OCCUPATIONAL
PROFILE
Pipelayer (47-2151.00)
Vl
At-a-Glance Statistics
Sample Equipment Operator, Machine Operator, Pipe Crew Foreman, Pipe Foreman,
Job Titles Pipelayer, Skilled Laborer, Tailman, Wastewater Worker
Key Tasks • Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
•	Cut pipes to required lengths.
•	Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or
glue.
•	Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
•	Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
•	Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
•	Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
•	Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and
coordinating layouts with supervisors.
•	Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem
dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
•	Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
•	Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
•	Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
•	Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio
indicators.
•	Train or supervise others in laying pipe.
All data sourced fromO*NET OnLine (2018) https:/Avww. ortetonline.org/.

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Education and Training Top Industries
High school
diploma or
equivalent
71%
Less than high
school diploma
24%
Professional
degree
4%
Median Wages
Hourly
$18.54
EH
Annually
$38,560

Construction
Government
Number Employed

43,000 positions
5,500 job openings
Top Ten States for Occupational Percentage Growth
UT CO WY FL OK TX ND CA NV NY

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