Gas Fitters

(NOC 7253)

in All Trades and Transportation

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 Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. 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. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.

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

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

$26,660

Minimum

$53,602

Median

$75,648

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.50

Minimum

$27.25

Median

$35.50

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

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

175

employed in 2016

94.3%

employed full-time

11.4%

self employed

0.0%

100%

40.5

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

42.9%

Halifax

$55,311 median annual income

20.0%

North Shore

$48,048 median annual income

14.3%

Cape Breton

N/A

11.4%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

11.4%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

34.5%

Retail trade

31.0%

Construction

10.3%

Wholesale trade

10.3%

Professional, scientific and technical services

6.9%

Other services (except public administration)

What is the age of Employment?

29.0%

45-54

26.0%

35-44

23.0%

25-34

11.0%

15-24

11.0%

55-64

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

57.1%

Trade Certification

$54,159 median annual income

31.4%

College Diploma

$55,429 median annual income

5.7%

High school

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income

22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income

18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income

2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Website

Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Apprenticeship Training

Halifax, NS

apprenticeship@novascotia.ca

Website

UA 56 Pipe Trades Career College Inc.

Dartmouth, NS

Website

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Gas Fitter

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 do this work.

Regulating body:

Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, Technical Safety Division

Halifax, NS

Website