Pipefitter Salary in 2026
Install, assemble, and maintain piping systems for steam, gas, and other substances.
Median Salary
$62,000
$5,167/mo
Entry Level
$42,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$85,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Pipefitter Overview
Install, assemble, and maintain piping systems for steam, gas, and other substances.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4-5 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
125K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$29.81/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,167
Pipefitter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Pipefitter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Pipefitter Salary
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Pipefitter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Pipefitter field.
Entry-level Pipefitters earn around $42,000, while the top 10% earn $95,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Pipefitters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $71,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $64,000 | +$2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Pipefitters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $73,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $69,000 | +$7,000 |
| Chicago | $65,000 | +$3,000 |
| Philadelphia | $63,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $61,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Pipefitter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Pipefitter from entry level to expert.
$42,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$85,000
8-14 years
$105,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Pipefitter Salary FAQ
How much does a Pipefitter make in 2026?
The median salary for a Pipefitter in the United States is $62,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior professionals earn up to $85,000. Top earners in the field can make $105,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Pipefitter?
A Pipefitter typically requires a Apprenticeship with 4-5 years of experience. Key skills include Piping Systems, Welding, Blueprint Reading. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Pipefitters?
The job market for Pipefitters is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 125K Pipefitter positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Pipefitters the most?
The highest-paying states for Pipefitters include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $73,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Pipefitter salary?
To increase your Pipefitter salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Piping Systems and Welding. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 4-5 years of experience, you can progress from $42,000 to $85,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Pipefitter Salary
How we calculate Pipefitter salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $62,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Pipefitter in the Trades sector.
- Entry-level ($42,000) and senior-level ($85,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 125K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Trades sector wages.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $62,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Pipefitter compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Pipefitter job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Pipefitter salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Piping Systems, Welding, Blueprint Reading), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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