How to become a gas fitter
Official title: Gas fitters
Also called: Gas fitter, Gas servicer, Gas pipefitter, Gas technician, Gas main fitter, Gas pipe mechanic, Gas fitter trainee, Gas fitter-installer, Apprentice gas fitter, Gas customer servicer, Gas fitter apprentice, Industrial gas servicer
Gas fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators and heating units in residential, commercial and industrial establishments. They are employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Study drawings and specifications to determine the layout of the installation and materials required
- Measure and mark reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment
- Install and maintain gas meters and regulators and gas lines between gas unit and gas meter
- Install, maintain and service gas heating units and their components, such as burners, valves and automatic controls
- Test and replace defective equipment or components
- Test and adjust control mechanisms and check pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas detecting devices
- Attend to gas escape calls and assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions
- Prepare reports on work performed and condition of facilities
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a two- or three-year gas fitter apprenticeship program or Several years of work experience in a pipefitting trade and completion of a high school, college or industry gas fitter program are required. Gas fitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A provincial gas fitter licence is usually required.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. Completion of a two- or three-year gas fitter apprenticeship program or Several years of work experience in a pipefitting trade and completion of a high school, college or industry gas fitter program are required. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: A provincial gas fitter licence is usually required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,000 a year The middle half earn $60,450 to $101,400.
- About 5,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 5,800 are projected by 2033. (+5.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a gas fitter?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a two- or three-year gas fitter apprenticeship program or Several years of work experience in a pipefitting trade and completion of a high school, college or industry gas fitter program are required. Gas fitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. A provincial gas fitter licence is usually required.
How much does a gas fitter earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $60,450 to $101,400.
Is a gas fitter a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 5,500 to about 5,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a gas fitter?
Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Apprenticeship.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03