If you're exploring how to start a career as a pipefitter in Juneau, AK, this guide will walk you through the complete pipeline of training, licensing, and employment prospects. Like other skilled trades, the pipefitting profession in Juneau begins with a structured apprenticeship program, offering hands-on training and classroom education. For more statistics on job outlook, visit the BLS page on plumbers and pipefitters. With $83,000 average annual salaries for union members in 2025 1, and Alaska’s statewide job growth projections in construction-related fields, this trade offers a promising future for those willing to invest in the necessary certification and experience.
Before diving into the training process, it's essential to understand what being a pipefitter entails. Pipefitters install and maintain complex systems that convey liquids and gases across industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Their work supports critical infrastructure such as heating systems, plumbing, and HVAC, and often involves reading blueprints, cutting and joining pipes, and ensuring all installations comply with Alaska’s building codes. For additional training resources, see PTT's guide on pipefitter demand.
Yes! To work as a pipefitter in Juneau, you must hold a plumber’s license issued by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development 23. This requirement ensures all professionals in the field meet statewide safety and quality standards. To qualify for a license, you must complete an approved apprenticeship or obtain the required experience:
| License Type | Required Experience |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | Accepted into a registered training program |
| Journeyman | 2,000 hours fuel/gas line work + 4,000 hours general plumbing |
| Master License | Additional experience beyond journeyman level |
To become a pipefitter in Juneau, completing an apprenticeship is the most common route. Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 262 offers a registered 5-year, 10,000-hour apprenticeship 45, aligned with U.S. Department of Labor standards. This comprehensive program includes hands-on training in:
Apprentices start at $24 per hour plus benefits with increasing wages as they progress 5. For current opportunities, check ZipRecruiter for Alaska pipefitter jobs.
To begin your apprenticeship:
To start your pipefitting apprenticeship:
Enrollment with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 262 45 provides structured learning with:
Submit your apprenticeship documentation to Alaska’s Division of Apprenticeship and Training to ensure your path toward licensure is officially recognized. For more legal details, refer to Alaska's official documents.
After completing your 5-year apprenticeship, you’ll be eligible to take the state plumbing examination 5. Passing this test allows you to work independently as a journeyman plumber/pipefitter.
Joining the United Association (UA) union can unlock higher wages (up to $83,000 annually 1) and long-term job security, particularly for industrial and maintenance work in Juneau and statewide. Explore more job listings on Indeed for Alaska pipefitters.
Beyond the apprenticeship and journeyman level, the pipefitting career path in Juneau leads to diverse roles:
With plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter jobs nationwide projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033 3, Juneau’s workforce benefits from the broader Alaska trend of increased public infrastructure spending. For salary benchmarks, see ZipRecruiter's maintenance pipefitter salaries in Alaska.
There are currently 17 to 76 pipefitter positions listed across Alaska 2, with many requiring experience in high-demand industrial applications.
As of 2025, pipefitters in Juneau earn an average salary of $59,987 annually for non-union roles, while union members can earn up to $83,000 per year 1. Wages generally start around $26 to $40 per hour for skilled non-union workers 3.
Union-based pipefitters receive valuable benefits including:
Non-union workers have more flexibility in employment options but may not receive the same structured wage increases or employer-backed benefits.
Despite strong demand statewide, Juneau presents unique challenges for pipefitting professionals due to its geographic and economic factors:
| Challenge Type | Barriers for Pipefitters in Juneau, AK |
|---|---|
| Geographic Isolation | Limited road access increases travel costs and training barriers |
| Smaller Job Market | Fewer large industrial projects compared to North Slope and oil hubs |
| Limited Apprenticeships | Only a fixed number of slots offered annually by Local 262 |
| Seasonal Work Cycles | Harsh winters limit outdoor construction and pipefitting work |
Applicants must also consider that 41% of pipefitters report stays of under one year in any given job, partly due to seasonal and site-specific work patterns 6.
If you're ready to begin this well-paying trade, here's what to do now:
Whether you're just out of high school or making a career change, pipefitting in Juneau, AK is a stable, growing trade with a clear path to success. With demand for skilled workers increasing and union wages exceeding the national average, this could be your path to a secure and rewarding career. For even more resources, explore PTT's pipefitter education.
