Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.80
• Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.80
• Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.79
• Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.79
• Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.78
• Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.78
• Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.77
• Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.76
• Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.76
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.76
• Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.75
• Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.75

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Critical Thinking63

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making56

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Repairing56

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Troubleshooting56

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring50

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Building and Construction84

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mechanical83

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Design69

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Mathematics69

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Customer and Personal Service65

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Administration and Management58

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Engineering and Technology56

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Physics56

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

• Public Safety and Security56

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• English Language48

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training46

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Production and Processing42

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Problem Sensitivity69

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Finger Dexterity66

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Deductive Reasoning63

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Manual Dexterity63

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Far Vision60

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Inductive Reasoning60

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Trunk Strength60

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Category Flexibility56

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Oral Comprehension56

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Visualization56

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information81

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events76

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems75

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials74

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Performing General Physical Activities74

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Handling and Moving Objects73

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment72

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work71

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Controlling Machines and Processes70

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Scheduling Work and Activities66

  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability85

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail73

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness68

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance59

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Integrity50

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance46

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation38

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Self-Confidence37

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability32

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Self-Control31

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Cooperation27

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Initiative27

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional45

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative20

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social3

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day91%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually86%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually75%
  • More than half the time21%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day79%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day56%
  • Once a week or more but not every day33%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day65%
  • Once a week or more but not every day25%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom61%
  • Some freedom25%

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

  • Very important results50%
  • Important results42%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day35%
  • Once a week or more but not every day57%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day42%
  • Once a week or more but not every day45%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others54%
  • Contact with others most of the time19%
  • Occasional contact with others17%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility48%
  • High responsibility29%
  • Moderate responsibility17%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Post-secondary certificate
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Accounting software

  Bookkeeping software, Intuit QuickBooks, KRS Enterprises Service First!, Quicken

• Analytical or scientific software

  Bentley Systems AutoPIPE, COADE CAESAR II, Quote Software QuoteExpress, Watter Hammer Software Hytran

• Computer aided design CAD software

  AEC Design Group CADPIPE, Drawing and drafting software, Horizon Engineering Sigma Plumbing Calculator, ViziFlow

• Project management software

  Estimating software, FastEST FastPipe, Piping construction costs estimation software, Vision InfoSoft Plumbing Bid Manager

• Data base user interface and query software

  Database software, Insight Direct ServiceCEO, PricePoint, Wintac Pro

• Word processing software

  Atlas Construction Business Forms, Microsoft Word, Wilhelm Publishing Threshold

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel, PipingOffice

• Electronic mail software

  Email software

• Facilities management software

  Maintenance management software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Web platform development software

  Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Welding Society
• Home Builders Institute
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• Mechanical Contractors Association of America
• National Association of Home Builders
• National Fire Protection Association
• National Fire Sprinkler Association
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
• American Fire Sprinkler Association
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• National Center for Construction Education and Research
• United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry
• United Steelworkers

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Boilermakers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Construction Laborers
• Electricians
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Insulation Workers
• Millwrights
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Carpenters

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Install plumbing or piping.
• Maintain plumbing structures or fixtures.
• Weld metal components.
• Mark reference points on construction materials.
• Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
• Create construction or installation diagrams.
• Cut metal components for installation.
• Fabricate parts or components.
• Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
• Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Select construction materials.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Coppersmith (Ship & Boat)
• Gas-Main Fitter
• Marine Pipefitter (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter Ship & Boat)
• Pipe Fitter (Construction)
• Pipe Fitter (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter (Construction))
• Pipe Fitter (Ship & Boat)
• Pipe Fitter - Sprinkler Fitter
• Pipe Fitter-Sprinkler Fitter
• Pipefitting
• Pipefitting and/or Plumbing
• Plumber
• Sprinkler Fitter (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter)
• Steam Service Inspector
• Temporary Services Pipefitter (Existing Title: Pipe Fitting and/or Plumbing)
• Utilities Systems Repair Operator (Dry Docks) (Existing Title: Pipe Fitter (Ship and Boat))
• Water Distribution Operator