Pipefitter Career Guide in Virginia
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Virginia
Virginia pipefitters commonly complete a paid registered apprenticeship. Workers seeking a plumbing credential must document the combination of approved education and practical experience required by the Virginia Board for Contractors and pass the applicable examination.
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 Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia 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 Virginia is approximately $2,500 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Virginia
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 Virginia
Virginia pipefitters commonly prepare through a paid registered apprenticeship that combines technical instruction with supervised jobsite experience. Workers performing regulated plumbing must also satisfy Virginia licensing requirements.
- Meet the apprenticeship sponsor’s education, age, aptitude, physical, and employment requirements.
- Complete training in pipe layout, fabrication, welding, brazing, rigging, drawings, mechanical systems, and safety.
- Document the education and practical experience required to qualify for the applicable Virginia tradesman examination.
- Obtain a Journeyman or Master Plumber credential when the assigned work falls within Virginia’s regulated plumbing scope.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | View Program |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Hampton | View Program |
| New River Community College | Dublin | View Program |
| Mountain Empire Community College | Big Stone Gap | 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 Virginia
Northern Virginia Steamfitters Apprenticeship
Organization: Steamfitters UA Local 602
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia does not issue a separate pipefitter license. Individuals performing work within the regulated plumbing trade generally require a Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber credential. Businesses offering plumbing services must also hold the appropriate Virginia contractor license and classification. Industrial pipefitting outside the statutory plumbing scope may be governed by employer and project requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to increase from 13,420 in 2022 to 13,880 in 2032. This represents 3% growth, with approximately 1,210 annual job openings.
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 Virginia?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Virginia is approximately $60,470 per year, or $29.07 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require pipefitter licensing?
Yes. Virginia requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt pipefitter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,210 openings per year. 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
- Virginia Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Pipefitter Wages
- Virginia Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors