Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
On the Job
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters install, assemble, alter, and repair pipelines. They may install heating and cooling equipment.
Physical Demands 
This career requires time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
- Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
- Test green technology installations to verify performance.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
- Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
- Cut metal components for installation.
- Drill holes in construction materials.
- Fabricate parts or components.
- Install gauges or controls.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Responsibility for outcomes and results.
- Coordinating or leading others.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
