Steamfitters and pipefitters design, assemble, install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair pipes carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. A steamfitter is a pipefitter who specializes in high-pressure liquid or gas piping.
Sprinkler system installers design, assemble, install, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes.
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People in these occupations:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 880
Steamfitters and Pipefitters:
Sprinkler system installers
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers typically work a standard 40 hour week. Those working at factories and plants may be required to work nights and weekends or work shifts. Some overtime may also be required to meet deadlines.
Work may be located both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor work environments may be noisy and dirty, and workers may be exposed to adverse weather conditions. Some workers may be required to travel or temporarily relocate to remote locations while working on particular projects.
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are often required to work at heights from scaffolds and ladders. They may also be required to carry heavy items, such as pipes, during their workday. Work may also be conducted in cramped and awkward spaces.
Potential hazards include falls from heights and cuts and burns from hot pipes or equipment. These workers adhere to safety procedures, especially when dealing with liquids and gases under high pressure, to minimize risks from hazards. These workers follow safety procedures, especially when dealing with liquids and gases under high pressure, to minimize risks.
Source: 2016 Census
Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers are usually required to complete secondary school. Other requirements include:
For more information, please see the Industry Training Authority website at www.itabc.ca.
Interprovincial Standards Red Seal certification is available to qualified steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers through the Industry Training Authority, which allows holders to work in any province or territory.
Once individuals pass the final examination of their accredited training program, they will achieve certification and will automatically receive Red Seal qualification
Workers with several years of documented, directly related work experience can challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal examination. Workers who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check. For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact the Industry Training Authority of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C. For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca. View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Visit our trades training page at www.workbc.ca/trades to learn about apprenticeship and trades training in B.C.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
The demand for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in B.C. is driven largely by the construction industry. About one-half of new openings will result from new job growth. This industry has experienced rapid growth in its commercial, industrial and residential sectors, creating a demand for skilled workers.
In northern B.C., many steamfitters and pipefitters work in resource-based industries, such as forestry and mining, oil and gas. These resource industries have experienced strong economic growth as a result of rising global commodity prices.
Manufacturing activity has seen limited growth due to the impact of U.S. export duties, a strong Canadian dollar, increased international competition and the damage caused by fires and pine beetle infestations, leading to closures and downsizing of older mills. These factors will limit the opportunities for steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers in the manufacturing industry.
The demand for qualified sprinkler system installers has increased in recent years as building code requirements have mandated the use of more extensive sprinkler systems. Piping and sprinkler systems are increasingly being monitored and controlled by microprocessor signal control panels, and workers with knowledge of programming or other advanced skills may have an employment advantage.
Career paths
With experience, steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers can advance to supervisory positions or establish their own businesses.
Additional resources