Pipefitter pay in the U.S. is typically around $30 an hour , or roughly $63,000 a year for a full-time worker. Recent sources also show a broad range depending on experience and location, from about $20 to $44 an hour , with higher-paying jobs reaching $70,000+ a year and some specialized roles going above that.

Typical pay range

  • Entry level: about $17–$25 an hour.
  • Average: about $28–$31 an hour.
  • Experienced / specialized: about $35–$45+ an hour in stronger-paying markets or industrial work.
  • Annual median: about $62,970.

What changes the pay

  • Location: big-city and industrial markets often pay more.
  • Experience: apprentices usually start lower, while journeymen earn more.
  • Certifications and overtime: welding, steam systems, and overtime can boost earnings.

Simple way to think about it

If you’re starting out, a realistic expectation is around $18–$25 an hour. If you’re established, $28–$35 an hour is a common ballpark, and specialized or union work can go higher.

TL;DR

Pipefitter pay is often around $63k a year , but actual earnings can range widely from roughly $35k to $90k+ depending on skill, location, and overtime.