Gas fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators, heating units and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
People in this occupation:
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: 440
Gas fitters perform some or all of the following duties:
Gas fitters typically work 40 hours per week when working full time. However, full-time work may be seasonal. Gas fitters may have to work longer hours in good weather conditions or in order to meet project deadlines. In addition to their regular work, some gas fitters may work on an on-call basis responding to emergencies. Gas fitters generally work independently.
Gas fitters may work outdoors and be exposed to varying weather conditions. Work environments may be noisy and dirty. Workers may also be required to stand for long periods of time.
Gas fitters must be physically fit and be able to work in tight spaces. Work may be done at heights on ladders and scaffolding, so potential falls from heights pose a risk. Gas fitters work with explosive gas and must follow strict safety regulations. These workers receive safety training and wear special safety equipment to protect them from injury.
Source: 2016 Census
Grade 10 or equivalent (including English 10, Math 10 and Science 10) is required to work as a gas fitter in B.C. Completion of secondary school is preferred.
In B.C., all gas fitters must hold a Class A or Class B gas fitter licence issued by the British Columbia Safety Authority. The Industry Training Authority offers a two-year apprenticeship program for domestic and commercial gas fitters. Completion of the apprenticeship will result in a British Columbia Certificate of Apprenticeship and a Class B gas fitter licence.
Apprenticeships programs:
For more information, please see the Industry Training Authority website at www.itabc.ca.
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!
Average annual growth is projected to be slow, however, some openings are expected to result from retirements.
Future demand for workers will depend on growth in the Construction and Utilities industries. Construction activity is sensitive to factors such as interest rates, population growth and the cost of materials.
Some work opportunities should be available because gas fitters are needed to install gas systems within new and renovated buildings and to work on development of new utility pipelines.
Career paths
With experience and additional training, gas fitters can move into supervisory positions, including foreman, maintenance manager or service manager. Some may decide to be self-employed and start their own contracting businesses.
Additional resources