Pipefitter Career Guide in Washington
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Washington
A registered apprenticeship is the standard pathway. Journey-level PL01 certification generally requires at least 8,000 hours of supervised experience, including at least 4,000 hours in commercial or industrial plumbing installations.
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 Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington 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 Washington is approximately $18,060 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Washington
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 Washington
Washington workers performing regulated plumbing must hold an appropriate trainee or plumber certificate. A registered apprenticeship provides the related instruction and supervised experience commonly used to qualify for certification.
- Obtain a Washington plumber trainee certificate before accumulating regulated plumbing experience.
- Work under the required supervision and submit affidavits documenting qualifying hours.
- Complete at least 8,000 hours for journey-level PL01 eligibility, including at least 4,000 commercial or industrial hours.
- Pass the applicable examination and maintain continuing-education and renewal requirements.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bates Technical College | Tacoma | View Program |
| Bellingham Technical College | Bellingham | View Program |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | View Program |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | 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 Washington
Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
Organization: UA Local 44
Washington Registered Pipefitter Apprenticeship Programs
Organization: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington requires certification for workers performing work within the statutory plumbing trade. Workers normally begin with a plumber trainee certificate and accumulate supervised experience before qualifying for journey-level or specialty certification. A separate plumbing-contractor license is required to offer or contract plumbing services. Industrial pipefitting outside the plumbing definition does not have a standalone state pipefitter license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Washington
Washington projects employment to increase from 11,920 in 2022 to 13,120 in 2032. This represents 10% growth, with approximately 1,320 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 Washington?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Washington is approximately $81,030 per year, or $38.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require pipefitter licensing?
Yes. Washington 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 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Washington?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Washington pipefitter pathway generally requires approximately 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are pipefitters in demand in Washington?
Washington projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,320 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
- Washington Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Pipefitter Wages
- Washington Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program — Licensing authority. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program