🔧 Skilled Trades ↑ 5% growth · Average

Pipelayer

Pipelayers install underground sewer, water, and drainage pipes — the invisible infrastructure that makes modern cities work. Infrastructure investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is driving significant growth, making this an excellent time to enter a trade with steady public-sector demand.

$46,300 Median Salary
43K US Jobs
1–2 years Training
$0–$500 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$34,000
Median
$46,300
Experienced
$66,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
43K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
LIUNA Apprenticeship + Local licensing
Required Credential
LIUNA Apprenticeship + Local licensing

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training
Program Length
1–2 years
Typical Tuition
$0–$500
Work Setting
Municipal utilities, highway projects, commercial construction
🏆 Credential Required: LIUNA Apprenticeship + Local licensing

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Pipelayer involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Municipal utilities environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Pipelayer by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC