Pipefitting Trades Contractors and Supervisors

(NOC 7203)

in All Trades and Transportation

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Plumbers, Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers and Gas fitters. They work for construction companies, mechanical, plumbing and pipefitting trade contractors and maintenance departments of industrial, commercial and manufacturing businesses. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job Outlook

Average

Read more

  • Estimate Strong growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 65 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

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.

Hourly Pay

$26.00

Minimum

$43.00

Median

$55.05

Maximum

Annual Pay

$24,095

Minimum

$81,092

Median

$175,421

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$15.00

Minimum

$24.00

Median

$37.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Plumbers, Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers and Gas fitters. They work for construction companies, mechanical, plumbing and pipefitting trade contractors and maintenance departments of industrial, commercial and manufacturing businesses. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

  • Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
  • Create systems to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments.
  • Request materials and supplies.
  • Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
  • Train or arrange for training of workers.
  • Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
  • Make sure safe working conditions standards are met.
  • Prepare schedules and other reports.
  • May manage their own companies.
  • May supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
  • Small businesses' contractors may execute tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

  • gas fitters foreperson
  • pipefitting contractor
  • plumbers supervisor
  • sprinkler systems installer foreperson
  • steamfitter supervisor

Skills

  • You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are essential. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

  • High school is usually required.
  • Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a related trade are required.
  • Journeyperson trade certification in a related trade is required.

Other considerations

  • Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is little or no intertrade movement among the supervisors in this unit group.

By the numbers

Quick look

180

employed in 2016

94.4%

employed full-time

13.9%

self employed

5.6%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
49.5

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
94.7%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

41.7%

Halifax

$74,005 median annual income
25.0%

Cape Breton

$81,106 median annual income
19.4%

North Shore

$73,124 median annual income
8.3%

Southern

N/A
5.6%

Annapolis Valley

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

100.0%

Transportation and warehousing

81.5%

Construction

11.1%

Manufacturing

7.4%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

What is the age of Employment?

35.0%

45-54

21.0%

55-64

21.0%

35-44

12.0%

25-34

12.0%

65+

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

58.3%

Trade Certification

$100,468 median annual income
30.6%

College Diploma

$72,909 median annual income
8.3%

Less than high school

N/A
5.6%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A
5.6%

Diploma Above Bachelor

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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

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

UA 56 Pipe Trades Career College Inc.

Dartmouth, NS

Plumber - Pre-apprenticeship College Program

College or Trades Program

These programs prepare students to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, in home and business environments. They include courses in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

Institutions providing this program

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Employment requirements & contacts

Regulations

Gas Fitter A/B

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.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Halifax, NS
Petroleum Storage Tank Installer

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.

Regulating body:
Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change
Halifax, NS

Contacts

Construction Association of Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, NS
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Halifax, NS
BuildForce Canada
Ottawa, ON
Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council
Halifax, NS
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada - Atlantic
Halifax, NS

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.