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Pipefitter
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
To install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, steamfitter-pipefitters first study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use, and lay out the sequence of tasks. They then:
Steamfitter-pipefitters also remove and replace worn components and do general maintenance work. They are involved in plant shut-downs, when required.
Steamfitter-pipefitters work indoors and outdoors at physically demanding tasks that often require climbing and lifting or moving heavy items. They work about 40 hours a week, but may also put in overtime to meet construction deadlines. Construction contractors may require their employees to live in rented accommodation or at a company “on-site” camp, so travel is common.
The job may involve standing for long periods. There is some risk of injury when working with power tools and heavy equipment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools, and to install supports, valves, and control systems
Interest in compiling information to select types and sizes of pipe required and to test systems for leaks using testing equipment
Interest in removing and replacing worn components, in cleaning and maintaining pipe units and fittings, and in flushing and re-activating piping systems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Steamfitter-pipefitters need:
They should enjoy doing careful and exacting work, with little direction or supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 08, 2022 and Apr 26, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 72 |
|---|---|
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 72 |
| Tasks: Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment | 70 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 69 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 67 |
| Tasks: Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports | 66 |
| Tasks: Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment | 63 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 62 |
| Tasks: Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools | 62 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 60 |
To work in Alberta, a steamfitter-pipefitter must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Steamfitter-pipefitter apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Steamfitter-pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain or repair piping systems used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Steamfitter-Pipefitter.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Steamfitter-pipefitters are employed by:
Employment prospects change with the seasons and economic climates.
Experienced steamfitter-pipefitters may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman, sub-contractor, contractor and construction superintendent.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7252: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers occupational group, 89.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7252: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 117 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson steamfitter-pipefitters wage rates vary but generally range from $35 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 65% in the second and 80% in the third.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $25.00 | $54.13 | $37.72 | $40.00 |
| Overall | $32.86 | $46.92 | $40.55 | $40.28 |
| Top | $37.00 | $52.95 | $44.34 | $45.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $86,783 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $96,859 |
| Construction | $82,189 |
| Manufacturing | $73,438 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $89,958 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
