Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers
(NOC 7252)
in All Trades and TransportationSteamfitters and pipefitters install piping, equipment, and controls for hot water, steam, process and chemical piping. Sprinkler fitters install and maintain permanent fire extinguishing systems. Steamfitters and pipefitters and sprinkler fitters work for maintenance departments of factories and plants and similar work sites, for pipefitting or sprinkler system contractors, or may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: moderate, with some opportunities through turnover.
Demand: expected to rise between 2021 and 2023 due to increased construction and utility activity that will create some new opportunities. Retirements are expected to create some openings.
Unemployment: There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupations.
Work hours: full-time hours, normally. Both permanent and temporary positions are common.
Hourly Pay
$23.42
Minimum$38.11
Median$48.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,898
Minimum$58,509
Median$115,408
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Steamfitters and pipefitters install piping, equipment, and controls for hot water, steam, process and chemical piping. Sprinkler fitters install and maintain permanent fire extinguishing systems. Steamfitters and pipefitters and sprinkler fitters work for maintenance departments of factories and plants and similar work sites, for pipefitting or sprinkler system contractors, or may be self-employed.
Job duties
Steamfitters and pipefitters:
- 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.
Sprinkler Fitters:
- 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.
Sample job titles
- journeyperson steamfitter-pipefitter
- maintenance pipefitter
- marine pipefitter
- marine steamfitter
- petroleum storage tank installer
- pipefitter
- sprinkler system installer
- steamfitter
- turbine pipefitter
Skills
- Strength and stamina
- Manual dexterity
- Mechanical aptitude
- Precision
- Ability to read and understand complex instructions
- Ability to work at heights
- Methodical approach
- Ability to plan ahead
- Ability to work with little direction or supervision
- Ability to communicate with other trades
- Ability to work as a team
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for steamfitter-pipefitters is compulsory Nova Scotia.
- Certification for sprinkler fitters is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for sprinkler fitters or steamfitter-pipefitter.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Petroleum storage tank installers must complete industry training and then apply for certification from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.
Other considerations
- Setting: steamfitters-pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks. Climbing and lifting or moving heavy items is often required.
- Setting: sprinkler fitters work mostly indoors, often in temporarily heated or unheated spaces. They may need to lift heavy objects.
- Steamfitter-pipefitters and sprinkler fitters work 40 hours a week with overtime required to meet construction deadlines.
- Travel to work sites is common.
- Steamfitters-pipefitters may need to stand for long periods. There is some risk of injury when working with power tools and heavy equipment.
- Sprinkler fitters are exposed to some risk of injury when working on construction and maintenance sites.
- Experienced steamfitter-pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions like foreman, sub-contractor, contractor and construction superintendent.
- Experienced sprinkler fitters may advance to supervisory positions or start their own business.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
$65,204 median annual incomeHalifax
$57,125 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$60,392 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$55,064 median annual incomeSouthern
$53,114 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Manufacturing
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$58,442 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$63,296 median annual incomeHigh school
$39,861 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Sprinkler Fitter
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system. A sprinkler fitter apprenticeship prepares apprentices to design, install and test automatic fire and exposure protection systems.
Institutions providing this program
Apprenticeship - Steamfitter-Pipefitter
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 7,200 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system. A steamfitter-pipefitter apprenticeship prepares apprentices to design, install and test industrial and commercial piping systems.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. They 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.
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.
Installer Certificate: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. A certificate shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.