Salary distribution
Where Richmond plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $48,180 and $66,230, with a median of $59,970.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Apprenticeship
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.3 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- 02
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- 03
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- 04
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- 05
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- 06
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- 07
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- 08
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
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Explore coursesOther metros in Virginia
How the Richmond metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
- Virginia Beach$61,020
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Richmond metropolitan area is $59,970.
- Does Richmond pay more than the Virginia state average for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- The Richmond metro median is +0.7% versus the Virginia state median of $59,560.
- How does Richmond compare to the national median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- The Richmond metro median is -9.7% versus the BLS national figure of $66,431.
- What is the salary range for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $40,540 and the 90th-percentile at $76,720 for the Richmond metro area.
- What education is required for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Richmond CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.