The pipefitting trade in Anchorage, AK, offers a compelling career path for 2025, with strong job opportunities and competitive pay. As of mid-2025, Anchorage reported 9 active pipefitter job openings, serving key industries like oil, gas, and industrial construction. Union pipefitters in Anchorage earn an average of $29.27 hourly, while all pipefitters see salaries ranging from $65,918 to $77,110 annually 123. The licensing process requires completing a five-year apprenticeship (10,000+ hours) and passing Alaska’s Certificate of Fitness exam, which evaluates knowledge of state plumbing and pipefitting standards 3. With projected job demand growing and experienced professionals receiving wage increases based on progress, now is an ideal time to enter this skilled trade.
Before pursuing this career path, it’s essential to understand what being a pipefitter entails. Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair mechanical piping systems in various settings. In Anchorage, their work is critical to maintaining infrastructure in industries like:
Pipefitters handle specialized tasks like welding, HVACR system integration, and mechanical system troubleshooting 415. They work with various types of piping systems and often travel to projects across Alaska, including more remote locations like the North Slope.
Yes, to work independently as a pipefitter in Anchorage, Alaska, you must obtain a Certificate of Fitness (plumber's license) from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development 43. This license confirms your training, work experience, and demonstrates your competence through a state-administered exam 3.
To qualify, applicants typically need to show at least 4,000 hours of plumbing work experience, which includes a minimum of 2,000 hours in gas and fuel piping installation within property lines. Apprenticeship training can substitute for up to 500 hours of these requirements 3. After obtaining the Certificate of Fitness, journeymen must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education every 24 months to renew their license, including mandatory code training related to the Uniform Plumbing Code 5.
Becoming a pipefitter in Anchorage generally requires completing a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction over 5+ years (10,000+ hours). Local labor unions, particularly UA Local 367, organize these apprenticeship programs, which provide comprehensive training in the pipefitting, plumbing, welding, HVAC, refrigeration, and instrumentation controls 23.
To begin the apprenticeship process:
To find apprenticeships in Anchorage:
To enroll in an apprenticeship program, you must meet the basic requirements:
Completing basic educational training in subjects like shop, mathematics, and technical reading can give you a strong foundation for further training 2.
Enroll in a recognized pipefitting apprenticeship program through UA Local 367, Anchorage’s leading trade union, or through Alaska Works Partnership 13. These apprenticeships combine on-site work experience with classroom instruction, ensuring you develop key skills in pipework, welding, HVACR systems, and more.
You’ll work under experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience while earning an income: beginners start at about $20.50 per hour, with structured wage increases as you progress 3.
After completing your apprenticeship, you'll need to pass Alaska's Certificate of Fitness exam administered by the Alaska Department of Labor to become a licensed journeyman pipefitter 3. This exam tests competency in plumbing and pipefitting standards across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
After becoming a licensed pipefitter, you can explore opportunities for career growth, including becoming a supervisor, project manager, or specialized pipefitting expert in industries like oil and gas, industrial construction, and pipeline systems maintenance.
The pipefitting trade remains in high demand in Anchorage and throughout Alaska. With current wage rates ranging from $65,918 to $77,110 annually, Anchorage pipefitters earn more than the U.S. national average of $63,370 to $65,190 123. Union pipefitters generally make around $29.27 per hour, while non-union roles report salaries up to $35.20 hourly in parts of Alaska 1.
Job growth projections suggest strong hiring activity in 2025, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, industrial construction, and commercial plumbing systems 67. Additionally, Anchorage employers emphasize a zero-incident safety culture, creating a professional work environment 1.
For individuals interested in a stable career with competitive wages and industry specialization, the pipefitting trade in Anchorage, AK, offers a promising future. To explore opportunities further, consider using Gild’s apprenticeship listings to find positions that align with your career goals.
https://www.indeed.com/career/pipefitter/salaries/AK ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://www.comeet.com/resources/jobs/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters/anchorage/ak/us ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Union-Pipefitter-Salary-in-Anchorage,AK ↩ ↩2
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=pipefitter&location=alaska ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/trends-magazine/2025/January/alaska-jobs-forecast-for-2025 ↩
https://www.alaskasafetyalliance.org/explore-careers/oil-gas-careers/pipefitter/ ↩
