Anniston AL Pipefitters High-Paying Jobs & Career Growth in 2025

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If you're looking to jumpstart a career in pipefitting in Anniston, AL, the first step is to understand the licensing requirements, training programs, and job opportunities available in the region. With union pipefitters in Alabama earning between $22 to $38 per hour as of April 2025 ¹², and a projected 6% increase in demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters by 2033 ³, Anniston offers a promising career path for those entering the trade. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry.

Understand the Role of a Pipefitter

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a pipefitter entails. Pipefitters are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain piping systems used for transporting liquids, gases, and other materials in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. This includes working on high-pressure systems, steam lines, chemical piping, and medical gas systems, which require specialized training and certification ⁴.

Do You Need a License to Work as a Pipefitter in Anniston, AL?

Yes! In Alabama, all pipefitters must be licensed by the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board. The licensing process includes:

• Apprenticeship registration: You must first register as an apprentice under a certified journeyman or master pipefitter ⁴.
• Experience requirements: Complete two years of apprenticeship or an equivalent board-approved training program ⁴.
• Certification exam: Pass the state certification examination to become a Journeyman or Master Plumber/Gas Fitter ⁴.
• Continuing education: Starting in 2025, all licensed pipefitters must complete 4 hours of continuing education annually to renew their certification ⁵⁶.

For more details on licensing, visit the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board or check job trends on Indeed.

Pipefitting Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

To become a licensed pipefitter in Anniston, you must complete a registered apprenticeship program. These programs typically last 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Here are the key steps:

1. Meet the basic requirements:

   • Be at least 18 years old
   • Have a high school diploma or GED
   • Be physically capable of performing pipefitting tasks
   • Be able to read, write, and understand English

2. Enroll in a training program:

   • Calhoun Community College offers NCCER Pipefitting Level One and Two courses that prepare students for advancement in the trade. These classes are free of charge and held on Fridays and Saturdays ⁷.
   • The Alabama Home Builders Foundation also offers foundational courses in plumbing and pipefitting, focusing on maintenance, repair, and construction fundamentals ³.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship:

   • UA Local 498 Apprenticeship Training Program: This federally approved program blends on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping apprentices gain hands-on experience while learning pipefitting skills required by industry standards ⁸.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in Anniston: Gild brings thousands of pipefitting apprenticeship role openings all together in one place. Search open pipefitting apprenticeships in Anniston here.
• Join a Union: Many pipefitters in Anniston are members of UA Local 498, which provides access to stable employment, better pay, and benefits such as overtime wages, retirement savings, and healthcare packages ⁹. Learn more about demand trends at PTT Education.

Steps to Becoming a Pipefitter in Anniston, AL

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a pipefitter in Anniston, you must meet specific basic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Coursework in mathematics, science, and shop can be beneficial.
• Be able to read, write, and understand the English language
• Be physically fit to perform the work authorized by the qualification/registration

2. Enroll in a Pipefitting Education Program (Recommended, Not Required)

While not always mandatory, completing a pipefitting education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Anniston and usually cover topics like:

• Pipefitting codes and regulations
• Blueprint reading
• Pipe cutting and threading
• Welding basics
• Safety practices

Explore more programs on the Alabama Home Builders Foundation website.

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a pipefitter. In Anniston, you'll need to complete a 2-year apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in Anniston: Gild brings thousands of pipefitting apprenticeship role openings all together in one place. Search open pipefitting apprenticeships in Anniston here.
• Join a Union: Many pipefitters in Anniston are members of UA Local 498, which provides access to stable employment, better pay, and benefits such as overtime wages, retirement savings, and healthcare packages ⁹.

During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed pipefitter and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing pipes, troubleshooting piping systems, and adhering to local codes.

4. Obtain a Journeyman Pipefitter License

After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for a Journeyman Pipefitter license, which is required to work independently as a pipefitter in Anniston.

To obtain a Journeyman Pipefitter license, you must:

• Complete 2 years of apprenticeship or an equivalent board-approved training program ⁴.
• Pass the state certification examination administered by the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board ⁴.

Once eligible, you can apply for your license through the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board website. For career paths, refer to TWS Blog.

5. Consider Becoming a Master Pipefitter

A Master Pipefitter license allows you to supervise other pipefitters, take on larger projects, and start your own business. To become a Master Pipefitter in Alabama, you must:

• Have at least 2 years of experience as a Journeyman Pipefitter.
• Pass the Master Pipefitter exam, which is more comprehensive and focuses on advanced pipefitting practices, business management, and local building codes.

Career Prospects and Salary Expectations

Pipefitters in Anniston, AL, earn an average hourly wage of $28.00, which aligns closely with the national average ⁷. More broadly across Alabama, the average hourly wage for a pipefitter ranges from about $24.50 to $29.13, depending on experience and exact job title ¹⁰⁸. Union pipefitters in Alabama tend to earn a yearly average of about $40,549, with salaries ranging from roughly $31,597 to $49,413 per year ⁹.

The projected growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is 6% by 2033, outpacing most professions ³. This growth is driven by industrial expansion, energy projects, and infrastructure development, which require skilled pipefitters. Check out Metro Mech Blog for more on career benefits.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as a pipefitting apprentice in Anniston, AL, is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential, well-paid, and growing. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in pipefitting will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!

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