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Pipefitter

Pipefitters build, assemble, and maintain piping systems that carry steam, air, water, fuel, and process fluids across industrial and commercial sites in the United States. This page explains what employers typically expect, what the work looks like day-to-day, and how to apply as an international candidate. CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Construction & Industrial Typical route: EB-3 (skilled) Work type: Permanent Last updated:
Tasks Requirements Candidate profile Gross pay Work conditions How to apply FAQ
Important: This is a role-category landing page (not a single job posting). Exact location, shift pattern, start date, housing, and compensation depend on the hiring employer and project cycle.

Typical tasks (industrial & commercial)

  • Interpret isometric drawings, spool sheets, and basic piping layouts; confirm dimensions before fabrication/installation.
  • Measure, cut, bevel, and prep pipe; support fit-up using clamps, jigs, levels, and alignment tools.
  • Install and align pipe runs, fittings, valves, flanges, gaskets, and supports (hangers, guides, anchors).
  • Assist with pressure testing and leak checks; document punch-list items and corrective actions.
  • Coordinate with welders, riggers, and forepersons during lifts and set-downs; keep clear communication on site.
  • Maintain housekeeping, tool control, and material labeling (spools, tags, orientation marks).
  • Follow permits and safe-work rules (PPE, hot work coordination, lockout/tagout awareness, confined-space procedures where applicable).

Real scope depends on the project: new builds, maintenance, shutdowns/turnarounds, or retrofit tie-ins.

Requirements (detailed)

  • English CV with trade history (projects, materials, diameters, methods, tools).
  • Proven pipefitting experience (industrial or commercial): alignment, supports, flanges, valves, and safe installation practices.
  • Blueprint/isometric reading plus measurement discipline (tolerances, elevations, offsets).
  • Tools familiarity: grinders, pipe stands, fit-up clamps, levels/lasers; knowledge of threading/grooving practices is a plus.
  • Safety readiness: ability to follow site rules; OSHA-style safety training is often requested (employer-dependent).
  • Physical capacity: lifting/carrying, ladders/scaffolds, working in varying weather and temperatures (site-dependent).
  • Screening readiness: many industrial/construction sites apply onboarding checks (policy varies by employer and project owner).
What helps your CV pass faster: mention pipe materials (carbon steel/stainless/copper/plastics), diameters you worked with, flange standards, valve types, pressure test exposure, and shift/project formats (shutdown, maintenance, new install).

Candidate profile (short portrait)

Employers usually shortlist pipefitters who are consistent, measurement-driven, and calm under schedule pressure—because a small alignment error becomes a large rework cost.

  1. Methodical: you double-check dimensions and verify orientation before final tightening/bolting.
  2. Safety-first: you treat permits, barriers, and PPE as part of productivity, not an obstacle.
  3. Team-compatible: you communicate clearly with riggers/welders/foremen and keep the work zone predictable.
  4. Jobsite-ready English: you can follow toolbox talks, report hazards, and confirm instructions.
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Gross pay benchmarks (USA)

To keep the page useful for candidates comparing offers, this section uses gross benchmarks from national wage distribution for the occupation group that includes pipefitters. Your offer can be higher or lower depending on state, union coverage, project type, shift pattern, and skill testing.

How to read this:
“10th / median / 90th” are distribution points. Median is the mid-point—half earn more, half earn less.
What can increase pay:
industrial shutdown cycles, high-spec installs, complex supports, proven fit-up speed, and strong QA discipline.
What’s not included:
travel per diem, accommodation assistance, health benefits, retirement plans, and site allowances (employer-specific).
Benchmark Hourly (gross) Annual (gross) Practical note
Entry / lower range (10th) $19.55 $40,670 Often reflects limited industrial exposure or smaller scope responsibilities.
Typical market midpoint (median) $30.27 $62,970 Common reference point for “standard” pipefitter expectations.
Top range (90th) $50.55 $105,150 Usually associated with high-skill environments, complex installs, or strong regional demand.
Pay transparency note: All figures above are presented as gross (before taxes). Net pay depends on taxes, deductions, and individual circumstances.

Work conditions (what to expect)

  • Work may be indoors/outdoors with heat, cold, noise, and dust depending on site.
  • Schedules can be steady (maintenance) or intense (shutdown/turnaround windows).
  • Some projects require travel between sites; per diem/housing support is employer-specific.
  • Many sites operate formal onboarding: safety orientation, PPE rules, and job hazard analysis routines.
  • Overtime practices vary; when covered by law/policy, overtime is typically tied to hours worked beyond standard weekly thresholds.

A short “trade story” (unique context)

Pipefitting in the U.S. grew alongside power generation, manufacturing, and large-scale commercial construction—industries where downtime costs money and precision prevents rework. Modern sites still reward the same habits: clean measurements, disciplined alignment, and tight coordination between fitters, welders, and rigging teams.

That is why employers often test practical competence (layout sense, flange alignment, support placement) more than “nice wording” on a CV. A clear project list with materials and diameters can be the difference between “maybe” and “interview.”

What to include in your CV (pipefitter-specific)

  • Project types: maintenance / new install / shutdown / retrofit tie-in.
  • Pipe materials and sizes: carbon steel, stainless, copper, plastics; typical diameter ranges.
  • Core methods: fit-up, flange work, valve installation, support/hanger work, pressure test exposure.
  • Documents/certs: safety training, trade certificates, weld-related exposure (if applicable), equipment tickets.
  • Languages: confirm jobsite English level (toolbox talks, hazard reporting).
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How the process works (summary)

1) CV screening
We review trade scope, stability, and safety readiness. CV must be in English.
2) Matching & interview
If suitable projects exist, an employer interview and/or skill check may follow.
3) Documentation steps
For international candidates, employer-led authorization steps apply (route depends on eligibility and official procedures).
Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (including EB-3 and other categories) depends on the hiring employer, candidate eligibility, and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.

FAQ (Pipefitter — USA)

The answers below are written for international candidates comparing projects and preparing a CV. Employers may apply additional site-specific rules.

Do I need a CV to be considered?
Yes. A CV in English is mandatory. Without a CV, candidates are not reviewed because trade scope must be verified before any project match.
What experience is most valued for pipefitter roles?
Industrial/commercial pipe installation, flange and valve work, supports/hangers, and reliable measurement/fit-up discipline. The more clearly you describe materials, sizes, and project types, the faster the review.
Will I need to pass a skill test?
Often yes. Some employers run a practical check (isometric reading, measurements, alignment) or a structured interview focused on real project scenarios.
Are wages shown here net or gross?
All wages on this page are shown as gross (before taxes). Net pay depends on deductions and personal circumstances.
Is housing provided?
Housing terms vary widely. Some travel projects may offer per diem or support; many roles do not include accommodation. Always verify in the employer offer.
What is the “typical route” mentioned (EB-3 skilled)?
It indicates a common employer-led authorization category used for certain skilled roles. Actual eligibility and steps depend on the employer and official processes.

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