Steam Fitting Job Description
Steam fitters are among the highest-paid workers within construction. A steam fitter plays a role in the functioning of buildings. These workers specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of certain pipe systems. Steam fitters are skilled workers who typically receive knowledge through an apprenticeship in order to be eligible for work.
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Responsibilities
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, steamfitters lay out, assemble, install and maintain pipe systems. These pipe systems use high pressure to move liquids or gases. Steamfitters follow blueprints and plan the pipe system layout. According to the Occupational Information Network, these workers use tools, such as levels, power grinders, screwdrivers, tapes or dies and welders.
Environment and Hours
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, steamfitters can most often be found in industrial and power plants. Steamfitters work beyond 40 hours per week and can be on-call for emergencies during nights and weekends.
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Education and Training
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most steamfitters receive on-the-job training through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships provide the most thorough training for these jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that apprenticeship programs are “administered by union locals and affiliated companies or nonunion contractor organizations.” Apprenticeships last between four to five years of at least 144 hours of related classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeships typically begin at approximately 50 percent the wage rate that is paid to experienced workers.
Earnings
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics combines the data for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters. These workers earned a national mean hourly wage of $23.97 and a national mean annual wage of $49,870 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters were building equipment contractors with a mean annual wage of $50,460; utility system construction, $47,910; nonresidential building construction, $49,770; the local government, $46,010; and natural gas distribution, $54,030.
Outlook
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According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is expected to increase at a rate of 15 percent through 2018. Demand for steamfitters will be because of the construction and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants, power plants, factories and office buildings. Most of these locations have complex pipe systems.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pipes and more pipes image by rider from Fotolia.com
