Potential earnings
£74,044.38
Pipe fitters install pipe systems and maintain and repair pipes in major utilities, industrial and construction settings and sites.
Main tasks
- Tests pipe work for leaks and makes necessary adjustments.
- Fits piping into position and joins sections by welding, soldering, cementing, fusing, screwing or by other methods.
- Installs pipes for heating, ventilating, fire prevention, water and similar systems in industrial and construction settings, including oil rigs and terminals, sewerage systems and other mains networks.
- Measures and cuts required lengths of copper, lead, steel, iron, aluminium or plastic piping using hand or machine tools.
- Examines drawings and specifications to determine layout of piping.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£48,607.45
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | 13% |
| Level 3 | 85% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 2% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
