Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are all in the same field, but steamfitters are plumbers who specialize in the maintenance and installation of steam-based pipelines. They fabricate pipeline materials and troubleshoot problems in the system.

This is a job that provides you with stability and employment security. In this article, we’ll break down how to become a steamfitter in 2021. Although it may seem a rudimentary job, you still have to follow some steps to build a career in this field.

A steamfitter is a professional who fabricates, installs, maintains, and repairs pipe systems. Although they’re considered plumbers, they specialize in pipeline maintenance. They mostly work with pipelines that carry high-pressure water and hazardous materials like acid, steam, and chemicals.

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To start building their career, steamfitters usually begin by completing an apprenticeship program. Steamfitters work independently or with commercial, governmental, or industrial companies. Steamfitters usually enjoy several benefits such as paid leave and health insurance.

Steamfitters have a variety of different options to start building their careers. The majority undertake career training at a trade school. You can also opt for on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program, or take the traditional college degree route.

In the following list, you will find detailed information about the best steamfitter education tracks, their requirements, and the benefits of following each path. Remember that regardless of the career path you choose, you will need to have a high school diploma. 

Many vocational schools offer pipefitting and plumbing technical training programs. A technical school certificate program will help you develop the skills you need to start working as a steamfitter. You will learn about reading blueprints, welding, and installing pipes.

Community colleges also offer associate degrees in plumbing or pipefitting. The most common career path for a steamfitter is an associate degree program or certificate program that usually lasts one to two years.

Apprenticeship programs are practice-oriented training programs. You will receive traditional in-classroom education and on-the-job training while being paid.

This type of program provides you with work experience and traditional training, and lasts one to six years. The exact timeframe will depend on where you’re apprenticing and in what industry.

Steamfitter courses are also a great way to learn about this trade. They usually provide a certificate that you can use to validate your steamfitting skills. Most of these programs last three months to a year.

As we mentioned earlier, steamfitting might seem like a rudimentary job due to the manual labor and physical strength it requires. Most steamfitters lift heavy materials on a daily basis. However, it does involve education and training. Below, you will find a list of steps to become a steamfitter.

Besides having physical strength, coordination, problem-solving competencies, and an array of soft skills, steamfitters must have specific hard skills. These skills include blueprint reading, welding, and technical troubleshooting.

According to 2020 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for steamfitters, plumbers, and pipefitters is $56,330. ZipRecruiter estimates that the average for steamfitters alone is $70,463 per year.

When it comes to the demand for steamfitters, BLS states that the profession is expected to grow four percent from 2019 to 2029. This is around the average national growth rate.

To work as a steamfitter in an entry-level job, you need to have at least a high school diploma and have completed an apprenticeship program. In an entry-level position, you will have to work under the supervision of other experienced plumbers.

Steamfitters have different responsibilities spanning from installing pipe systems to inspecting, repairing, and maintaining them. However, your duties will vary depending on the project you’re working on.

To become a steamfitter practitioner, you should have a certification provided by a validating institution. The National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC) offers industry-recognized credentials.

To be eligible for the Journey Level Steamfitter certification, you must have around two to five years of experience in the plumbing industry. In addition, you should also pass the NITC exam to validate your understanding of plumbing codes and fundamentals.

Once you have obtained the previous certification, you can start working towards becoming a master steamfitter. This credential allows you to work independently and create your own business as a contractor. To be eligible for this certification, you must have five years of experience working on pipe systems.

To ace your job interview, you must demonstrate you have the experience and the skills needed to be a steamfitter. Talk about your competencies and your previous experience, and answer the technical questions correctly.

It will depend on the career path you follow. An apprenticeship program usually lasts one to six years. However, most steamfitter programs last around four years. You should then get supervised working experience for around two years to be eligible for a professional steamfitter certification.

Therefore, it takes from four to six years to become a certified steamfitter. You should add a couple of years more if you want to earn a certificate or associate degree.

Steamfitters enjoy job benefits such as paid vacations, health insurance, and overall job security. Most steamfitters have a low risk of unemployment due to the constant demand for these professionals.

However, you should keep in mind that just like other professional trades, a career in steamfitting also requires a lot of preparation and physical effort. You will be undertaking heavy manual labor for hours, so you should be physically fit and strong.