Also called: Piping Drafter, Plant Design Technician
Designs the routes of pipes through refineries, power plants and factories in 3D.
You route a 12-inch steam pipe through a crowded 3D model of a chemical plant, dodging beams, ladders and other pipes while leaving room for it to expand when hot. Then you create the drawings welders will use in the field.
Pays above other drafting jobs, especially in Texas and Louisiana.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate in drafting or piping design, plus on-the-job training.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Drafting & Design Technology, CAD Technology.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. 3D plant software auto-routes more pipe; field walkdowns and fitting routes in crowded plants stay human.
Classes: Drafting or CAD, Geometry, Chemistry, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3019.
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