12 of the Best Types of Pipefitter Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Pipefitter jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Pipefitter Jobs

• Journeyman Pipefitter

  Salary range: $53,000 - $74,000

  To become a journeyman pipefitter, you need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Become proficient in math, especially math associated with measurements and geometry. Acquire an apprenticeship with a local pipefitter. Most pipefitting apprenticeships require approximately 250 hours of classroom education. Outside the classroom, you gain hands-on experience working under the supervision of experienced journeyman pipefitters. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you are eligible to take the journeyman pipefitter exam, allowing you to work without supervision.

• Pipefitter Junior

  Salary range: $53,000 - $74,000

  Pipefitter Junior is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Pipefitter Junior jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $74,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Pipefitter Junior job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Pipefitter Per Diem

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  As a pipefitter, per diem jobs are relatively common, especially when working on large construction sites. In this role, you may decide which type of pipe to install, use tools and equipment for welding, cutting, and similar tasks, and provide advice to the client about the best way to install pipes. Pipefitters also service and replace existing pipes, teach apprentices the trade, and test installed equipment. This job requires working with pipes intended to carry things like steam, air, oil, water, and hydraulic pressure, each of which has different characteristics and requires different tools and techniques during construction. This job may require you to install pipes onboard ships or in high places.

• Union Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  To become a union pipefitter, you need a high school diploma and must complete an apprenticeship through an approved trade union program like the United Association or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Apprenticeship programs can take up to five years to complete while you learn classroom techniques and receive on-the-job training. Candidates who complete union apprenticeships are often regarded as having a higher level of skills as a pipefitter due to the extensive training they receive. States have additional qualifications before you can work as a full-fledged union pipefitter, including obtaining a journeyman license and completing OSHA training.

• Entry Level Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

• Pipefitter Apprentice

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  The qualifications to get a pickup job depend on the type of work you do. Most jobs need you to have a high school diploma or GED certificate, though not all jobs have an educational requirement. If you transport people or cargo, you may need to obtain particular types of car insurance. Driving a pickup truck does not require you to have a specialized license, such as a commercial driver's license, but some clients and employers prefer you to have a CDL and a clean driving record. You may also need to pass a background check and drug test. Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal communication are essential, particularly if you own your own business.

• Independent Contractor Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

• Temporary Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Freelance Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Trainee Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Pipefitter Temp

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  Pipefitter Temp is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Pipefitter Temp jobs pay between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Pipefitter Temp job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Full Time Pipefitter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $64,500

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.