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Independent Contractor Pipefitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipefitter

Manhattan, IL ยท On-site

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter ... Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As ...

Pipe Fitter

Glen Burnie, MD ยท On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Pay Rate: $28.00 to $30.00 / hour We have partnered with a heavy industrial mechanical contractor company in the Glen Burnie , MD area to provide them with a Pipe Fitter. Please review the ...

Pipefitter

Hennepin, IL ยท On-site

$44.36 - $50.15/hr

The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter ... Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As ...

Apply Early

Pipefitter

Hennepin, IL ยท On-site

$44.36 - $50.15/hr

The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter ... Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As ...

Apply Early

Pipefitter

Manhattan, IL ยท On-site

$50.15/hr

The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter ... Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As ...

Apply Early

Pipefitter

Hennepin, IL ยท On-site

$44.36 - $50.15/hr

The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter ... Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As ...

Apply Early

Pipefitter

Freeport, TX

$23 - $29.50/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

Pipefitter

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

PIPEFITTER

Baytown, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

PIPEFITTER

Baytown, TX

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

Pipefitter

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

Pipefitter

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

Pipefitter

Freeport, TX ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Pipe Fitters may work in all parts of the construction or maintenance site including in buildings ... Ability to work independently - minimal supervision. * Good communication skills with co-workers ...

Mechanical Pipefitter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$26.25 - $33.50/hr

Magnolia Inc. has proudly served the DC metropolitan area as a premier contractor specializing in ... Ability to work independently or as part of a team in active construction environments. * Safety ...

Mechanical Pipefitter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$26.25 - $33.50/hr

Magnolia Inc. has proudly served the DC metropolitan area as a premier contractor specializing in ... Ability to work independently or as part of a team in active construction environments. * Safety ...

Apply Early

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Independent Contractor Pipefitter information

See salary details

$15

$28

$39

How much do independent contractor pipefitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor pipefitter in the United States is $28.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Independent Contractor Pipefitters?

Independent Contractor Pipefitters are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair piping systems for various applications, such as heating, cooling, and industrial processing, but work on a contract or freelance basis rather than as employees. They often manage their own business operations, negotiate contracts, and are responsible for obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance. This role requires technical expertise in reading blueprints, selecting appropriate materials, and adhering to safety standards. Independent contractor pipefitters may work on construction sites, in factories, or for multiple clients, offering flexibility but also requiring strong business management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor Pipefitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Pipefitter, you need strong skills in pipe installation, blueprint reading, welding, and a solid understanding of plumbing codes, typically backed by a relevant apprenticeship or certification. Familiarity with tools like pipe threaders, welding machines, and safety management systems is essential. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and self-motivation are key soft skills for succeeding independently and ensuring project deadlines are met. These abilities are crucial for delivering quality work safely, maintaining client satisfaction, and operating efficiently as a self-employed professional.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor pipefitters, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor pipefitters often encounter challenges such as fluctuating workloads, sourcing their own tools and materials, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations without direct company oversight. Managing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, proactive communication with clients, and staying updated on industry codes and standards. Building a reliable network of suppliers and maintaining thorough documentation can also help ensure steady work and smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Pipefitter vs Journeyman Pipefitter?

AspectIndependent Contractor PipefitterJourneyman Pipefitter
CredentialsTypically holds necessary certifications and licenses, but operates independentlyRequires a valid journeyman certification and license
Work EnvironmentWorks on various projects, often self-employed or through agenciesEmployed by a company or contractor, working on-site at specific locations
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance or contracted work in plumbing, HVAC, industrial plantsFull-time or part-time employee in construction, maintenance, or industrial sectors

The main difference is that an Independent Contractor Pipefitter operates independently, often managing multiple projects and clients, while a Journeyman Pipefitter is typically employed by a company with a standard certification. Both roles require similar credentials, but their work arrangements and employment status differ significantly.

More about Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs
What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs? Cities with the most Independent Contractor Pipefitter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pipefitter jobs? The most popular types of Pipefitter jobs are:
What states have the most Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs? States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Pipefitter jobs are:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Pipefitter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,574 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Pipefitter

$26.50 - $33.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Manhattan Mechanical Services / Job Description
Title: Pipefitter
Reports to: Foreman
Employment Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Primary Function:
The Pipefitter is responsible for the layout and fit up of piping systems. Duties of a Pipefitter include but are not limited to working safely, performing quality work, measuring, and fabricating piping systems, reading and interpreting blueprints and isometric drawings, familiarity with piping parts and components.
Manhattan Mechanical Services is a merit shop contractor supporting a team working environment. As such, all employees will be required from time to time to perform other duties that they are qualified to perform, outside of this job description and their normal work function.
Work Environment:
The normal work environment for this position will be in an industrial facility, which has been determined to be a safety sensitive environment. You will experience exposure to outdoor weather conditions and where proper PPE is required for a variety of potential hazards. Every employee's performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health or safety of other employees, customers, customer's employees, the public, property or the environment.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The roles and responsibilities of a Pipefitter may include but are not limited to the following items.
  • Safe use of pipe hand & power tools.
  • Responsible for fabricating threaded pipe, socket weld pipe and butt weld pipe.
  • Build and install various types of pipe hangers and supports.
  • Experience with Hydro Testing
  • Prioritizing tasks according to job schedule.
  • Understanding Quality Control procedures.
  • Keeping track of all components and materials for the job.
  • Must be willing to work as a team at all times to support the project.
  • Fully participate in health, safety, quality and environmental processes.

Experience:
  • Four or more years experience as a pipefitter in the construction industry

Skills:
  • Fabricating threaded pipe, socket weld pipe and butt weld pipe.
  • Able to read, draw, and understand piping isometric drawings, weld maps, blueprints, and P&ID's.
  • Able to fabricate various angles of offsets.
  • Able to install piping and piping components.
  • Able to perform Hydrostatic Testing
  • Able to build and install various types of pipe hangers and supports.
  • Able to cut and or bevel piping using oxyfuel, plasma, mechanical equipment.
  • Knowledge of Rigging and Rigging operations

Education:
  • Must be willing to attend continued training applicable to job as deemed necessary by Manhattan Mechanical Services.
  • Must be able to pass the NCCER Assessment Test for Pipefitter Skill Set and be Performance Verified.

Physical:
  • Must comply with Manhattan Mechanical Services drug and alcohol policy.
  • Must be able to pass physical examination, pre-employment if necessary and as required by Manhattan Mechanical Services.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and stairways.
  • Must be able to carry 50 lbs. of tools and/or materials.
  • Must be able to work at elevated heights as well as in confined spaces (towers, vessels, excavations, etc.)
  • Must be able to work extended hours on your feet on uneven surfaces (dirt, concrete, asphalt, mud, gravel, etc.)
  • Must be clean shaven and able to work while wearing a respirator and other personal protective equipment, when required.

Safety/Environmental:
  • Must be able to pass applicable site-specific training.
  • Must be able to read and understand safety instructions, signs, labels and permits in English.