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
BLS median wage
$59,740
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
10-year growth
+1%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Flexible / varies by employer
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
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.
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
- Cut pipes to required lengths.
- Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
- Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
- Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
- Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
- Train or supervise others in laying pipe.