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Pipe Rigger Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

STEAMFITTER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62.50/hr

... pipe welding, soldering, brazing, rigging, etc.) depending on department assignment PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Substantial lifting (up to 75 pounds) is required • Ability to stand for extended or ...

Pipe Rigger information

See Cary, IL salary details

$16

$25

$48

How much do pipe rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe rigger in Cary, IL is $25.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipe rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipe Rigger, you need expertise in rigging techniques, blueprint reading, and pipe installation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant apprenticeship or training. Familiarity with rigging equipment, hoists, cranes, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient pipe installation and movement in industrial settings.

What are some common challenges pipe riggers face on large construction projects, and how can they overcome them?

Pipe Riggers on large construction projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating lifts with multiple teams, working in confined or elevated spaces, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to ensure that heavy pipes and equipment are safely moved and installed. Familiarity with rigging plans, continuous safety training, and proactive problem-solving help Pipe Riggers navigate these challenges while maintaining project timelines and minimizing risk.

What is a pipe rigger?

Pipe riggers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, alignment, and securing of piping systems in industrial, construction, and manufacturing settings. They are responsible for moving, positioning, and supporting pipes using cranes, hoists, and other rigging equipment, ensuring that all components are safely and accurately placed. Pipe riggers work closely with pipefitters, welders, and engineers to assemble piping systems according to specifications, often in challenging environments such as refineries, shipyards, and chemical plants.

What is the difference between Pipe Rigger vs Pipefitter?

AspectPipe RiggerPipefitter
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsOSHA safety training, pipefitting certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plantsRefineries, manufacturing facilities, industrial plants
Job ResponsibilitiesAssembling and installing pipe supports, rigging heavy pipesMeasuring, cutting, fitting, and welding pipes

While both roles involve working with pipes in industrial settings, Pipe Riggers primarily focus on rigging and installing heavy pipes and equipment, whereas Pipefitters handle the precise fitting, cutting, and welding of pipes. Both require safety certifications and often work together on large projects, but their core tasks differ significantly.

What qualifications do I need to be a pipe rigger?

To become a pipe rigger, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in rigging and safety procedures. Many employers require certification in crane or rigging operations, and physical strength and the ability to work in confined or elevated spaces are important skills.
What job categories do people searching Pipe Rigger jobs in Cary, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Pipe Rigger jobs in Cary, IL are:
What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Pipe Rigger jobs? Cities near Cary, IL with the most Pipe Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Pipe Rigger job openings in Cary, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,203 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

$62.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Steamfitter
DEPARTMENT OF WATER
Bureau o f Water Supply
Number of Positions: 4
( Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval )
Starting Annual Salary: $ 62.50/Hourly
This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with PIPE FITTERS' ASSOCIATION- Local 597 (Bargaining Unit 14) Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID ( located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 8/14/2026
Under supervision, performs journey-level steam-fitting work in the installation, repair, and maintenance of pipes and pipe systems and related equipment, and performs related duties as required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Reads documents (e.g., blueprints, specifications, work orders) to assess work required and to determine the proper installation and repair methods to use
• Removes damaged, defective, or obsolete pipes and pipe systems and related equipment
• Ensures adequate supplies of tools, equipment, and materials at work sites to complete job
• Uses tools to measure, cut, bend, weld, and thread lengths of pipe and to install and repair pipe systems
• Installs, removes, repairs, and maintains low- and high-pressure boilers, radiators, compressors, and pumps for steam, hot water, and heating systems
• Repairs, installs, and adjusts thermostats and pneumatic and hydraulic controls to ensure proper functioning
• Inspects and tests installed systems and equipment to ensure proper working order, detect and plug leakages, and to ensure compliance with safety and municipal standards
• Cleans and replaces worn safety valves, air vents, steam traps, pressure gauges, gaskets, filters, and fittings and related appurtenances of the piping system
• Operates specialized equipment and tools (e.g., cutters, hacksaws, torches, arc welders, threaders) to cut, weld, solder, braze, and thread pipes to specification
• Prepares work activity reports
• Loads, transports, and unloads equipment and supplies
• Cleans equipment and work sites after projects
Additional duties may be required for this position .
Location: Various
Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: 6:00AM- 2:30PM
THIS POSITION IN IS THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Successful completion of a U.S. Department of Labor registered steamfitting/pipefitting apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, OR should the above criteria not be fulfilled, the following options are acceptable:
• Successful completion of an industry or company sponsored apprenticeship training program in steamfitting/pipefitting, PLUS at least two (2) years of journey level work experience as a steamfitter/pipefitter
• Six (6) years of journey-level steamfitter/pipefitter work experience
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
• Some positions may require certification as a Universal technician as required by 40 CFR part 82 subpart F of the EPA
• Some positions may require or prefer candidates to possess additional certifications (e.g., pipe welding, soldering, brazing, rigging, etc.) depending on department assignment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Substantial lifting (up to 75 pounds) is required
• Ability to stand for extended or continuous periods of time
• Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to climb staircases, ladders, and/or step stools
• Ability to access difficult to enter spaces (e.g., roofs, basements, tanks, field equipment, cramped quarters)
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment
NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This is a non-interview, tested title. This position requires the successful completion of an online application and an initial screening process. Applicants who meet the established screening criteria may be invited to participate in one or more assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, or competencies relevant to the role. Depending on the position, this may include a pass/fail assessment, additional evaluative components, and/or an interview.
Candidates who successfully complete all required assessment components may be invited to take part in a structured interview using a standardized set of questions, when applicable. In addition to the interview, applicants may also be evaluated through job-related exercises such as work samples, skill demonstrations, presentations, or other performance-based activities aligned with the requirements of the position .
Qualified bidders will be hired in seniority order. External applicants who successfully apply for the position, meet the minimum qualifications, and possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired in a lottery/random order.
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf
APPLICATION EVALUATION : Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075 . The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.
A LL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago i s an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor