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Pipe Layer Operator Jobs in Aiken, SC (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Layer Operator information

See Aiken, SC salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do pipe layer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe layer operator in Aiken, SC is $18.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipe layer operator?

Pipe Layer Operators are skilled construction workers responsible for laying and aligning pipes for sewers, drains, water mains, and other utilities. They operate heavy machinery to dig trenches, position pipes, and ensure proper alignment and sealing according to project specifications. Their role is essential in creating and maintaining infrastructure for water, sewage, and drainage systems. Pipe Layer Operators must have knowledge of safety procedures, blueprints, and pipe installation techniques to ensure effective and efficient work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipe layer operator?

To thrive as a Pipe Layer Operator, you need experience with underground utility installation, knowledge of pipe materials, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment such as excavators, trenchers, and laser alignment systems, as well as relevant safety certifications like OSHA, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help operators work efficiently and safely on job sites. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate pipe placement, maintain project timelines, and uphold safety standards in construction environments.

What are some common challenges faced by pipe layer operators on construction sites?

Pipe Layer Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or uneven spaces, and ensuring precise alignment of pipes to meet project specifications. Coordination with other team members, such as equipment operators and site supervisors, is crucial to maintain safety and efficiency. Additionally, operators must be vigilant about following safety protocols and adapting to changes in site conditions to prevent delays or hazards.

What is the difference between Pipe Layer Operator vs Trench Worker?

AspectPipe Layer OperatorTrench Worker
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, basic construction certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, heavy machineryConstruction sites, outdoor, manual labor
Job ResponsibilitiesInstalling underground pipes, operating machineryExcavating trenches, assisting with pipe installation

The Pipe Layer Operator and Trench Worker roles often overlap in construction projects, but the Pipe Layer Operator primarily focuses on operating machinery and installing underground pipes, while the Trench Worker assists with excavation and site preparation. Both roles require safety certifications and work outdoors in similar environments, but their specific duties differ based on machinery operation versus manual labor tasks.

What job categories do people searching Pipe Layer Operator jobs in Aiken, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Pipe Layer Operator jobs in Aiken, SC are:

What cities near Aiken, SC are hiring for Pipe Layer Operator jobs?

Cities near Aiken, SC with the most Pipe Layer Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Pipe Layer Operator job openings in Aiken, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,518 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Utility Construction Pipe Layer (6P.26)

American States Utility Services, Inc.

Jackson, SC • On-site

$20.76 - $33.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, American States Utility Services, Inc. contracts with the federal government to provide water and wastewater services that include operating, maintaining, renewing, replacing, and constructing new systems on military installations throughout the United States. The installations where we presently operate are home to nearly 350,000 military and civilian personnel and families.
We proudly deliver these vital services to military installations in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas (including southeastern New Mexico), Virginia, Florida, Kansas, and Massachusetts.
Serving those who serve.
United States Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and Military Spouses encouraged to apply.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Observes all Federal, State and Company safety rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Performs physical construction including, but not limited to, digging ditches or trenches, backfilling excavations, and compacting and leveling earth to grade specifications using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers and rakes
• Uses a mechanized pipe saw and differentiate blade types for project specific requirements.
• Cuts PVC and DIP pipe to required lengths and bevel ends for installation.
• Uses pipe lasers to set grade, reads and uses a grade rod, and sets up and uses a transit to check alignment and grade
• Connects different pipe types and sizes. This requires knowledge of gaskets (both integral and installed), lubrication of gaskets, the proper method to "home" sewer and water pipes and the knowledge of primed and glued pipe.
• Positions, aligns and lays out differing pipe routes by communicating with supervisors/foreman. This will include verbal, written or following provided construction plan sets.
• Signals equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement and adjustment of machinery, equipment and materials.
• Connects water and sewer pipe fittings, to include PVC push on fittings, ductile iron mechanical joint fittings and the required proper restraint mechanisms.
• Installs proper bell joint restraint to include the use and understanding of bell harnesses and a joint restraint table.
• Performs backfilling and compaction to meet backfill requirements, utilizing rammers (jumping jacks) and remotely controlled pneumatic compactors.
• Performs sewer manhole installations, to include proper joint installation and joint wrap and setting and securing a manhole frame and cover.
• Sets final trench grades by hand digging or using trenching tools.
• Sets trench boxes and performs pipe installations. This could involve the use of mechanical tampering equipment or hand tools.
• Performs taps and drills on existing or new water pipes for service line installation. This would include both PVC and DIP pipe tapping and drilling and sizes up to two inches in diameter.
• Performs pipe repairs and replacements.
• Sets braces to support the sides of excavations. This would include the installation and use of hydraulic shoring.
• Loads, unloads, identifies and distributes utility materials to the appropriate location, according to project plans and specifications.
• Cleans and prepares construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or GED required
• Requires field experience working in city and urban type areas working around existing utilities
• One year (1) of verifiable experience as a pipe layer.
• Must work well with others and participate on a crew.
• Ability to train, communicate and aid others in pipe laying activities.
• Working knowledge of general hand tools, power tools and compaction equipment to include rammers (jumping jack) and walk behind/remote operated compactors
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License issued by the state where employed
• Must be a United State Citizen
• Must take and pass Federal OSHA and or State Mandated Safety training with annual refresher courses as required by the associated regulations for this Position. Such training will be provided by company and compliance is mandatory
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work in extreme weather conditions
• Lift and carry loads up to 50lbs and push or pull up to 75lbs
• Work in confined spaces
• Work in areas exposed to noise and chemicals
• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/puling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, hand & foot controls
BENEFITS
Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job related factors.
U.S. Citizenship is required pursuant to our contract with the federal government.
The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.