What is a Pipefitter?
Pipefitters are the plumbers of the industrial and commercial world, dealing with far more complex problems and much higher pressures than their residential counterparts. This is one of the reasons they’re often in higher demand: there are fewer pipefitters, and each one needs a different level of knowledge, experience, and expertise than residential plumbers. But if you’re wondering how to become a pipefitter and where to find pipefitter jobs, you’ll find everything you need to know right here
How To Become A Pipefitter
To become a pipefitter, it’s almost always required to have either a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many pipefitters then go on to either an apprenticeship program or trade school to learn how to handle the process. For more advanced programs, you can also take math and science coursework to earn an associate’s degree, providing a good stepping stone to further education in the future, should you so choose.
State Requirements & Work Experience
Some states will also require a background check, while others do not. For background checks, some states will require the check before you start trade school, while others require a background check before licensing you for work. This is a fairly thorough background check, so make sure you can pass it before you start your training.
However, even after finishing your educational process and having your background check completed, you’re not ready to be licensed just yet. You’ll need to gain some on-the-job experience before you can apply for your state license in many situations. This process typically takes between two and five years, but it is well worth it in the end.
Recommended Pipefitter Certifications
You may also need to look at other certifications, both related to your pipefitter work as well as more general certifications. These can include ASME 31.1, ICWQ, BPAT, JLPS, WBFP, OSHA 30, and STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastery Certification.1 These are good certifications to pursue while you’re working on adding work experience and before you get your license, providing you with plenty of knowledge and the paperwork to back up what you’ve learned.
Types of Pipefitter Jobs
Pipefitters assemble systems that handle a lot of stress, so they can be found across a wide range of industries. In some of these industries, you’ll just put together the initial setup and assembly, while in others, you may have frequent recurring work that keeps you working at a single large location with a single employer.
Depending on the type of work you want to do, you can find jobs that handle specific types of pipefitting. From travel jobs that let you see more of the world while being paid to do so, to stationary industrial and commercial jobs at specific facilities, to projects that require you to work quickly during machine shutdown periods, you’ll find something that fits your personality and work style.
Pipefitter Jobs With Per Diem
Assembly and construction jobs often provide a per diem, allowing you to travel extensively and see different parts of the region or country. Per diem is the Latin term for daily reimbursement for travel expenses, such as lodging and meals, as well as other incidental expenses you might incur during travel. This means that all your basic needs are being met, in addition to your paycheck, significantly lowering your overall expenses.
Industrial & Commercial Pipefitters
Industrial and commercial labor pipefitters can enjoy the consistency and predictability of regularly managing the systems in a single or a small number of facilities. To provide sufficient work to keep a pipefitter employed full-time, these facilities are usually fairly large. This allows you to enjoy a predictable income at a regular location and schedule, which can be a benefit for pipefitters with families.
Shutdown Jobs For Pipefitters
Shutdown jobs for pipefitters are a great option if you like to challenge yourself or only work for short periods, as all work must be handled while the machinery in a facility is shut down. Because this work must be completed quickly, it often pays higher rates to pipefitters who can complete it as quickly as possible, often to the point of planning exactly how you’ll lay out your tools before you begin.
Where To Find Pipefitter Jobs
There are a few places you can look for pipefitter jobs, but we’ll focus on two primary sources. Of course, if you’re a union member, have a network of other contractors and similar resources, you can tap these resources when you’re looking for a new pipefitter job.
With the digital transformation of our world, more people are finding work online. LinkedIn, Roadtechs,
Roadtechs, Craigslist, and similar websites offer a wide range of advertisements for pipefitter jobs. However, that requires checking or monitoring several websites to find out when new jobs come onto the market, and there’s no telling how long the hiring process may be, which can be stressful when you’re trying to find something new fast.
Another option to consider is a staffing company. Because staffing companies have projects coming in all the time, it’s much easier to have someone else do the monitoring and looking for you, so that you can focus on other areas, such as earning more certifications. Instead of having to pound the pavement and fill out tons of applications, you can do one interview and application, then let someone else do the work for you.
Start Your Pipefitting Career with Elite Force Staffing
Pipefitter jobs are a great option to consider for your future, especially if you’re partnered with an outstanding staffing service that is focused on specialty industrial staffing. Elite Force can help you find the perfect pipefitter job for your personality, needs, and preferences, so you can move into a job you really like instead of one that just pays your bills. Why not take a few minutes to fill out an online application and see what we can do for your pipefitting career?
Source:
- Indeed Editorial Team, “What Is a Pipefitter? Duties, Skills and Qualifications,” Indeed, April 29, 2021, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-pipefitter-do