Gas Fitters
(NOC 7253)
in All Trades and TransportationGas fitters (gas technicians) install, service and maintain gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. There are two classes of Gas Fitter – Gas Fitter A and Gas Fitter B. Gas Fitter A installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. Gas Fitter B installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment with an input rate of 400,000 Btu/h or less. They work for gas utility companies and, gas servicing companies, and propane suppliers.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook for gas fitters: undetermined - an outlook was not determined for this occupation due to the small number of workers in Nova Scotia.
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: small, with infrequent job opportunities.
Work hours: full-time, normally. Jobs are typically permanent positions.
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$26,660
Minimum$53,602
Median$75,648
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
Gas fitters (gas technicians) install, service and maintain gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. There are two classes of Gas Fitter – Gas Fitter A and Gas Fitter B. Gas Fitter A installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment. Gas Fitter B installs, services and maintains any size of gas-utilizing appliances, piping and equipment with an input rate of 400,000 Btu/h or less. They work for gas utility companies and, gas servicing companies, and propane suppliers.
Job duties
Gas fitters:
- Study drawings and specifications to determine the layout of the installation and materials required.
- Measure and mark reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment.
- Install and maintain gas meters and regulators and gas lines between gas unit and gas meter.
- Install, maintain and service gas heating units and their components like burners, valves, and automatic controls.
- Test and replace defective equipment or components.
- Test and adjust control mechanisms and check pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas detecting devices.
- Attend to gas escape calls and assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions.
- Prepare reports on work performed and condition of facilities.
- Advise clients regarding standards, safety features and maintenance of gas units and systems.
- May repair and service gas appliances and related equipment.
Sample job titles
- apprentice gas fitter
- gas fitter
- gas fitter-installer
- gas pipefitter
- gas technician
Skills
- mechanical, electrical and electronic aptitude
- manual dexterity
- problem solving skills
- patience
- ability to follow instructions
- ability to deal courteously with customers
- ability to work with little direction or supervision
- agile and coordinated
- ability to work well with others
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a one-level Class A, 1,800-hour or two-level Class B, 3,600-hour apprenticeship program: 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, 2,700 hours Class A or 5,400 hours Class B and other criteria.
- Certification for gas fitters is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for gas fitters.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
- Obtain a Fuel Safety Technician licence from Technical Safety. A Gasfitter A or Gasfitter B Certificate of Qualification is required to apply for a licence.
Other considerations
- Setting: both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in cramped or awkward positions. The work is physically demanding.
- Risks: there is some risk of injury when working with explosive gases and power tools.
- Work hours: 40-hour week with overtime sometimes required.
- Experienced gasfitters may advance to supervisory positions like foreperson, maintenance manager, or service manager 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?
Halifax
$55,311 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$48,048 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Construction
Professional, scientific and technical services
Wholesale trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
55-64
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$54,159 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$55,429 median annual incomeHigh school
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 - Gas Fitter A/B
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 the required 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.
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
Licence: A licence is required to carry out the regulated work of a gas technician. A Gasfitter A or Gasfitter B Certificate of Qualification is required to apply for a licence.
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally work in this trade.