Careers · Pipelayers · California
Pipelayers in California
Pipelayers install pipe systems for sewers, drains, and water mains. They work outdoors on construction sites, grading trenches, positioning pipe sections, and sealing joints In California the median pay is $76,180 a year, 55% above the national median of $49,000.
$76,180median pay in California, per year
$61,870–$94,560middle half earn
1,420employed in California
$49,000U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
Building and ConstructionPublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and TechnologyMechanicalAdministration and ManagementProduction and Processing
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Pipelayers.
Licenses and training in California
Pipelayers pay in other states
Wisconsin · $86,870Washington · $82,450Minnesota · $81,980New Jersey · $78,830Indiana · $73,580Massachusetts · $72,770Ohio · $71,560New York · $70,370Oregon · $64,230Nevada · $63,570
Related occupations
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersSolar Thermal Installers and TechniciansBoilermakersBrickmasons and BlockmasonsStonemasonsCarpentersCarpet InstallersFloor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pipelayers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2151.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.