Plumber & Pipefitter
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersFind out about the career of a plumber from this site of the U.S. Department of Labor, where you can gather some basic information on what it’s like to work in this field. Details on the wages you can expect from the job and related occupations are presented. You’ll learn about training, qualifications, and advancement. Read this work description to find out more and help you decide for yourself if this is the right work environment for you. You can also access key organizations and professional associations for training and continuing education.
Career Voyages: ConstructionInformation for students on residential, as well as commercial and industrial careers, are presented at this site, intended to offer comprehensive information on the overall construction industry, including plumbing and pipefitting. Find an industry overview, career video, a list of in-demand occupations, education and training, a career advisor, and links to important sites in the exploration of plumbing career options.
ISeek: Plumbers and PipefittersISeek offers an overview of the plumbing profession and instant access to a video that will show you the daily activities of this occupation. Click on the tabs at the top of the page, and you will find information on work activities, skills, and abilities needed to be successful, job preparation and education, wages, and expected availability of jobs.
Occupational Titles
Air Conditioning Installer, Pipe Or Steam Fitter
Apprentice, Coppersmith
Apprentice, Gas Fitter
Apprentice, Pipe Fitter
Apprentice, Plumber
Apprentice, Steamfitter
Assembly Person
Coppersmith
Coppersmith Apprentice
Corrosion Control Fitter
Drain Technician
Fire Control System Installer
Fitter
Fitter, Gas
Furnace Installer, Pipe Or Steam Fitters
Gas Fitter
Gas Line Installer
Gas Main Fitter
Gas Pipe Layer
Gas Plumber
Gas-Main Fitter
Heating Unit Installer
Hot Water Heater Installer
Hydrant Setter
Hydraulic Plumber
Industrial Gas Fitter
Industrial-Gas Fitter
Inspector, Manhole And Underground Steamline
Inspector, Service
Installer, Water Hydrant
Instrument Fitter
Irrigation System Installer
Journeyman Plumber
Locomotive Pipe Fitter
Maintenance Plumber
Marine Pipefitter
Marine Plumber
Marine Steam Fitter
Master Plumber
Mechanic, Aircraft Hydraulic Equipment
Mechanic, Aircraft Plumbing And Hydraulic
Mechanic, Fire Hydrant
Mechanic, Plumbing
Mechanic, Soft Water
Mechanic, Water
Meter Installer, Gas Or Water
Meter Setter
Pipe Assembly Man
Pipe Assembly Worker
Pipe Calker
Pipe Connector
Pipe Cutter
Pipe Fitter
Pipe Installer
Pipe Setter
Pipe-Fitter Apprentice
Pipelaying Fitter
Pipeman
Piper
Piping Designer
Plc
Plumber
Plumber And Pipefitter
Plumber And Tinner
Plumber Apprentice
Plumber Gasfitter
Plumbing Installer
Plumbing Technician
Repairer, Gas Line
Repairer, Water Regulator And Valve
Service Plumber
Servicer, Gas Line
Sprinkler Fitter
Sprinkler Installer
Sprinkling System Installer
Steam Fitter
Steam Heating Installer
Steam Pipe Fitter
Steam Service Inspector
Steam Trap Man
Water Meter Installer
Water Pipe Installer
Water Softener Installer
Accredited Academic Programs
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of TechnologyLook at what this accrediting organization has to offer in terms of promoting educational quality across technical career schools. You will find a student corner that includes information for prospective students and a comprehensive directory of schools.
Associated Builders and Contractors: Education and TrainingFind out about apprenticeship programs through this organization, including craft training, student chapters at 50 colleges, and meeting and events of the organization.
Salary Levels
PayScale: PlumberCheck out the median hourly rate according to years of experience for a plumber or pipefitter around the U.S., with charts depicting the hourly rate in various cities and states. You can also look up similar information on median hourly rate by age or the type of employer you work for.
Professional Organizations
Institute of Plumbing and Heating EngineeringInternational information on education, training, and career development in the plumbing field is found at this page, which discusses the importance of plumbers, the job, qualities needed, and answers to frequently asked questions. Link to information on public health-related topics, publications, and information on the environment related to the plumbing trade are included.
United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting IndustryThis union has more than 300,000 members and offers departments on training, safety, health, and a legislative/political action division. Fill out the career profile form for an apprentice or journeyman, and learn how you can join this large union and experience all the benefits of membership.
World Plumbing CouncilThe health aspects of plumbing are discussed at this home page and accompanied by the publication to this end from the World Health Organization. This international council represents several countries and organizations in the plumbing field and includes a global discussion forum, trainers scholarship details, news, and a World Skills link, which distributes information on global skill building through international events.
Job Opportunity Sources
Indeed.com: Plumber JobsIf you want to find thousands of plumbing opportunities in one location, come to this site, where jobs are all collected from several nationwide databases.
Plumbing AgentPlumbing jobs, piping jobs, fire sprinklefitter positions, and facilities maintenance openings can be searched from this site, where you will find a targeted search agent available after creating your individualized profile.
United Association CareersFrom the United Association of Apprentices and Journeyman, this page describes opportunities for aspiring plumbers, including local unions and training programs. Click a link to go to the UA career profile and hot job markets.
Licensing & Certification
ISeek: Plumbers and PipefittersCertifications related to the plumbing career are found at this page, with links available to credentialing organizations.
Publications
Plumbing and MechanicalA reference for the plumbing and heating industry, this online magazine offers the day’s top news, web exclusive stories, a plumbing blog, and information on upcoming trade shows. You will also have access to a variety of plumbing resources, including My Plumbing Portal, a water information library, and industry links.
Plumbing EngineerThe current issue of this magazine is available online with columns, features, a calendar of events, and even plumbing industry videos. You will find a manufacturers spotlight, a newsletter and its archives, and guides to fire prevention, design, and modern piping products.
Online Forums & Blogs
Plumbing ForumForums for pipe-related trades are found at this page, including a professional plumbing discussion area, drain cleaning talk, pipe joining and fabrication, and construction-related topics. You will also find threads related to power tools, as well as a list of currently active users at these very active forums.
Plumbing NetworksModerated boards are available here, with forums on plumbing installation, maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting. Click on the topic you are interested in and find advice, browse the entire board, or post your own topic.
Career Videos
Flush TVAccess a plumbing portal here, or listen to entertaining videos from professionals in the industry. These episodes might show you some aspects of a plumber’s abilities, with archived videos from people who are true to their trade.
YouTube: Plumbers Job DescriptionLearn what the word “plumber” really means, and all the things they assemble and repair in their daily jobs. You’ll find out what skills and training you need to become a plumber, including a possible four-year apprenticeship or on-the-job-training, or armed forces skill acquisition. Find out about job opportunities and becoming a plumbing contractor, too.
