Pipelayers
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's experience and level of responsibility also affect wages. Earnings can sometimes be reduced because of work time lost due to bad weather.
Pipelayers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Pipelayers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 1,447 pipelayers work in this small occupation.
About 14 percent of pipelayers are self-employed.
Major employers:
- Water and sewer utilities
- Local government agencies (sewage and water departments)
- Plumbing companies
Outlook
The construction of new power plants and factories should increase demand for pipelayers. In addition, pipelayers will continue to be needed to repair and maintain commercial and industrial pipe systems. Work will also come from building renovation.
Work for pipelayers can be affected by the economy, especially when the rate of new construction slows. However, maintenance of pipe systems will always be required. Thus, this occupation will be less affected by the economy than other construction workers.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 53,100 | 66,600 | 13,400 | 25.2% |
| Minnesota | 1,097 | 1,480 | 383 | 34.9% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 121 | 167 | 46 | 38% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 41 | 54 | 13 | 31.7% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 273 | 361 | 88 | 32.2% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 84 | 113 | 29 | 34.5% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 51 | 66 | 15 | 29.4% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 442 | 592 | 150 | 33.9% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
