About the job
Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, or they may be self-employed.
- Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements.
- Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines.
- Select type and size of pipe required.
- Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools.
- Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system.
- Install supports, valves, piping and control systems.
- Test system for leaks using testing equipment.
- Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system.
- Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system.
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
- Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements.
- Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools.
- Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports.
- Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment.
- Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment.
- Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment.
- Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment.
- Service and repair sprinkler system.
- May prepare cost estimates for clients.
- journeyman/woman steamfitter-pipefitter
- maintenance pipefitter
- marine pipefitter
- marine steamfitter
- petroleum storage tank installer
- pipefitter
- sprinkler system installer
- steamfitter
- turbine pipefitter
This work requires a methodical approach, a mechanical aptitude, and an ability to plan ahead. You must be agile, coordinated, and capable of working in cramped and awkward conditions. Patience and the ability to follow instructions are important. You should also be able to cooperate and work well with others on large projects.
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- 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.
- Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Labour Market Information
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 28% of Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $71,931. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
| Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
| Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | 820 | Moderate growth | 55 | Moderate | Minimum: $14.50 Median: $32.00 Maximum: $44.88 | Minimum: $21,898 Median: $58,509 Maximum: $115,408 |
| Occupations in Trades and Transportation | 57,925 | Decline slightly | 3,400 | High | Minimum: $13.00 Median: $20.35 Maximum: $34.00 | Minimum: $7,580 Median: $37,269 Maximum: $79,787 |
| Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | Compared to: Occupations in Trades and Transportation | |
| Percent employed full-time | 95% | 89% |
| Percent self-employed | 36% | 13% |
| Area of Employment | Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
| % Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
| Southern | 5% | x | 12% | $30,581 |
| Northern | 18% | $56,958 | 16% | $33,660 |
| Cape Breton | 35% | $55,376 | 13% | $32,974 |
| Halifax | 33% | $51,221 | 47% | $41,209 |
| Annapolis Valley | 10% | x | 13% | $32,958 |
| Age | Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | Compared to: All Trades and Transportation |
| % Employed | % Employed | |
| 15-24 | 13% | x |
| 25-34 | 30% | 13% |
| 35-44 | 21% | 33% |
| 45-54 | 15% | 34% |
| 55-64 | 14% | 19% |
| 65+ | 8% | x |
| Median Age | 42 | 47 |
| Gender | Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | Compared to: Occupations in Trades and Transportation |
| % Employed | % Employed | |
| Female | 2% | 5% |
| Male | 98% | 95% |
| Education | Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers | Compared to: All Trades and Transportation | ||
| % Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
| Less than high school | 2.6% | $15,032 | 18.2% | $25,753 |
| High school | 9.3% | $34,447 | 25.5% | $28,089 |
| Trades certificate | 55.5% | $47,412 | 29.4% | $40,890 |
| College certificate or diploma | 29.5% | $45,940 | 22.6% | $39,023 |
| University certificate or diploma | x | x | 1.0% | $35,969 |
| Bachelor's degree | 2.2% | x | 2.7% | $36,972 |
| University advanced certificate or diploma | x | x | 0.2% | $41,705 |
| Master's degree | x | x | 0.3% | x |
| Doctorate | x | x | 0.0% | $36,029 |
| Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | x | x | 0.0% | $3,714 |
| Total | 100% | 100% | ||
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. These programs include courses in water systems, steam systems, heating and cooling systems, lubricating systems, piping materials, installation tools operation and maintenance, valve installation and repair, technical mathematics, blueprint interpretation, and applicable codes and standards.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. These programs include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.