How To Become A Pipefitter/Welder: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pipefitter/welder and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Pipefitters are also often called plumbers and steamfitters. They install, assemble, and maintain piping systems. Pipefitters are also adept at repairing faulty plumbing. On the other hand, a welder is apt at using welding equipment to fabricate and fuse metals.

Some pipefitters may also fix heating and cooling systems and lubrication components. Their jobs also involve diagnosing faulty systems and fixing them. A welder's job has a broad scope and may include industrial, manufacturing, or construction industries. They may even work on ships and oil rigs.

The educational process for these two professions is similar. They both involve some technical training and apprenticeship. In some states, pipefitters/welders are required to get licensed, but for the most part, these professions require hands-on experience.

ScorePipefitter/WelderUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $53,768

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.03%

Asian 1.85%

Black or African American 8.79%

Hispanic or Latino 18.29%

Unknown 4.20%

White 65.85%

Gender

female 4.24%

male 95.76%

Age - 41

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 - 41

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pipefitter/welder

Explore pipefitter/welder education requirements

Most common pipefitter/welder degrees

High School Diploma

42.6 %

Associate

20.7 %

Diploma

15.2 %

Start to develop specific pipefitter/welder skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	9.39%
Carbon Steel	8.62%
MIG	6.96%
Safety Equipment	5.20%
Pipe Systems	4.56%

Complete relevant pipefitter/welder training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pipefitter/welders 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 pipefitter/welder based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pipefitter/welder resumes.

Obtain the necessary licensing

Becoming a licensed pipefitter/welder usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed pipefitter/welder in most of states. 26 states require pipefitter/welders to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

State	Education	Exam	License url
Alabama	-	-	Certified Master Gas Fitter
Maryland	Specific course required	State exam required	GAS FITTER
Arkansas	Degree required	Both state and third-party exams required	Gas Fitter
Colorado	-	State exam required	Master Plumber
Connecticut	-	State exam required	Plumbing & Piping Unlimited Contractor

Gain additional pipefitter/welder certifications

Pipefitter/welder certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific pipefitter/welder certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for pipefitter/welders include OSHA Safety Certificate and Certified Welder.

More About Certifications

Research pipefitter/welder duties and responsibilities

Use specific tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, benders, and welders.
Learned and teach company procedures for welding on up-armore ground combat vehicles and MRAPs using GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
Cert through company for 1/2 AR plate GMAW 1-4g.
Weld stainless 304 , 308 , 309 , 316 , 317 and inconel

Prepare your pipefitter/welder resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your pipefitter/welder 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 pipefitter/welder resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable pipefitter/welder resume templates

Build a professional pipefitter/welder 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 pipefitter/welder resume.