Pipefitter vs. Plumber: Find the Right Job for You

When choosing between becoming a pipefitter or a plumber, it’s important to know the key differences in the work, skills, and environments involved in each job. While both professions deal with piping systems, their job scopes, required tools, and work settings are quite distinct. Let’s explore what each profession entails and how they differ.

Key Differences Between Pipefitting and Plumbing

To better understand the main differences, it’s helpful to break down each profession.

Scope of Work

Pipefitters

A pipefitter’s role is focused on high-pressure piping systems, especially in industrial settings like factories, power plants, and chemical plants. They are responsible for installing and maintaining pipes that transport chemicals, gases, and other liquids. Pipefitters work with materials like steel, copper, and plastic, and they often need to work in hazardous environments. Their work may include cutting, bending, and welding pipes to fit complex systems. Their primary goal is to ensure that these systems are safe and functional for high-demand industries.

Plumbers

On the other hand, plumbers focus more on residential and commercial plumbing systems, including the installation and repair of water supply and drainage systems. Plumbers typically work on pipes that transport clean water, wastewater, and sometimes gas. Their tasks include fitting and installing piping systems for sinks, toilets, showers, and heating systems, and addressing problems like leaks or clogs. While plumbers may deal with heating systems like boilers, their primary responsibility is related to water systems.

The key difference is that pipefitters often work with high-pressure, industrial-grade piping systems, while plumbers work on residential or commercial water and sewage systems.

Work Environments

Pipefitters

These professionals mostly work in industrial environments such as power plants, manufacturing facilities, and chemical plants. Their job often requires working with hazardous materials, dealing with extreme temperatures, and sometimes working in confined or difficult spaces. This makes their work riskier and typically more physically demanding. Pipefitters also work in construction projects that require the installation of industrial pipelines.

Plumbers

Plumbers typically work in more controlled environments like homes, offices, and commercial buildings. They may be called upon to fix problems with existing plumbing systems or install new ones. Plumbers’ work tends to be less hazardous compared to pipefitters, although it can still be physically demanding. Plumbers often have more routine hours, although emergency plumbing jobs can require working evenings or weekends.

The work environment is where you’ll see one of the biggest differences between plumbing and pipefitting. If you prefer working in a more industrial, high-stakes environment, pipefitting might be your calling. However, if you’re more comfortable in residential or commercial settings, plumbing might be a better fit.

Tools and Equipment

Pipefitters

The tools pipefitters use are specialized for working with high-pressure systems. They rely on equipment like pipe threaders, pipe benders, welding tools, and cutting tools. They also use safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and welding masks to protect themselves from the dangerous materials and high-pressure systems they work with. Pipefitters must be skilled at using heavy-duty tools and have the ability to follow complex blueprints and plans.

Plumber

 Plumbers, while also working with pipes, use a different set of tools. They may use pipe cutters, wrenches, plungers, drain snakes, and sealants. The tools plumbers use are generally less specialized than those used by pipefitters, but still require a good deal of technical skill to ensure proper installation and repairs. Plumbers also need to be comfortable working with a variety of materials such as copper, PVC, and galvanized steel.

Both careers require technical expertise and the ability to use specific tools, but the tools themselves and the precision needed to use them differ due to the different types of systems and work environments.

Skills and Training

Pipefitters

Becoming a pipefitter requires specialized knowledge, particularly in welding and high-pressure systems. Most pipefitters complete an apprenticeship, which usually lasts 4-5 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They also learn to read blueprints, work with various materials, and adhere to safety regulations in high-risk environments. While some pipefitters have formal education in industrial technology or engineering, apprenticeships are the most common path to becoming a pipefitter.

Plumbers

Plumbers also typically go through apprenticeships, which can last around 4-5 years as well. These apprenticeships involve a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training. Plumbers must understand local building codes, plumbing regulations, and safety standards. They also need to be able to troubleshoot common plumbing issues like clogs, leaks, and broken pipes. While plumbing doesn’t require the same level of welding or high-pressure system knowledge as pipefitting, plumbers must be skilled in a range of technical areas like pipe fitting, venting systems, and drainage.

Both fields require apprenticeships, but the content of the training varies due to the specialized nature of each profession.

Salary Expectations

Both professions offer competitive wages, but pipefitters generally earn slightly more due to the specialized skills required.

Pipefitter

 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pipefitters was around $61,550 in 2023. The salary can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of work. Since pipefitting often involves high-pressure systems and hazardous materials, wages tend to be higher in these areas.

Plumbers

Plumbers also have competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $61,550 in 2023. However, the wage range for plumbers can vary more widely depending on whether they work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Plumbing tends to have a slightly lower wage compared to pipefitting, but the job stability and demand for plumbers remain high.

Both roles have similar wage ranges, but pipefitters may see higher pay, especially if they specialize in certain industrial sectors.

Career Outlook

Both career paths offer solid job security and opportunities for advancement.

Pipefitters

The demand for pipefitters is expected to grow at a rate of about 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing need for industrial infrastructure and the growing demand for energy and natural resources will continue to drive job growth in this field.

Plumbers

Similarly, the job outlook for plumbers is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 6% from 2023 to 2033. As residential and commercial buildings continue to grow, so does the need for plumbing systems and maintenance.

Both professions have strong growth potential, making them secure career options for the foreseeable future.

Which Career is Right for You?

When considering which career suits you best, think about the type of work you enjoy, your long-term goals, and the environment you want to work in.

• If you’re drawn to industrial settings and enjoy working with complex systems and high-pressure materials, pipefitting could be a better fit for you.
• If you’re more interested in residential or commercial work and prefer troubleshooting and repairing plumbing systems, becoming a plumber might be the right path.

Both careers offer solid earning potential, job stability, and the chance for long-term growth. However, the type of work and environment differs significantly, so understanding which aligns best with your interests is key to making the right decision.