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Pipefitter/welder education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, pipefitter/welders don't need a college education. The most common degree for pipefitter/welders is high school diploma with 43% graduates, with only 21% pipefitter/welder graduates earning associate degree. Pipefitter/welders who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or Vincennes University. Some good skills to have in this position include hand tools, carbon steel and mig.

Popular pipefitter/welder certifications include OSHA Safety Certificate , Certified Welder, or Certified Welding Engineer. To improve pipefitter/welder qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in pipefitter/welder education paths.

What education do you need to become a pipefitter/welder?

What degree do you need to be a pipefitter/welder?

The most common degree for pipefitter/welders is high school diploma, with 43% of pipefitter/welders earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 21% and associate degree degree at 15%.
  • High School Diploma, 43%
  • Associate, 21%
  • Diploma, 15%
  • Bachelor's, 9%
  • Other Degrees, 12%

What should I major in to become a pipefitter/welder?

You should major in precision metal working to become a pipefitter/welder. 46% of pipefitter/welders major in precision metal working. Other common majors for a pipefitter/welder include business and general studies.

Best majors for pipefitter/welders

20 best online courses for pipefitter/welders

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1. Designing Piping Systems: Pipe Fittings Flanges Valves

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Understanding piping systems , their components , codes & specification for successful design , construction & operation...

2. Piping Design Engineering & Piping Isometrics Masterclass

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Everything you need to know to draft , design & fabricate your piping system & piping isometrics like a pro...

3. Flow of fluids through piping systems , valves and pumps

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Learn to size valves & piping systems, calculate pressure drop, flow of liquids & gases through pipe , fittings & valves...

4. PG Diploma in Piping Design Engineering

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Learn Piping Design Engineering...

5. Know Read Understand Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams P & IDs

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Learn how Process Control, Safety Instrumented Systems, Interlock & Alarms are represented in engineering P & ID drawings...

6. Learn CAESAR II: The complete piping stress analysis course

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4.5
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Learn everything you need to know about piping stress analysis using CAESAR II software, from beginner to expert - 2022...

7. How To Read Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams Made Easy

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4.5
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All you'll ever need to easily Read P & IDs in one Clear and Concise Course for Plant Operators, Maintenance & Engineers...

8. Complete Course on Piping Valves for Your Career Success

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4.3
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Learn about 18 types of valves used in Oil & Gas Piping, including their Standards, Manufacturing, Inspection & Testing...

9. HVAC (PART2) with Revit MEP & Practical Projects

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your Practical Guide in the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning with Programs & Layouts (A Complete Project Included)...

10. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS

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Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...

11. The Complete Course on Piping Components for Oil & Gas Career

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Learn about Pipe,Fittings,Olets,Gaskets, Flanges,Bolting materials,Valve,orifice flanges,Spectacle Blind,steam traps etc...

12. HVAC (PART1) with HAPExcelAutoCADManual Calculations

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A Practical Guide in the Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning with Programs & Layouts (Including 4 Practical Projects)...

13. Valves: Principles , Operation & Designs

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4.5
(658)

A complete understanding of construction details & functioning of valves for successful operation of your piping system...

14. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

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4.5
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Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

15. 3D Modeling Piped Systems in AutoCAD

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4.2
(967)

From absolute ZERO all the way to creating sophisticated, 3D models and professional drawing packages in Auto CAD...

16. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.

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4.4
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OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...

17. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

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4.5
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Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

18. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

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4.3
(727)

A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

19. How to Read P & ID, PFD & BFD used in Process Plant like Pro

udemy
4.5
(744)

Learn How to Read Piping and Instrument Diagram-P & ID, Process Flow Diagram and Block Flow Diagram used in Process Plant...

20. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management

udemy
4.6
(465)

A Workplace Safety Management Course for Current and Future Safety Professionals...

Average pipefitter/welder salary by education level

According to our data, pipefitter/welders with a Associate degree earn the highest average salary, at $57,217 annually. Pipefitter/welders with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $54,374.
Pipefitter/welder education levelPipefitter/welder salary
High School Diploma or Less$53,147
Bachelor's Degree$54,374
Some College/ Associate Degree$57,217

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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