Also called: Steamfitter
Installs high-pressure pipes that carry steam, chemicals, and fuel in plants and big buildings.
You read a 3D drawing, cut and fit steel pipe, and help rig a heavy valve into place in a power plant.
Industrial overtime pushes many higher.
Apprenticeship, about 5 years after high school. Paid apprenticeship (4-5 years) through the United Association (UA) union or contractor programs: earn while you learn, no tuition debt.
Ways in: Apprenticeship, Trade school, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Pipefitting Apprenticeship, Welding Technology.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Prefab spools are cut by machines in shops, but fitting, welding and testing high-pressure pipe in plants stays hands-on.
Classes: Algebra, Welding CTE, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-2152.
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