How to hire a steamfitter

How to hire a steamfitter, step by step

Here's a step-by-step steamfitter hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a steamfitter job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new steamfitter
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your steamfitter job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a steamfitter for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a steamfitter to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a steamfitter that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of steamfitters and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Steamfitter	Description	Hourly rate
   Steamfitter	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.	$24-45
   Pipe Foreman	A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives... Show more	$18-30
   Fire Sprinkler Installer	A fire sprinkler installer is primarily in charge of installing and maintaining sprinkler systems that activate when it detects fire. Before installing the sprinkler systems, they usually meet with clients or representatives to identify their needs and preferences, visit sites to conduct measurements and assessments, understand blueprints and diagrams, and process the necessary paperwork... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Brazing
   • Hand Tools
   • Carbon Steel
   • Plumbing
   • HVAC
   • OSHA
   • Mechanical Equipment
   • Arc Welding
   • Strainers
   • PVC
   • Structural Steel
   • Stainless Steel Pipe
   • Pipe Supports
   • Torches

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manufacture piping sections and join pipes by brazing, soldering and threading.
   • Perform tasks using torches, power tools, gauges and oxygen lances.
   • Install and inspect new and existing plumbing lines up to inches in diameter.
   • Pass many welding tests in Stick-Tig.-and Mig for high pressure steam, amonia refrigeration, medical gas.
   • Design and install commercial and residential plumbing.
   • Field fabricate and install piping, pump systems, fire protection sprinklers, and HVAC systems for fire protection systems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your steamfitter job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A steamfitter can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, steamfitters' average salary in south carolina is 51% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level steamfitters 47% less than senior-level steamfitters.
   • Certifications. A steamfitter with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a steamfitter's salary.

   Average steamfitter salary

   $69,544yearly

   $33.43 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level steamfitter salary

   $50,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a steamfitter job description

   A steamfitter job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a steamfitter job description:

   Steamfitter job description example

   + Department: Dof Repair & Maintenance
   
   + School Area: Department of Facilities
   
   + Employment Type: Full-Time
   
   + Employment Category: Non-Exempt
   
   + Visa Sponsorship Available: No
   
   + Schedule: M-F, 7:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
   
   Email a Friend Save Save Apply Now
   
   Information on MIT's COVID-19 vaccination requirement can be found at the bottom of this posting.
   
   STEAMFITTER, Facilities, Repair and Maintenance (R&M) (2 openings), to perform work in all areas of pressure steam systems across the Institute, including installing, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a full range of steam, processed water, chilled water and compressed air systems. Will maintain high and low pressure steam systems consisting of pressure reducing valves, traps, expansion joints, heating units, steam tables and boilers; remove and reinstall pumps; install, maintain, and service new and existing commercial and industrial HVAC process systems, processed water, chilled water and compressed air systems; and respond to emergency mechanical system calls; perform all installation, maintenance, inspection and testing in accordance with applicable standards and requirements of OHSA 10 and/or established compliance requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
   
   Job Requirements
   
   REQUIRED: a high school diploma or its equivalent, a five-year apprenticeship, five years' experience working with a pipefitter's license, valid driver's license, and willingness to obtain A.S.M.E. welding certification for steel pipe. Must be able work from blueprints, specifications, verbal instruction, or sketches; locate, diagnose, and correct defects and malfunctions on a variety of pipe systems; electric arc weld all piping systems; receive work order assignments, order materials, and complete tasks accurately; provide updates on the work order status and written comments provided on work orders upon completion; work with minimal supervision; lift weights of up to 50 lbs.; read and understand written directions, safety signage, and other documents; use e-mail, the IT equipment that is utilized for work order tracking software, and other types of job-specific technology once management has provided the necessary training; and work both independently and as a member of a team. Job #20734
   
   Working conditions include ascending/descending stairs, traversing the campus, moving about the jobsite and machinery to access equipment, and/or remaining stationary for extended periods of time; working from ladders, scaffolds, and other above ground locations such as roofs; and using scissor lifts, articulating lifts, and bucket trucks. Personal protective equipment must be worn as required by the specific assignment. Environment contains dust, odors, fumes, high levels of noise, and temperature extremes; and working with and around chemicals and solvents. Work will also be performed near steam and moving machinery and in tight areas and confined spaces such as manholes and crawl spaces. Some work will be performed in research labs and animal facilities and outdoors in inclement weather. Employees who work a regular, established work scheduled are not considered essential personnel but may be required to work other shifts on an as needed basis.
   
   MIT will conduct a background check (including checking criminal records) for finalists. For current MIT SEIU members, this background check will be done for finalists who are bidding for a promotion or for a voluntary transfer to another classification unit. 2/3/22

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right steamfitter for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your steamfitter job on Zippia to find and recruit steamfitter candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit steamfitters, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new steamfitter

   Once you've selected the best steamfitter candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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