How to become a steamfitter, pipefitter or sprinkler system installer
Official title: Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
Also called: Pipefitter, Steamfitter, Ship pipefitter, Ship steamfitter, Sprinkler fitter, Steam pipefitter, Marine pipefitter, Marine steamfitter, Turbine pipefitter, Welding pipefitter, Apprentice pipefitter, Fire sprinkler fitter
Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Steamfitters and pipefitters
- Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
- Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
- Select type and size of pipe required
- Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
- Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
- Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
- Test system for leaks using testing equipment
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec. Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Sprinkler system installer (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $85,586 a year The middle half earn $67,080 to $97,559.
- About 25,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 28,100 are projected by 2033. (+8.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a steamfitter, pipefitter or sprinkler system installer?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec. Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Sprinkler system installer (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a steamfitter, pipefitter or sprinkler system installer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $85,586 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $67,080 to $97,559.
Is a steamfitter, pipefitter or sprinkler system installer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 25,800 to about 28,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a steamfitter, pipefitter or sprinkler system installer?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
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