Salary distribution
Where West Virginia 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 $42,700 and $68,120, with a median of $49,630.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay by experience level in West Virginia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in West Virginia over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in West Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in West Virginia is $49,630.
- How does West Virginia compare to the national median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- The West Virginia median is -25.3% versus the BLS national figure of $66,431.
- What is the salary range for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in West Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,260 and the 90th-percentile at $81,360, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.