Pipefitter Career Guide in Delaware
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Delaware.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Delaware
Most pipefitters complete registered apprenticeship training and obtain plumbing, HVACR, welding, brazing, or other credentials appropriate to the systems on which they work.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Pipefitter Salary in Delaware
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Delaware median wage for pipefitter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Delaware is approximately $7,790 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Delaware
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPipefitter Training Requirements in Delaware
Delaware pipefitters must determine whether their work is regulated as plumbing, HVACR, gas piping, or industrial process piping.
- Complete a registered pipefitting, plumbing, or mechanical apprenticeship with paid supervised field training.
- Study pipe fabrication, welding, rigging, blueprint reading, hydronics, codes, mathematics, and safety.
- Obtain an apprentice, journeyperson, master, or contractor credential when performing regulated plumbing work.
- Obtain the appropriate HVACR license when installing piping that falls within the regulated HVACR scope.
- Complete OSHA, welding, brazing, and medical-gas certifications required by employers or project specifications.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Delaware
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College – Plumbing Apprenticeship | Stanton | View Program |
| Delaware Technical Community College – Welding | Georgetown | View Program |
| New Castle County Vocational Technical School District – Plumbing Program | New Castle | View Program |
| Polytech Adult Education – Plumbing Apprenticeship | Woodside | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPipefitter Apprenticeship Programs in Delaware
Delaware Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Delaware Department of Labor
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Delaware
Delaware requires state licensing for plumbing work and regulates HVACR and certain mechanical contracting separately. Industrial pipefitting outside the statutory plumbing or HVACR scope may not require an individual license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Delaware
Chemical manufacturing, port activity, healthcare construction, industrial facilities, utilities, and regional commercial development should support demand for Delaware pipefitters.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the pipefitter salary in Delaware?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Delaware is approximately $70,760 per year, or $34.02 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Delaware require pipefitter licensing?
Licensing requirements for pipefitter workers in Delaware vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Delaware Division of Professional Regulation – Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Delaware?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are pipefitters in demand in Delaware?
Delaware projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Delaware Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware Pipefitter Wages
- Delaware Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Delaware Division of Professional Regulation – Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners — Licensing authority. Delaware Division of Professional Regulation – Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners