Pipefitter Career Guide in Kansas
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Kansas.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Kansas
Kansas pipefitters generally complete paid registered apprenticeships covering commercial and industrial piping, welding, fabrication, rigging, drawings, mechanical systems, and safety. Local licenses or competency certificates may be required for plumbing 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 Kansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Kansas 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 Kansas is approximately $2,250 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Kansas
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 Kansas
Kansas pipefitters commonly qualify through a paid registered apprenticeship. Because Kansas does not issue a statewide plumber or pipefitter license, workers must check local credential and permit requirements.
- Complete required apprenticeship classroom instruction and supervised field training.
- Develop skills in welding, pipe fabrication, rigging, drawings, testing, code, and workplace safety.
- Check the city or county responsible for the jobsite for journeyman or master examinations and registration.
- Maintain employer-required welding, OSHA, medical-gas, or other specialized certifications.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Kansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Wichita | View Program |
| Johnson County Community College | Overland Park | View Program |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City | 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 Kansas
Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Kansas Department of Commerce
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Kansas
Kansas does not issue a statewide individual plumber or pipefitter license. Cities and counties establish their own apprentice, journeyman, master, contractor, registration, examination, and permit requirements. Workers must verify the rules in each jurisdiction where work is performed.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Kansas
Kansas’s 2022–2032 long-term projections indicate continued demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, with approximately 8% employment growth and hundreds of annual openings from expansion and worker replacement.
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 Kansas?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Kansas is approximately $65,220 per year, or $31.36 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Kansas require pipefitter licensing?
Kansas does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all pipefitter work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Kansas?
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 Kansas?
Kansas 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
- Kansas Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Pipefitter Wages
- Kansas Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Kansas Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Applicable Kansas City or County Building and Trade Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Applicable Kansas City or County Building and Trade Licensing Authority