Job Description for a Pipelayer
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pipelayer jobs are increasing. Between the years of 2008 and 2018, pipelayer jobs are expected to increase by 17 percent, a higher rate than many other employment opportunities in the United States. Opportunities are also increasing for pipelayers who are proficient in green technology. Approximately one-third of all pipelayers belong to a labor union.
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Responsibilities
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Pipelayers install either concrete, cast-iron, clay or plastic pipes for drains or in sewers. They also lay the pipe for gas and oil lines. They prepare the area in which the pipe will lay by trenching and grading. After the pipe is placed in the prepared areas, pipelayers then weld or otherwise connect it together. Pipelayers must be able to understand blueprints and drawings, mechanical safety and plumbing codes.
Environment
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Pipelayers work outside and may be required to work in remote locations; therefore, they must be able to work in inclement weather as needed. They work around gas, oil and other chemicals and they are often exposed to intense heat and from the pipes and equipment. Pipelayers may work in and around sewers and other areas where water or gas lines exist.
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Education
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Pipelayers may work as an apprentice or attend a technical or trade school before fully entering into the occupation. Apprenticeships can be as long as five years of paid, on-the-job training. This allows the apprentice to learn fundamental skills such as trenching and grading, handling tools and material safety and laying the pipe itself. Apprenticeships usually require a specific period of classroom education as well. Some apprenticeship programs mandate the pipelayer have a high school diploma. While there are no uniform, federal licensing requirements, some states do require pipelayers to hold a license to work on a gas line.
Employment
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Both residential and commercial construction companies employ pipelayers. Usually a pipelayer will work on a job site temporarily until his portion of the work is complete and then move on to another site. Other popular industries that employ pipelayers are underground utility companies, specific pipeline construction companies, excavation and water utility companies. Experienced pipelayers also may be able to find employment as a technical consultant.
Salary
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In 2010, the average salary for a pipelayer was between $30,435 and $51,150 annually. Pipelayers are usually eligible for benefits such as paid vacations and bonuses. Apprentices may start at a lower salary which is generally about half of the salary of a journeyman pipelayer.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pipe fitting image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
