Steamfitters are specialized pipefitters who install, maintain, and repair high-pressure steam and hot water piping systems in power plants, refineries, hospitals, universities, and industrial facilities. Unlike residential plumbers or commercial pipefitters working with water/gas lines, steamfitters work with systems operating at 150+ PSI and 300–1,200°F—requiring advanced pipe welding skills, blueprint reading, and knowledge of ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code.
This is a dying trade with ultra-low competition—most young workers choose electrician or HVAC careers over the physically demanding, high-heat environment of steamfitting. As a result, experienced journeyman steamfitters earn $60K–$90K+ (often $100K+ with prevailing wage projects and overtime), and the retirement wave of aging steamfitters is creating massive demand. Entry through UA (United Association) union apprenticeships provides paid training, full benefits, and pension from day one.
💰 Salary Breakdown by Experience & Union Status
🔧 1st–2nd Year Apprentice
$35K – $48K
40–50% of journeyman scale (union wage progression)
- •Learning pipe layout, blueprint reading, basic threading/welding
- •Assisting journeymen with pipe hangers, valve installation
- •Attending evening classes (code, math, welding theory) 2×/week
- •Full union benefits: health insurance, pension contributions start day one
🛠️ 3rd–4th Year Apprentice
$50K – $65K
65–80% of journeyman scale
- •Working on high-pressure steam headers (150–600 PSI)
- •Pipe welding certification prep (6G TIG, stick welding)
- •Installing steam turbines, heat exchangers, boilers
- •Leading helper crews on smaller projects
⚙️ Journeyman Steamfitter (5+ years)
$60K – $85K
100% scale + prevailing wage on public projects
- •Installing/repairing high-pressure steam distribution systems
- •Working power plant outages (turnarounds) with 60–80 hour weeks
- •Reading P&ID diagrams, isometric drawings, weld maps
- •Supervising apprentices and leading small crews
🎓 Foreman / General Foreman (10+ years)
$80K – $110K+
Foreman scale (125–140% journeyman rate) + overtime
- •Managing crews of 10–50 steamfitters on major construction projects
- •Coordinating with general contractors, inspectors, engineers
- •Reviewing shop drawings, material takeoffs, weld procedures
- •Total comp often $100K–$130K on large industrial/power projects
💡Prevailing Wage & Travel Work Reality
Union steamfitters on Davis-Bacon prevailing wage projects (federal construction, public utilities, hospitals) often earn $45–$65/hour ($90K–$130K annually) depending on region. Many journeymen work as traveling steamfitters—moving between major industrial projects (power plant construction, refinery turnarounds, hospital expansions) earning per diem ($100–$150/day tax-free) on top of wages. A journeyman on a 6-month power plant outage working 60-hour weeks with per diem can gross $120K+ in that period alone.
🔥 Steamfitter vs. Pipefitter vs. Plumber: What's the Difference?
| Trade | Systems | Pressure/Temp Range | Typical Work Sites | Code/Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamfitter | High-pressure steam (150–1,200 PSI), hot water heating, steam turbines, boilers | 150+ PSI 300–1,200°F | Power plants, refineries, hospitals, universities, industrial facilities | ASME B31.1 Power Piping |
| Pipefitter | Process piping (oil, gas, chemicals, compressed air), hydraulics, pneumatics | 15–300 PSI −20°F to 400°F | Chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, food processing, refineries | ASME B31.3 Process Piping |
| Plumber | Water supply, drainage/waste, natural gas service lines, fixtures | 0–80 PSI 40–180°F (domestic hot water) | Residential, commercial buildings, new construction, service/repair | IPC/UPC (International/Uniform Plumbing Code) |
⚠️Why Steamfitting is the Hardest Pipefitting Discipline
Steamfitting requires the highest skill level among piping trades because:
- •Extreme operating conditions: Steam at 600 PSI and 750°F creates massive thermal expansion—pipes move several inches during startup/shutdown, requiring complex expansion loops and flexible joints
- •Advanced welding: High-pressure steam systems require 100% radiographic inspection—all welds must be X-rayed and certified to ASME Section IX (no room for error)
- •Blueprint complexity: Reading isometric drawings, P&ID diagrams, stress analysis calculations, and weld procedure specifications (WPS)
- •Safety-critical work: Steam leaks at 400 PSI can slice through human tissue—strict lockout/tagout and pressure testing protocols required
This complexity is why UA (United Association) steamfitter apprenticeships are 5 years (vs. 4 years for plumbers) and require extensive classroom education in thermodynamics, metallurgy, and piping stress analysis.
🔧Core Steamfitter Skills & Systems
High-Pressure Steam Systems
- • Steam headers & distribution: 150–600 PSI main lines
- • Turbine piping: Superheated steam (900–1,050°F)
- • Condensate return systems: Pumps, receivers, traps
- • Expansion loops/joints: Compensating for thermal growth
Pipe Welding & Fabrication
- • 6G TIG welding: Stainless/chrome-moly pipe (schedule 80/160)
- • Stick welding: Carbon steel (E6010/E7018 rods)
- • Orbital welding: Automated tube welding for clean systems
- • Weld inspection: RT (radiographic testing), UT (ultrasonic)
Boiler & HVAC Equipment
- • Fire-tube/water-tube boilers: Installation & piping
- • Hot water heating systems: Campus/hospital distribution
- • Chillers & cooling towers: Large commercial HVAC
- • Heat exchangers: Shell-and-tube, plate types
Blueprint Reading & Layout
- • P&ID diagrams: Process & instrumentation drawings
- • Isometric drawings: 3D piping layouts (with dimensions)
- • Spool sheets: Prefabrication shop drawings
- • Stress analysis: Pipe support spacing, hangers, anchors
🎓 UA Union Apprenticeship: The Gold Standard Path
The United Association (UA) of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry operates the most respected steamfitter training program in North America. UA apprenticeships are 5-year paid programs combining on-the-job training (8,000+ hours) with classroom instruction (900+ hours) covering welding, blueprint reading, ASME codes, and steam system design.
📋 Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
Eligibility
- • Age 18+ with high school diploma or GED
- • Pass algebra/mechanical aptitude test (administered by local)
- • Valid driver's license (travel to job sites required)
- • Pass drug test and background check
- • Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs, work in confined spaces
Application Process
- • Apply through local UA union hall (find via ua.org)
- • Take aptitude test (math, spatial reasoning, reading)
- • Interview with Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC)
- • Ranked on waiting list by test scores + interview
- • Acceptance notification (can take 6–18 months in high-demand locals)
Competition varies by region: Major cities (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco) have 100+ applicants per opening, while smaller markets (upstate NY, Midwest industrial towns) may accept 50%+ of qualified applicants. Veterans receive preference points on rankings.
🏗️ 5-Year Training Progression
Year 1 (40% journeyman scale ~$35K–$42K)
On-site: Pipe preparation, threading, basic welding, assisting with valve installation, rigging/lifting basics
Classroom: Blueprint reading fundamentals, OSHA 10/30, basic math, welding theory, hand tools
Year 2 (50% scale ~$42K–$52K)
On-site: Pipe layout from isometrics, steam trap installation, expansion joint work, 2G/5G stick welding
Classroom: Intermediate blueprint reading, ASME B31.1 code, pipe stress basics, metallurgy, TIG welding intro
Year 3 (65% scale ~$52K–$62K)
On-site: High-pressure header installation, boiler piping, turbine auxiliary systems, 6G TIG certification prep
Classroom: P&ID reading, advanced welding (TIG stainless/chrome-moly), thermodynamics, steam system design
Year 4 (75% scale ~$60K–$72K)
On-site: Lead small crews, complex fabrication, superheated steam piping, turbine alignment basics
Classroom: Piping stress analysis, weld inspection (RT/UT basics), HVAC systems, construction management
Year 5 (85% scale ~$65K–$80K)
On-site: Working near-independently, critical path projects, mentoring 1st/2nd year apprentices
Classroom: Foreman training, project estimating, advanced code compliance, final certifications
Evening classes: Typically 2 nights/week (6–9pm) for 3-hour sessions. Apprentices work 40 hours/week on job sites + 6 hours classroom = 46-hour weeks during school semesters.
✅ Journeyman Certification & Benefits
Upon Completion (5 years)
- • UA Journeyman card: Recognized nationwide (work any UA local)
- • Welding certifications: 6G TIG, stick (ASME Section IX)
- • OSHA 30-hour card: Construction safety certification
- • 8,000+ documented work hours in steam/high-pressure systems
Union Benefits (From Day 1)
- • Health insurance: Family medical/dental/vision (no premium cost)
- • Pension: Defined benefit plan (~$8–$12/hour worked into pension)
- • Annuity: 401(k)-style account (~$3–$5/hour employer contribution)
- • Vacation fund: Paid vacation/holiday accrual
Total package value: A journeyman steamfitter earning $75K in wages typically receives $30K–$40K in fringe benefits (health, pension, annuity)—total compensation $105K–$115K. After 30 years, pension can pay $50K–$70K/year for life in retirement.
💡Non-Union vs. Union Steamfitter: Income Comparison
Non-union (open shop) steamfitters often earn $20–$30/hour less than union scale, but have no pension, no health benefits, and must provide own welding equipment. A non-union journeyman might make $50K–$65K with minimal benefits, while a union steamfitter at the same experience level earns $75K–$90K + $30K–$40K in fringes. Over a 30-year career, the union pension alone can be worth $1M+ in retirement income. This is why 90%+ of skilled steamfitters work union—the pay and benefits gap is massive.
🎯 Career Path: Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman
1️⃣ UA Steamfitter Apprentice (Years 1–5)
Entry path: High school → UA apprenticeship application → acceptance
Typical Projects
- • Hospital/university steam plant upgrades
- • Power plant outages (turbine maintenance, header work)
- • Industrial boiler room expansions
- • Refinery/chemical plant piping installations
Skill Development
- • Pipe cutting, threading, beveling (manual & power tools)
- • Stick/TIG welding progression (2G → 5G → 6G positions)
- • Blueprint reading (plan view → isometrics → P&IDs)
- • Steam system startup/shutdown procedures
Income progression: $35K (1st year) → $42K → $52K → $62K → $72K → $80K (5th year) + full benefits
2️⃣ Journeyman Steamfitter (Years 5–10)
Status: Fully certified, working independently or leading small crews
Typical Projects
- • Power plant major overhauls (6–12 month shutdowns)
- • Campus district heating system retrofits
- • Petrochemical facility expansions
- • High-rise commercial HVAC (chiller plants, boiler rooms)
Responsibilities
- • Working from complex isometric drawings independently
- • Critical path welding (6G TIG on chrome-moly pipe)
- • Mentoring 1st/2nd year apprentices
- • Coordinating with other trades (electricians, ironworkers)
Salary: $60K–$85K base (varies by region). Traveling steamfitters on power plant outages (60–80 hour weeks + per diem) can gross $100K–$120K in 6–9 month assignments.
3️⃣ Foreman / General Foreman (10+ years)
Leadership role: Managing crews on major industrial construction projects
Typical Projects
- • New power plant construction ($500M+ projects, 100+ steamfitters)
- • Major hospital expansions (central plant, distribution loops)
- • Refinery turnarounds (coordinating 50+ steamfitters)
- • Data center mechanical infrastructure
Responsibilities
- • Crew scheduling, work assignments, productivity tracking
- • Reviewing shop drawings, material submittals, weld maps
- • Coordinating with general contractor, engineers, inspectors
- • Safety compliance (toolbox talks, incident investigations)
Salary: $80K–$110K (125–140% journeyman scale). General foremen on large power projects can earn $120K–$140K with overtime.
4️⃣ Alternative Paths: Business Agent, Inspector, Contractor
Beyond field work: Experienced steamfitters can transition to non-field roles
Union Roles
- • Business agent: Union organizer/rep ($70K–$90K salary)
- • Training coordinator: Run apprenticeship programs
- • Safety officer: OSHA compliance for local union
Private Sector
- • Weld inspector: CWI certification, $75K–$95K
- • Estimator: Bid preparation for contractors
- • Start own company: Small commercial piping contractor
📅 Day in the Life: Journeyman Steamfitter on Hospital Expansion Project
Scenario: Mike is a 7-year UA journeyman steamfitter working on a $80M hospital expansion in the Midwest. The project involves installing a new central steam plant (two 150 HP boilers, 150 PSI distribution) and tying into the existing campus loop (12-inch headers buried 8 feet underground). Mike's crew of 8 steamfitters is installing 3,000+ linear feet of high-pressure steam piping, expansion joints, steam traps, and condensate return systems over a 14-month construction timeline.
⏰ 6:00 AM – Job Site Arrival & Toolbox Talk
Mike arrives early for the general contractor's all-trades safety meeting (ironworkers, electricians, laborers). The GC reviews crane lift plan for today—steamfitters are hoisting a 10-ton expansion joint into the mechanical penthouse via tower crane. After the meeting, Mike's foreman conducts a steamfitter-specific toolbox talk on confined space entry (the crew will be working inside a 6-foot-deep trench accessing existing steam headers).
⏰ 7:00 AM – Rigging & Crane Lift (Expansion Joint Installation)
Mike and two other journeymen rig the 12-inch expansion joint (bellows-type compensator rated for 150 PSI at 400°F) using certified lifting slings. The tower crane operator lifts the joint 80 feet to the penthouse roof. Mike uses a radio to guide the crane operator while standing on the roof. Once landed, they secure the joint with temporary supports and begin alignment checks using a laser level—tolerance is ±1/8 inch over 20 feet to prevent binding when the system heats up.
⏰ 9:30 AM – Pipe Fabrication (Schedule 80 Carbon Steel)
Mike moves to the on-site fabrication tent where apprentices have cut and beveled schedule 80 carbon steel pipe sections per the isometric drawing (Iso #SF-214). He verifies bevel angles (37.5° for stick welding) and dry-fits a 90° elbow joint. Using a pipe wrap (measuring tape marked in degrees), he lays out the cut line for a 22.5° rolling offset. After cutting with a band saw, he grinds the bevel smooth for welding.
⏰ 11:00 AM – 6G TIG Root Pass Welding (Chrome-Moly Pipe)
The project specs call for chrome-moly pipe (P11 alloy) on superheated steam lines. Mike sets up his TIG machine for a 6G root pass (pipe fixed at 45° angle—most difficult welding position). He purges the pipe with argon gas to prevent oxidation, then welds the root pass using ER80S-B2 filler rod. After completing the root, he visually inspects for undercut/porosity before handing off to another welder for fill/cap passes. This weld will be X-rayed tomorrow (100% radiographic inspection per ASME B31.1).
⏰ 12:00 PM – Lunch Break (Union Mandated 30 Minutes)
Mike eats lunch in the break trailer with his crew. They discuss tonight's evening apprenticeship class (Mike is mentoring a 3rd-year apprentice on P&ID reading). Another journeyman mentions a power plant outage job starting in 3 months—12-week shutdown, 60-hour weeks, $150/day per diem. Mike considers signing the out-of-work list for traveling work after this project wraps.
⏰ 12:30 PM – Underground Tie-In (Confined Space Entry)
Mike's crew enters the 8-foot-deep trench to tie new steam lines into existing 12-inch headers. This is a permit-required confined space—the safety coordinator tests oxygen levels (19.5%–23.5% required), sets up ventilation blower, and posts a hole watch. Mike descends the ladder and begins removing insulation from the existing header. He marks the cut line for the hot tap (branch connection) that will be welded tomorrow by a certified welder. The crew installs temporary supports to carry the pipe weight after cutting.
⏰ 2:00 PM – Steam Trap Installation & Testing
Mike installs inverted bucket steam traps on condensate return lines. He follows the manufacturer's specs for orientation (vertical installation only) and torque values (80 ft-lbs on 1-inch NPT connections). After installation, he pressure tests the trap station at 225 PSI (1.5× operating pressure) using a hydrostatic test pump. No leaks—he tags the trap with installation date and initials for the startup crew.
⏰ 3:30 PM – End-of-Day Cleanup & Tool Inventory
Mike's crew breaks down the work area: securing pipe spools on racks, locking up welding machines, inventorying tools (grinders, levels, torches). The foreman reviews tomorrow's plan: weld inspection at 7am (third-party inspector X-raying today's chrome-moly welds), followed by boiler setting (crane lift of 15-ton boiler into mechanical room). Mike clocks out at 4pm—8 hours straight time at $38/hour = $304 gross for the day.
💡Why Mike Chose Steamfitting Over Electrical or HVAC
"I looked at electrician and HVAC tech careers, but the union benefits sealed the deal. I'm making $75K as a journeyman, but my total package with health insurance, pension, and annuity is worth $110K+. My pension will pay $60K/year when I retire at 55 after 30 years. Plus, the work is challenging—I'm welding 6G stainless steel, reading complex P&IDs, working on power plants. It's not boring residential service calls. The downside is physical work in all weather (trenches, rooftops, crawl spaces), but I stay in great shape and job security is unbeatable—hospitals, universities, and power plants will always need steamfitters."
🏢 Top Employers & Project Types
🏗️ Union Mechanical Contractors (New Construction)
Large union contractors hire steamfitters for commercial/industrial construction projects
Major Contractors
- • Limbach Holdings – National mechanical contractor
- • McKinstry – Large-scale institutional projects (hospitals, universities)
- • Southland Industries – West Coast industrial/commercial
- • TDIndustries – Texas/Southwest power and process piping
Typical Projects
- • Hospital central plants ($20M–$100M mechanical scope)
- • University campus steam distribution upgrades
- • High-rise commercial boiler/chiller plants
- • Data center mechanical infrastructure
Pay: Prevailing wage on public projects: $40–$65/hour depending on region ($80K–$130K annually with overtime)
⚡ Power Generation (Plant Construction & Outages)
High-paying traveling work: power plant construction, turbine overhauls, refinery turnarounds
Major Employers
- • Kiewit Power – Large power plant EPC contractor
- • Bechtel – Nuclear, combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants
- • Turner Industries – Refinery/petrochemical turnarounds
- • Industrial contractors – Working through local union halls
Typical Projects
- • Coal/natural gas power plant construction (2–3 year projects)
- • Turbine overhauls (6–12 week shutdowns, 60–80 hour weeks)
- • Refinery turnarounds (process unit tie-ins, heat exchanger work)
- • Nuclear plant outages (requires security clearance)
Pay: $45–$60/hour + per diem ($100–$150/day tax-free). Journeymen on 12-week outages (70 hour weeks) can gross $40K–$50K in 3 months.
🏥 In-House Facilities Maintenance (Hospitals, Universities)
Direct-hire steamfitters maintaining campus steam systems (no construction travel)
Major Employers
- • Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic – Large hospital systems
- • University of Michigan, Penn State – Campus facilities
- • VA Medical Centers – Federal hospitals (veterans preference)
- • Amazon, Google – Data center facilities teams
Typical Responsibilities
- • Maintaining campus steam distribution (miles of underground piping)
- • Boiler repair, steam trap replacement, valve overhauls
- • Small capital projects (building tie-ins, expansions)
- • Emergency repair callouts (steam leaks, system failures)
Pay: $55K–$80K + excellent benefits (state pension for universities, federal pension for VA). More predictable hours (40-hour weeks) vs. construction, but lower total comp.
🏭 Industrial Manufacturing (Petrochemical, Food Processing)
Process piping installation and maintenance at refineries, chemical plants, food facilities
Major Employers
- • ExxonMobil, Chevron – Refinery maintenance
- • Dow Chemical, BASF – Petrochemical plant piping
- • Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola – Brewery/bottling plant steam
- • Tyson Foods, Cargill – Food processing facilities
Typical Projects
- • Process unit expansions (new reactors, heat exchangers)
- • Turnaround maintenance (replacing corroded pipe, valve rebuilds)
- • Steam system upgrades (pressure reduction stations, traps)
- • Emergency repairs (leak repairs, failed equipment replacement)
Pay: $60K–$90K (direct hire) or $50–$70/hour (contract turnaround work). Refineries often pay premium for tight shutdown schedules.
✅ Why Choose Steamfitting? (Pros & Cons)
✅Major Advantages
- •Excellent pay & benefits: $60K–$90K+ journeyman wages, $30K–$40K in union fringes (health, pension, annuity)
- •Dying trade = low competition: Retirement wave creating massive demand, very few young workers entering the field
- •Earn while you learn: UA apprenticeships pay from day one ($35K–$80K over 5 years) with zero student debt
- •Pension for life: 30-year career = $50K–$70K/year pension in retirement (worth $1M+ in lifetime income)
- •Recession-resistant: Hospitals, universities, power plants always need steam system maintenance
- •Challenging work: Complex blueprint reading, advanced welding, power plant systems—intellectually engaging
- •Nationwide portability: UA journeyman card recognized in all 50 states + Canada
⚠️Challenges to Consider
- •Extremely physical work: Heavy lifting (50+ lb pipe sections), crawling in trenches, rooftop work in all weather
- •High-heat environments: Working near boilers (120°F+ ambient), welding in confined spaces with poor ventilation
- •Irregular hours: Construction deadlines mean 50–70 hour weeks common, night/weekend shifts on outages
- •Travel required: Highest-paying jobs (power plant outages) require living in motels/RVs for weeks/months at a time
- •Injury risk: Burns from hot pipes, falls from scaffolding, eye injuries from welding—strict safety protocols critical
- •Feast/famine employment: Construction is cyclical—layoffs between projects common (union hall dispatch system)
- •5-year apprenticeship: Long training period (vs. 4 years for electricians), evening classes 2×/week for 5 years
🎯Who Thrives as a Steamfitter?
This career is ideal for mechanically inclined problem-solvers who don't mind physical work in harsh environments and want high pay + lifetime pension. Military veterans (Navy HTs, Seabees) excel due to piping/welding experience. Not recommended for those seeking 9-to-5 desk jobs, avoiding manual labor, or unwilling to work outdoors in extreme weather.
Best fit: If you're willing to invest 5 years in a rigorous apprenticeship, handle physical demands, and embrace union culture, steamfitting offers $75K–$90K+ salaries with $110K+ total compensation and a $60K/year pension for life—one of the best financial outcomes in the skilled trades.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a steamfitter and a plumber?
Plumbers work on water/waste systems in residential and commercial buildings (domestic water supply, drains, fixtures) at low pressure (0–80 PSI). Steamfitters work on high-pressure steam and hot water piping (150–1,200 PSI, 300–1,200°F) in power plants, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Steamfitting requires advanced pipe welding skills, ASME code knowledge, and working with extreme temperatures—it's a more specialized (and higher-paying) trade than plumbing.
Q: How long is the UA steamfitter apprenticeship?
5 years (10,000 hours on-the-job training + 900 hours classroom). This is longer than most trades (electricians are 4–5 years, plumbers 4 years) because steamfitting requires advanced welding certifications (6G TIG, stick), complex blueprint reading (P&IDs, isometrics), and knowledge of ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code. You earn while you learn: 1st year ~$35K–$42K (40% scale) → 5th year ~$65K–$80K (85% scale).
Q: Can I start with no experience?
Yes—UA apprenticeships accept candidates with no prior trade experience. You need a high school diploma/GED, pass an aptitude test (math, mechanical reasoning), and interview with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Military veterans, welding students, and candidates with construction experience get preference, but many apprentices start from zero. The 5-year program teaches you everything: pipe layout, welding, blueprint reading, code compliance.
Q: How much do traveling steamfitters make on power plant outages?
$100K–$130K in 6–9 months of outage work. Power plant shutdowns pay journeyman scale ($45–$60/hour) + 1.5× overtime after 40 hours + per diem ($100–$150/day tax-free for meals/lodging). A journeyman working 70-hour weeks for 12 weeks can gross $35K–$45K in that period. Many traveling fitters work 6–9 months/year on outages (multiple projects) earning $100K–$130K, then take winters off.
Q: Is steamfitting dangerous?
It can be—steam burns, welding flash, falls, and confined spaces are major hazards. However, strict OSHA regulations, union safety training, and PPE requirements have significantly reduced injuries. Steam at 400 PSI can cause severe burns on contact, and welding requires eye protection (arc flash can cause blindness). Proper lockout/tagout, confined space permits, and safety culture are critical. With adherence to protocols, steamfitting is safer than many construction trades (roofers, ironworkers have higher fatality rates).
Q: Can steamfitters work non-union?
Yes, but pay/benefits are significantly lower. Non-union (open shop) steamfitters earn $20–$30/hour less than union scale, have no pension, minimal health insurance, and must provide own tools/welding equipment. A non-union journeyman might make $50K–$65K vs. union $75K–$90K + $30K–$40K in fringes. Over a 30-year career, the union pension alone is worth $1M+ in retirement income. This is why 90%+ of skilled steamfitters work union.
Q: What are the best regions for steamfitter jobs?
Top regions: (1) Northeast (NY, PA, MA—aging steam infrastructure, hospital/university work), (2) Midwest (IL, IN, OH—industrial manufacturing, power plants), (3) Gulf Coast (TX, LA—refineries, petrochemical turnarounds), (4) West Coast (CA, WA—hospital construction, data centers). Cold climates use more steam heating (campus district heating, hospitals), while industrial states have refineries/chemical plants.
Ready to Start Your Steamfitter Career?
Dying trade with ultra-low competition, $75K–$90K+ journeyman wages, $110K+ total compensation, and $60K/year pension for life. Start with a UA union apprenticeship—earn while you learn with zero student debt.