39% | 16,704 |
| Metal Hanger | 4.07% | 2,790 |
Foreign languages spoken by pipe layers
- Spanish, 92.9%
- Dakota, 7.1%
Pipe layer languages spoken
| Foreign language | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Spanish | 92.9% |
| Dakota | 7.1% |
