Pipelayers

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Pipelayers work with glazed or unglazed clay, concrete, plastic, steel, aluminum, ductile iron, or cast-iron pipe. The kind and size of pipe they lay depends on how the pipe will be used. They lay out and fit together pipe for:

• Storm or sanitation sewers
• Drains
• Water mains
• Gas or oil lines

Pipelayers read blueprints and lay out the pipe according to instructions. Much of the pipe they lay is underground. They dig trenches to the required depth, using hand or trenching tools, and grade and level them. They check the slope with a surveyor level and grade rod or with lasers.

They position the pipe in the trenches. For large, heavy pipes, pipelayers signal excavator or equipment operators where to place sections of pipe to align them with other sections. Pipelayers weld, cement, glue, or otherwise seal the joints so that sections fit tightly together. When all joints are sealed, pipelayers inspect them and correct any misalignment. They also test them for leaks. Finally, pipelayers cover the pipe with earth or other materials.

Pipelayers with experience often train and supervise other workers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Construction Helpers
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers
• Loggers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Mining Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Paving Equipment Operators
• Roustabouts

Military careers

• Plumbers and Pipe Fitters

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to pipelayers.

• Read blueprints. Lay out pipe according to instructions.
• Dig trenches to the required depth, using hand or trenching tools.
• Grade and level trenches. Check the slope with a surveyor level and grade rod or with lasers.
• Position the pipe in trenches. Signal excavator or equipment operators where to place sections of pipe.
• Weld, cement, glue, or otherwise seal the joints.
• Inspect pipe joints and correct misalignments.
• Test new sewer and water mains for leaks, using air pressure tests and remote controlled cameras.
• Cover pipe with earth or other materials.
• Tap or drill holes into pipe to add new lines or other devices.

Common work activities

Pipelayers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Evaluate information against standards
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, pipelayers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of job-required social contact. They work mostly with other pipelayers.
• When they talk to others, it's usually by either telephone or via face-to-face discussions.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are responsible for the safety of other workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other pipelayers.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work outdoors, but may on occasion work indoors.
• Sometimes wear protective attire, such as gloves, kneepads, and goggles.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury from this exposure.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as sewage, gas, or oil.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to inadequate lighting conditions in trenches or sewers.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or minor burns. There is only a low risk of slight injury from this exposure.
• Often travel to and from work sites in an enclosed or open vehicle.
• Work physically near other workers, sometimes within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could result in health or sanitation problems.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must be aware of frequent changes or unusual events when hoisting or aligning pipe.
• Must sometimes allow the work pace to be set by the speed of equipment.
• Usually determine daily tasks and goals with input from a supervisor.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
• May work evenings and weekends during emergencies.

Physical demands

Pipelayers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for pipelayers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for pipelayers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.

Skills and abilities

Pipelayers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Plumbing and Water Supply

Other programs of study to consider

• Agricultural Technologies
• Building Construction Technology
• Building Maintenance
• Construction Trades

Training

To work as a pipelayer, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Most pipelayers learn their skills informally on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn how to:

• prepare and grade trenches; and
• lay pipe for drains, sewers, and water mains.

Training generally lasts up to one month.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added this because of training info regarding apprenticeships in this section and ed prog reference. Lh 3/23/10. Contact info still correct, 3/22/11, 4/16/13, 3/18/15, 1/3/17 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Drafting
• Driver Education
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers require applicants to take a drug-screening test. Employers also look for applicants who are physically able to do the work.

Costs to workers

Workers belonging to a union must pay dues and an initiation fee.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Pipelayers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's experience and level of responsibility also affect wages. Earnings can sometimes be reduced because of work time lost due to bad weather.

Pipelayers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Water and sewer utilities
• Local government agencies (sewage and water departments)
• Plumbing companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. The construction of new power plants and factories should increase demand for pipelayers. In addition, pipelayers will continue to be needed to repair and maintain commercial and industrial pipe systems. Work will also come from building renovation.

Work for pipelayers can be affected by the economy, especially when the rate of new construction slows. However, maintenance of pipe systems will always be required. Thus, this occupation will be less affected by the economy than other construction workers.

Other resources

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 
4755 East Philadelphia Street
Ontario, CA 91761
909.472.4100

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Pipelayers (47-2151.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Construction Worker I (869.664-014) 
• Irrigation System Installer (851.383-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled