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Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers
What they do?
Steamfitters and pipefitters perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
B. May prepare cost estimates for clients.
Sprinkler system installers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements
B. Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
C. Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports
D. Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment
E. Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
F. Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
G. Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
H. Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
I. Service and repair sprinkler system
J. May prepare cost estimates for clients.
K. Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
L. Select type and size of pipe required
M. Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
N. Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
O. Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
P. Test system for leaks using testing equipment
Q. Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
Where they find work?
1. Construction - 47.0%
2. Paper manufacturing - 8.0%
3. Other services (except public administration) - 4.0%
4. Support activities for mining and oil and gas extraction - 4.0%
5. Oil and gas extraction - 3.0%
6. Primary metal manufacturing - 3.0%
7. Wholesale trade - 3.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the
trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually
required to be eligible for trade certification.
3. Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but
voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
4. Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all
other provinces and territories.
5. Red Seal, an interprovincial trade certification, is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system
installers.
6. Most recent entrants have either a trade/vocational certificate or a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Sciences
3. Industrial Arts
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers is $23.51/HR, which is above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
12% of Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($23.51) are close to the national average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (12%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (74%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Maintenance
2. Water/gas service
3. Construction/manufacturing
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
2% of Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 20,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 11% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
