How much does a pipelayer make?

In the United States, experience, useful skills, or a license valued by an employer can affect pipelayers’ pay. Pay also varies with the employer and project, location, and hours or shifts worked.

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. Excludes “Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers” (51-4121).

What's a typical day like?

They work outdoors, digging or leveling a trench, then measuring and cutting pipe. They line up and join pipe sections, check the slope with a laser or level, and cover the pipe with earth.

In the United States, pipelayers usually need no formal schooling or prior experience and learn on the job. Some states require a license or registration for pipelaying, so check local rules.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

On some U.S. storm-sewer jobs, crews use a laser inside the pipe to keep it lined up and at the right slope.