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Pipelayer Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Ferrovial

Webber - Pipelayer - Waterworks

Tomball, TX · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Move throughout a construction jobsite which includes minor obstacles including climbing ladders and inclines, operating heavy equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Safety Policies and Practices

Ferrovial

Webber - Pipelayer - Waterworks

Tomball, TX · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Move throughout a construction jobsite which includes minor obstacles including climbing ladders and inclines, operating heavy equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Safety Policies and Practices

RL Siteworx

Foreman

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$1.4K - $1.9K/wk

Mastered all Pipelayer or Operator objectives * Mastered all Lead Man objectives * Manage all excavations including depth C (0-20' deep) safely * Manage all excavations: benching, sloping, or using ...

All JobsPipelayer Operator JobsPipelayer Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

Pipelayer Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$12

$20

$30

How much do pipelayer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipelayer operator in Houston, TX is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $22.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a pipelayer operator do?

A Pipelayer Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment to lay pipes for utilities such as water, sewage, and drainage systems. Their work includes preparing the trench, placing pipes accurately, and ensuring proper alignment and sealing. They often collaborate with construction teams to read blueprints and follow safety protocols on job sites. This role requires skill in handling machinery like excavators and backhoes, as well as knowledge of construction standards and procedures.

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

To thrive as a Pipelayer Operator, you need a solid understanding of construction site safety, blueprint reading, and experience with pipe installation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as excavators, trenchers, and laser leveling equipment, along with OSHA safety certifications, is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating tasks and ensuring accuracy. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, precise, and efficient installation of pipelines in accordance with project specifications.

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

Pipelayer Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, coordinating with other construction crews, and ensuring precise alignment of pipes to meet project specifications. The role requires attention to safety protocols, especially when operating heavy machinery in confined spaces. Effective communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is crucial for maintaining workflow efficiency and preventing delays.

What is the difference between Pipelayer Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectPipelayer OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground and trench workConstruction sites, digging and material handling
Industry UsageUtility, pipeline, and infrastructure projectsGeneral construction, demolition, excavation

The Pipelayer Operator primarily focuses on laying pipes for utilities and infrastructure, often working underground or in trenches. The Excavator Operator handles digging, lifting, and moving materials using excavators. While both roles require similar certifications and work in construction environments, their specific tasks and project types differ. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and career goals.

How do you become a Pipelayer Operator?

To become a Pipelayer Operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or apprenticeships to learn pipe installation, safety procedures, and equipment operation. Certification in OSHA safety standards and experience with heavy machinery like backhoes or trenchers are often required or preferred.

Is a pipelayer operator a hard job?

A pipelayer operator's job involves installing underground pipelines, which requires physical strength, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety procedures. The work can be physically demanding and may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, often requiring certification and experience with heavy equipment. The difficulty level depends on the individual's skills and experience in construction and operating machinery.
Pipelayer Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pipelayer Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,210 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Pipelayer (Evergreen - BCC)

Calista Brice Holding Company

Houston, TX • On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Brice Civil Constructors IncRegular

This is an evergreen position, meaning we accept applications year-round and review them on a rolling basis as new opportunities become available.

Why choose us?

As a proud subsidiary of Calista Brice, we're part of a family of 20+ companies tackling tough construction, environmental, and technical challenges. Working at a Calista Brice company means joining a team where cultural values and practical innovation come together to create meaningful impact. You'll experience the stability of a large organization while enjoying the tight-knit community and entrepreneurial spirit of a smaller company, with opportunities to grow your career across our diverse family of businesses.

Calista Brice is owned by Calista Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ANCs were created to support economic development and self-determination for Alaska's Indigenous peoples. Our work directly contributes to advancing the social, cultural, and economic welfare of over 35,000 Alaska Natives in the Calista Region.

What does Brice Civil Constructors do?

Brice Civil Constructors takes on large-scale heavy civil construction projects that communities depend on. From earthen dams and bridges to airfields and water systems, you'll be part of a team that streamlines complex projects through self-performed construction and local hiring. Our team excels at federal, state, and municipal projects that require specialized expertise in remote logistics and harsh weather construction techniques, providing you with experience that few other companies can match. You'll grow your skills while building critical systems that stand the test of time.

Brice Civil is a proud subsidiary of Calista Brice, a group of 20+ companies delivering construction, engineering, and environmental solutions across the United States.

What can you expect?

As the Pipelayer, you would work on-site in Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas as a skilled tradesman who would be responsible for grading trenches, assembling, connecting, and constructing pipe systems for High Density Polyurethane (HDPE) pipes, storm pipes, sanitation sewers, and water mains. You will ensure the ground is prepped and trenches are dug out for pipe placement and may also grade and level culverts, position pipe, and seal joints.

How will you do it?

  • Grade trenches to install pipe.
  • Rig slings for installing pipe.
  • Hook pipe to sling to lift into trench.
  • Assist in positioning pipe in trench.
  • Assist in setting offsets and batter boards.
  • Backfill and tamp trench.
  • Gather material and installation tools.
  • Seal exposed pipe joints and fittings.
  • Set up and use pipe laser.
  • Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
  • Perform other duties as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of OSHA Construction Industry Safety Regulations.
  • Ability to work proficiency with hand and power tools needed for pipelaying.
  • Ability to safely utilize tools and equipment in performance of duties.
  • Ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, both logical and interpersonal.
  • Ability to actively listen and follow instructions.
  • Ability to work productively under pressure and pay attention to details of the specific project.
  • Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.
  • Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include weekends and holidays as necessary for project scope and meeting deadlines.

Who is Brice Civil Constructors looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • One (1) year related experience and/or training with buried and exposed PVC, C-900 PVC, SDR-26 PVC, reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), and reinforced concrete box (RCB) piping; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  • One (1) year of construction and pipe fitting technique knowledge.
  • Previous experience with machine-operated trenching tools.
  • Ability to pass drug and background screenings.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The noise level and working conditions are consistent with those of typical construction jobs. Most of the work of this position will be spent in the field, which will require the incumbent to work outdoor in harsh weather conditions. Adaptability regarding schedule and design changes, and occasional overtime for immediate field support or bid processing may be necessary.

More reasons you will love working with Brice Civil Constructors:

  • Competitive wages and bonus programs - We believe in developing our employees to progressively advance in their careers. We achieve this by providing you with annual performance reviews with recommendations on training to achieve your goals.
  • Mentorship Program designed for employees to formalize a working relationship between seasoned professionals and young professionals to develop specific areas of knowledge to grow their careers within the family of companies.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Safety Gear Allowance: $350.00 in reimbursement annually
  • Health insurance through the Federal Employee Benefit Program (FEHB) with many plans to choose from with ridiculously low employee premiums.
  • FSA health care and/or dependent care/HSA with HDHP.
  • Dental and Vision Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
  • Company paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and LTD.
  • Voluntary paid Life Insurance and AD&D as well as STD, Accident, Cancer/Critical illness, and Whole Life Insurance.
  • Paid time off is based on an employee working 2080 regular hours per year [40 hours per week]. May increase per years of service with the Company in eligible status.
  • 0-2 years 15 days
  • 3-5 years 23 days
  • 6-9 years 27 days
  • 10-14 years 30 days
  • 15-19 years 33 days
  • 20 or more years 37.5 days
  • 10 Regular Holidays, 1 Bonus - Work Anniversary "Floating" Holiday. Eligible after 1 year of service, must be taken within the calendar year.
  • 401(K) match at $0.50 on the dollar up to 6% of your contribution.

*Benefits may vary based on status of position and subject to associated plan eligibility provisions, or company handbook. For questions, please email the Human Resources Department at recruitment@calistabrice.com

How do you apply?

Please visit our careers page at www.calistabrice.com/open-positions and use the Company tab to filter by subsidiary company.

You have questions, or need assistance with applicant accommodation, how do you reach a recruiter from Brice Civil Constructors Inc? Simply reach out to recruitment@calistabrice.com

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours.

Join us and let's get started!

For the full job description including physical and environmental demands please reach out to recruitment@calistabrice.com

PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).

EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.

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