Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for careers in industrial and commercial infrastructure, this program equips learners with the technical expertise needed to design, install, and maintain complex piping systems and fire protection networks. Graduates gain hands-on proficiency in critical systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance across manufacturing, energy, construction, and facility management sectors.
- Water systems: Study of potable, drainage, and pressurized water distribution networks essential for building functionality and public health.
- Steam systems: Training in the design and operation of high-pressure steam piping used in industrial processes and energy generation.
- Heating and cooling systems: Instruction in HVAC-related piping configurations that support thermal regulation in commercial and industrial environments.
- Lubricating systems: Focus on specialized piping networks that deliver lubricants to machinery components to reduce friction and prevent wear.
- Piping materials: Exploration of metal and composite materials, including steel, copper, PVC, and stainless steel, with emphasis on selection based on pressure, temperature, and chemical resistance.
- Installation tools operation and maintenance: Mastery of hand and power tools, cutting equipment, threading devices, and diagnostic instruments used in precision pipe work.
- Valve installation and repair: Practical knowledge of valve types, sizing, actuation methods, and troubleshooting for reliable system control and safety.
- Technical mathematics: Application of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to solve real-world problems in layout, measurement, and system design.
- Blueprint interpretation: Development of skills to read and analyze engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications for accurate installation.
- Applicable codes and standards: Comprehensive coverage of industry regulations including ASME, NFPA, IPC, and local building codes to ensure compliance and safety.
Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,262,020 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152 | $62,970 | $40,670 - $105,150 | 455,940 | $30.27 |
Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,950 in Arkansas to $98,280 in Illinois—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,262,020 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (293 graduates), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) (40 graduates), Washtenaw Community College (WCC) (31 graduates), Lee College (24 graduates), and Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 613 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
293 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
40 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Associate's
|
31 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| Lee College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| Philadelphia Technician Training (PTTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | ptt.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Other Award
|
20 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Albany, Oregon | Public | linnbenton.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | tcatknoxville.edu |
| Lively Technical College (Lively Tech) |
Other Award
|
17 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | livelytech.com |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Other Award
|
16 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Mid-State Technical College (Mid-State) |
Other Award
|
13 | Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin | Public | mstc.edu |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
11 | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Morristown, Tennessee | Public | tcatmorristown.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Montana State University |
Associate's
|
7 | Havre, Montana | Public | msun.edu |
| Orange Technical College (OTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
5 | Orlando, Florida | Public | orangetechcollege.net |
| Marion Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Marion, Ohio | Public | mtc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | Jackson, Tennessee | Public | tcatjackson.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Other Award
|
3 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| MCI |
Other Award
|
3 | McAllen, Texas | Private | mcallencareersinstitute.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Other Award
|
2 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Kellogg Community College (KCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Battle Creek, Michigan | Public | kellogg.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
1 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | cvtc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting programs
How much can I earn with a Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting degree?
Salaries for Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn around $62,970. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Illinois average $98,280 compared to $55,950 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,262,020 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (293 graduates), Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) (40 graduates), and Washtenaw Community College (WCC) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 674 in 2010 to 613 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,262,020 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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