Gas Fitters

(NOC 7253)

in All Trades and Transportation

Gas fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators and heating units in residential, commercial and industrial establishments. They are employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate openings due to growth and retirements not available for this occupation.
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 3400 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Gas Fitters most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 82% 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

$13.00

Minimum

$20.35

Median

$34.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Gas fitters perform some or all of the following duties:

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, such as 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

Completion of high school is usually required.
Completion of 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

155

employed in 2016

97.1%

employed full-time

6.5%

self employed

0.0%

100%

40.5

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

88.8%

employed full-time

12.7%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

42.9%

Halifax

20.0%

North Shore

14.3%

Cape Breton

11.4%

Southern

11.4%

Annapolis Valley

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

28.6%

Retail Trade

25.7%

Construction

11.4%

Management, Admin & Other Support

8.6%

Professional Business Services

8.6%

Wholesale Trade

Top levels of education

55.9%

Trades certificate

$58,442 median annual income

32.4%

College certificate or diploma

$63,296 median annual income

5.9%

Less than high school

N/A

5.9%

High school

$39,861 median annual income

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.4%

Trades certificate

$40,890 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$28,089 median annual income

22.6%

College certificate or diploma

$39,023 median annual income

18.2%

Less than high school

$25,753 median annual income

2.7%

Bachelor's degree

$36,972 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

The 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Adult Learning

PO Box 220

Halifax, NS B3J 2M4

(866) 679-6722

admissions@nscc.ca

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Website

Pipefitting/pipefitter and sprinkler fitter

This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.

This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to design, install, and test industrial and commercial piping systems and automatic fire and exposure protection systems. These programs 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 - Akerley Campus

21 Woodlawn Road

Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7

(902) 491-4900

akerley.info@nscc.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Institute of Technology Campus

5685 Leeds Street

Halifax, NS B3K 2T3

(902) 491-6722

it.info@nscc.ca