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Union Pipefitter Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Pipefitter

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$33.36 - $38.92/hr

Follows pipe-fitting work procedures that are specified in some detail for a for recurring and ... Installs, replaces, or repairs various joints shut-off valves and unions. * Sets and adjusts die to ...

Union Pipefitter information

See Renton, WA salary details

$17

$32

$44

How much do union pipefitter jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for union pipefitter in Renton, WA is $32.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.31 and $34.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Union Pipefitter Do?

As a union pipefitter, your primary responsibilities are to fabricate and prepare pipes and attach them to a wall. Your duties include planning pipe systems, designing layouts, inspecting work sites, testing lines, measuring and marking pipes for cutting and welding, and securing pipes with brackets, clamps, and welding equipment. You install new pipes and assist with repairs or upgrades to existing systems. As a pipefitter, you work with hand, power, and welding tools and are responsible for their maintenance. Working as a union pipefitter means you have the support and resources of a labor union throughout your career, resulting in greater worker protections and benefits.

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

To thrive as a Union Pipefitter, you need expertise in blueprint reading, pipe system assembly, welding, and a completed apprenticeship or relevant certification. Familiarity with tools like pipe threaders, welding machines, and safety systems is essential, along with OSHA safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, attention to detail, and reliability help pipefitters excel on complex job sites. These skills and qualities ensure safe, precise installation and maintenance of piping systems, directly impacting project efficiency and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges Union Pipefitters face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Union Pipefitters often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, extreme temperatures, or at heights, as well as coordinating with other trades on busy construction sites. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive safety training, the use of personal protective equipment, and clear communication protocols. Additionally, union membership provides access to ongoing education and mentorship, helping members stay updated on best practices and new technologies to tackle these challenges effectively.

What are union pipefitters?

Union pipefitters are skilled tradespeople who install, assemble, maintain, and repair piping systems that transport liquids, gases, and steam in commercial, industrial, and manufacturing settings. They are members of a labor union, which provides them with collective bargaining power, training, and benefits. Union pipefitters often work on construction sites, power plants, oil refineries, and factories. Their responsibilities include reading blueprints, measuring and cutting pipes, welding, and ensuring systems meet safety codes. Joining a union offers pipefitters access to apprenticeships, job security, and better wages.

What is the difference between Union Pipefitter vs Pipefitter?

AspectUnion PipefitterPipefitter
CredentialsUnion membership, certifications like OSHA, pipefitting licensesMay have similar certifications, often non-union
Work EnvironmentUnion shops, industrial plants, construction sitesCommercial, industrial, or residential settings
Employer & Industry UsageUnionized companies, large industrial projectsPrivate companies, smaller projects
Search & Comparison IntentUnion Pipefitter vs PipefitterSimilar roles, different employment types

The main difference between a Union Pipefitter and a Pipefitter lies in union membership and work environment. Union Pipefitters are part of a union, often working on large industrial or construction projects with union benefits, while Pipefitters may work in non-union settings. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but union membership can influence wages, job security, and work conditions.

What job categories do people searching Union Pipefitter jobs in Renton, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Union Pipefitter jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Union Pipefitter jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Union Pipefitter job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Pipefitter job openings in Renton, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 6% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,011 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
Pipefitter

$33.36 - $38.92/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 955 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
This position is for the Facilities Management Service at the Seattle & American Lake campuses VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS).
This is an open continuous announcement.Applicants will be accepted on a ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered. The close date for this announcement is Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Follows pipe-fitting work procedures that are specified in some detail for a for recurring and routine work.
  • Completes pipe-fitting work in compliance with instructions and adherence to established practices and standards
  • Follows pipe-fitting instructions and assignments that are normally provided verbally but may occasionally be made in writing
  • Receives, stores, identifies, issues, and maintains records of tools and materials.
  • Inventories all tools at prescribed intervals and checks bin cards frequently to assure accurate stock levels are maintained.
  • Picks up from the warehouse materials purchased for specific jobs, labels those materials to job orders, and occasionally delivers these materials to the job site.
  • Performs pipe assembly
  • Uses tools and equipment such as tapes, rules, hacksaws, hand and power pipe threaders and cutters, packing and caulking irons, and pipe wrenches.
  • Erect protective enclosures, clean rooms, negative air machines to provide negative airflow to the work area to protect patients and staff from potential hazards of the work area
  • Installs, replaces, or repairs various pipes and flanges.
  • Installs, replaces, or repairs various joints shut-off valves and unions.
  • Sets and adjusts die to cutter
  • Installs, replaces, or repairs various joints, ceiling or wall radiators.
  • Eliminates water hammer in steam lines by changing pitch of branches to risers; and covering pipes with insulating material.
  • Sets and adjusts threader.
  • Covers pipes with insulating material.
  • Cuts threading lengths of pipe.
  • Measures threading lengths of pipe.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD41355A
Physical Requirements: Employee often works from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms where parts of systems are in hard-to-reach places. The incumbent may be required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The incumbent may be required to lift and carry heavy items. All lifts over 50 pounds will be assisted with a two person lift or using a mechanical handling equipment lifting device. The two-person lift limit is 100 pounds and will only be used for single event, non-routine lifts.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
  • Measurement and Layout
  • Technical Practices
  • Troubleshooting
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Without more than normal supervision

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Veterans Health Administration

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US