Gas Fitters
(NOC 7253)
in All Trades and TransportationGas fitters install, inspect, repair, and maintain gas lines and gas equipment like meters, regulators, and heating units in residential, commercial, and industrial businesses. They work for gas utility companies and gas servicing companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Gas Fitters most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 80% of Gas Fitters who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $54,908. 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)
Hourly Pay
$23.00
Minimum$27.00
Median$35.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$26,660
Minimum$53,602
Median$75,648
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Gas fitters install, inspect, repair, and maintain gas lines and gas equipment like meters, regulators, and heating units in residential, commercial, and industrial businesses. They work for gas utility companies and gas servicing companies.
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.
- Convert motor vehicles or appliances to use natural gas fuels.
- May repair and service gas appliances and related equipment.
Sample job titles
- apprentice gas fitter
- district gas serviceman/woman
- gas customer servicer
- gas fitter
- gas fitter-installer
- gas pipefitter
- gas servicer
- gas technician
- industrial gas servicer
Skills
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.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A two- or three-year gas fitter apprenticeship program or several years of work experience in a pipefitting trade and completion of a high school, college or industry gas fitter program are required.
- Gas fitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is available to qualified gas fitters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- A provincial gas fitter licence is usually required.
Other considerations
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
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
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Construction
Wholesale trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Apprenticeship
$54,159 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$55,429 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Apprenticeship
$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
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
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.
Institutions providing this program
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Dartmouth, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.