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Construction

Pipelayer

Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.

Annual openings

77

Median wage

$59,740

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+1%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Become a Skilled Trades Master Craftsman. Depending upon the trade, Skilled Trades Professionals can become Master Craftsmen through experience and additional credentials. Master Craftsmen earn more money and may supervise apprentices in the trade.

Experience detail

Work experience under the guidance (possibly as an apprentice) of a Skilled Tradesperson is expected.

Work-based learning

Build Colorado provides more information about this job as well as links to organizations that provide apprenticeships for them.

There is a high need for these jobs on big infrastructure construction projects.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Cut pipes to required lengths.
  2. Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
  3. Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
  4. Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
  5. Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
  6. Train or supervise others in laying pipe.
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