Pipelayers
Pipelayers install pipe systems for sewers, drains, and water mains. They work outdoors on construction sites, grading trenches, positioning pipe sections, and sealing joints. Most pipelayers work for construction companies or municipal water and sewer departments, often as part of larger crews building or maintaining underground infrastructure.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A pipelayer's week typically involves physical work in trenches and excavation sites. Tasks include digging and grading trenches to proper depth and slope, laying pipe sections in place, and sealing joints using various methods. Weather and soil conditions affect the work schedule. Pipelayers use hand tools and heavy equipment, coordinate with equipment operators and other crew members, and follow blueprints and safety protocols throughout each project phase.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with concrete results and practical problem-solving. You work well following established procedures and technical specifications, and you're comfortable with outdoor physical labor and machinery. People who do well in this role value reliability, attention to detail, and seeing tangible infrastructure projects completed.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $80,990 | $86,870 | $93,550 | 350 |
| Washington | $70,110 | $82,450 | $95,180 | 1,050 |
| Minnesota | $75,840 | $81,980 | $95,040 | 510 |
| New Jersey | $63,360 | $78,830 | $97,310 | 400 |
| California | $61,870 | $76,180 | $94,560 | 1,420 |
| Indiana | $52,040 | $73,580 | $91,860 | 800 |
| Massachusetts | $63,020 | $72,770 | $86,550 | — |
| Ohio | $59,530 | $71,560 | $79,720 | 1,160 |
| New York | $52,510 | $70,370 | $80,370 | 250 |
| Oregon | $57,820 | $64,230 | $75,240 | 620 |
| Nevada | $48,650 | $63,570 | $75,820 | 450 |
| Arizona | $56,510 | $62,740 | $65,710 | 480 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- STAR Plumber Mastery — National Inspection, Testing and Certification Corporation
- STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastery — National Inspection, Testing and Certification Corporation
- Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CFPC&C) — International Fluid Power Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2151.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.