How Much Does a Steamfitter Make? (2025)
A steamfitter, also known as a pipefitter, specializes in the installation and maintenance of piping systems that are designed to carry the flow of liquids and gases at high pressure. They usually handle pipes and fixtures in manufacturing, industrial, and commercial companies that may carry acids, chemicals, and gases.
A forecast by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a projected growth of 6% in employment for steamfitters from 2023 to 2033. This figure translates to an estimated 43,300 annual job openings in the labor industry over the decade for aspiring steamfitters.
Salary.com projects the annual average salary of steamfitters in the United States to be $54,887 for 2025. Learn more about the salary trend of steamfitters, top-paying cities in the US, and some FAQs about the occupation in this salary guide.
What is the Average Steamfitter’s Salary?
As mentioned above, the projected annual average salary of steamfitters in the United States is $54,887 for 2025. This figure is 1.1% higher than the 2024 median salary of $54,290.
As of December 1, 2024, the average annual salary for steamfitters in the US ranges between $44,590 to $64,390 with most earning $35,759 to $73,586 annually.
2025 Average Salary for Steamfitter: $54,887 per year ($26.40 per hour)
2024 Average Salary for Steamfitter: $54,290 per year ($26 per hour)
A steamfitter’s average monthly salary is $4,524, while the average weekly pay is $1,044. Meanwhile, the salary of a construction laborer per hour is $26 according to the Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17 | $688 | $2,980 | $35,759 |
| 25th Percentile | $21 | $858 | $3,716 | $44,590 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $26 | $1,044 | $4,524 | $54,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $31 | $1,238 | $5,366 | $64,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $35 | $1,415 | $6,132 | $73,586 |
Steamfitter Salaries State by State
Steamfitter salaries may vary across US states depending on key factors such as state building codes, occupation demand, and varying standards of living.
As shown in the table below, the three (3) states with the lowest average annual salary for steamfitters in the United States are Mississippi, South Dakota, and West Virginia with $48,490, $48,490, and $48,490, respectively.
Meanwhile, the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for steamfitters are in the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $60,490, $59,890, and $59,590, respectively.
| States | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $59,190 |
| Alabama | $49,890 |
| Arkansas | $49,490 |
| Arizona | $52,890 |
| California | $59,890 |
| Colorado | $55,390 |
| Connecticut | $58,390 |
| District of Columbia | $60,490 |
| Delaware | $55,190 |
| Florida | $51,590 |
| Georgia | $52,590 |
| Hawaii | $56,790 |
| Iowa | $51,990 |
| Idaho | $50,690 |
| Illinois | $55,590 |
| Indiana | $52,690 |
| Kansas | $51,690 |
| Kentucky | $51,090 |
| Louisiana | $51,690 |
| Massachusetts | $59,090 |
| Maryland | $55,090 |
| Maine | $52,890 |
| Michigan | $53,590 |
| Minnesota | $55,590 |
| Missouri | $51,790 |
| Mississippi | $48,490 |
| Montana | $50,790 |
| North Carolina | $52,190 |
| North Dakota | $53,790 |
| Nebraska | $51,190 |
| New Hampshire | $55,290 |
| New Jersey | $59,590 |
| New Mexico | $50,090 |
| Nevada | $54,590 |
| New York | $57,890 |
| Ohio | $53,090 |
| Oklahoma | $50,290 |
| Oregon | $55,190 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,190 |
| Rhode Island | $56,690 |
| South Carolina | $51,290 |
| South Dakota | $48,890 |
| Tennessee | $50,290 |
| Texas | $53,190 |
| Utah | $51,690 |
| Virginia | $54,490 |
| Vermont | $53,290 |
| Washington | $58,590 |
| Wisconsin | $53,690 |
| West Virginia | $48,890 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Steamfitters?
Steamfitter salaries also vary by city due to the differences in standard of living, local demand for occupation, and industry rates in metropolitan areas.
The table below shows that the labor industry in California is offering higher average annual salaries for steamfitters, specifically in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Certain cities such as New York, Queens Village, and Paramus also show signs of increased demand for steamfitter occupations:
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $68,190 ($32.80 per hour) |
| San Francisco, California | $67,890 ($32.70 per hour) |
| Oakland, California | $66,290 ($31.90 per hour) |
| New York, New York | $63,490 ($30.50 per hour) |
| Queens Village, New York | $62,990 ($30.30 per hour) |
| Paramus, New Jersey | $62,590 ($30.10 per hour) |
How Does Experience Affect Steamfitter Salaries?
Having more experience also plays an important role in increasing the salary for steamfitters. Salary.com reports that an entry-level steamfitter can earn an average annual income of $52,335. On that note, having 2 more years of experience can increase a steamfitter’s salary to $54,090 which translates to an increase of about 3.35%.
After 2 to 4 years of experience, the salary of steamfitters could increase to about $57,341. Those specialist steamfitters with 5 to 8 years of experience can earn more with $57,784. Finally, an expert-level steamfitter’s salary is expected to be $58,523 on average.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Steamfitter | $52,335 |
| Intermediate Level Steamfitter | $54,090 |
| Senior Level Steamfitter | $57,341 |
| Specialist Level Steamfitter | $57,784 |
| Expert Level Steamfitter | $58,523 |
How to Increase Salary as a Steamfitter?
A steamfitter usually learns about the occupation during on-the-job training and apprenticeship. There are also some who learn by attending vocational and technical schools. However, some states and localities require steamfitters to be licensed before performing the job. Below are skills and advancements to increase salary for steamfitters:
Steamfitter Advancements
Education: Employers often prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Vocational and technical schools offer relevant courses such as design of pipe systems, safety precautions, and tool management. Welding courses are also included in some cases since steamfitter apprenticeship programs require them.
Training: Steamfitters in the US usually start by working 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training along with technical instruction focusing on blueprint reading, local safety codes and regulations, and safety each year. Then, they often enter 4 to 5-year apprenticeship programs sponsored by unions, trade associations, and businesses to gain more experience.
Credentials: Steamfitters may also take licensure examinations to acquire their license and become journey-level steamfitters, this grants them the qualification to execute the job independently. Special licenses may also be required for a steamfitter to work on more technical working conditions such as gas lines.
Steamfitter Skills
Gaining sought-after skills for a steamfitter is an effective way to increase salary and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand steamfitter skills are welding and plumbing with 29.20% and 14.96%, respectively.
On the other hand, essential skills such as preventive maintenance and mechanical troubleshooting can increase the salary for steamfitters by 11.0% and 8.78%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for steamfitters and their respective influence on their salary:
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive Maintenance | 5.27% | +11.0% |
| Mechanical Troubleshooting | 1.54% | +8.78% |
| Soldering | 6.27% | +8.74% |
| Maintenance Inspection | 1.34% | +8.30% |
| Blueprint Reading | 1.24% | +7.69% |
| Safety Policies and Procedures | 1.64% | +7.51% |
| Welding | 29.20% | +6.35% |
| Plumbing | 14.96% | +3.40% |
What are the FAQs About Steamfitter Salaries?
Here are some common questions about steamfitter salary:
What does a steamfitter do?
Steamfitters have similar tasks to pipefitters and plumbers. They specialize in designing the flow of liquids or gases at high pressure in broad settings such as commercial, industrial, and manufacturing companies. A steamfitter’s primary tasks and responsibilities include the following:
- Prepare cost estimates for projects of clients including materials and equipment.
- Read blueprints and adhere to state and local building codes.
- Install and test pipeline systems.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair existing pipeline systems.
Where do steamfitters get paid the most?
Salary.com reports that the three (3) states with the highest average annual salary for steamfitters are the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey with $60,490, $59,890, and $59,590, respectively.
Do steamfitters travel a lot?
Yes. Steamfitters work in multiple possible locations such as residential homes, commercial buildings, and power plants, where there are pipeline systems. They may also work full-time during nights, weekends, and emergencies to fix urgent issues.
What educational background or degree is needed to become a steamfitter?
A high school diploma or equivalent may be required by employers during the hiring process. Moreover, steamfitters usually undergo 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship programs.
