Steamfitter Salary in 2026
Install and maintain high-pressure piping systems used for steam, heating, and cooling.
Median Salary
$63,800
$5,317/mo
Entry Level
$44,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$86,400
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) at a national median of $63,800 per year (mean $72,170), or $30.67 per hour, with 465,840 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Steamfitter Overview
Install and maintain high-pressure piping systems used for steam, heating, and cooling.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
5 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
466K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$30.67/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,317
Steamfitter Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Steamfitter salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Steamfitter Salary
$72,000
$6,000/month · $2,769/biweekly · $34.62/hr
Steamfitter Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Steamfitter field.
Entry-level Steamfitters earn around $44,200, while the top 10% earn $96,200 or more.
Top Paying States for Steamfitters
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $75,000 | +$11,200 |
| New York | $73,000 | +$9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $71,000 | +$7,200 |
| Illinois | $66,000 | +$2,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,000 | +$200 |
Top Paying Cities for Steamfitters
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| ChicagoBLS metro | $103,380 | +$39,580 |
| BostonBLS metro | $96,760 | +$32,960 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $78,610 | +$14,810 |
| PhiladelphiaBLS metro | $74,860 | +$11,060 |
| Los AngelesBLS metro | $71,110 | +$7,310 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Steamfitter Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Steamfitter from entry level to expert.
$44,200
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$86,400
8-14 years
$106,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Steamfitter Salary FAQ
How much does a Steamfitter make in 2026?
The median salary for a Steamfitter in the United States is $63,800 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152); the mean is $72,170. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $44,200, senior professionals around $86,400, and top earners at $106,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Steamfitter?
A Steamfitter typically requires a Apprenticeship with 5 years of experience. Key skills include High-Pressure Systems, Welding, Blueprint Reading. Relevant certifications such as Journeyman License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Steamfitters?
The job market for Steamfitters is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 466K Steamfitter positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Steamfitters the most?
The highest-paying states for Steamfitters include New York, California, Illinois. In New York, 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 Steamfitter salary?
To increase your Steamfitter salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like High-Pressure Systems and Welding. Pursue certifications such as Journeyman License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 5 years of experience, you can progress from $44,200 to $86,400 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Steamfitter Salary
How we calculate Steamfitter salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $63,800, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters; BLS mean $72,170; BLS hourly median $30.67.
- Entry-level ($44,200) and senior-level ($86,400) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +5% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 465,840 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $63,800; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Steamfitter compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Steamfitter 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: Steamfitter salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (High-Pressure 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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.