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Pipelayers

In the Pipelayers occupation, workers lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on operation and control, speaking, and quality control analysis. You may also need to grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints.

Main tasks

  • Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
  • Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
  • Cut pipes to required lengths.
  • Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
  • Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
  • Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Speaking
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operation and control and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Less than a High School Diploma. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Pipelayer
  • Tailman

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.