Pipelayer Salary Guide 2025: $49,000 Median, Top States Pay $86,870
The median annual wage for U.S. pipelayers is $49,000, according to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $24 per hour. Most pipelayers earn between $37,730 (10th percentile) and $80,170 (90th percentile). The national mean sits at $54,700.
How much Pipelayers earn
Pay varies widely by experience, location, and industry. Entry-level pipelayers typically start around $37,730, while the top 10% of earners make over $80,000. The national mean wage of $54,700 reflects the mix of junior and senior workers across the country.
Industries with the highest pipelayer pay include utility system construction and pipeline transportation. Overtime and prevailing wage projects for government contracts can push earnings significantly higher.
- Median annual salary: $49,000
- 10th percentile: $37,730
- 90th percentile: $80,170
- Mean hourly wage: $24
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state for pipelayers is Wisconsin, with an average annual wage of $86,870. Washington ($82,450), Minnesota ($81,980), New Jersey ($78,830), and California ($76,180) round out the top five. These states tend to have strong union presence or high cost-of-living adjustments.
On the lower end, Pennsylvania averages $41,600, West Virginia $40,440, and Arkansas $37,650. The gap between highest and lowest states exceeds $49,000 — more than the national median salary itself.
- Top state: Wisconsin — $86,870
- Second: Washington — $82,450
- Third: Minnesota — $81,980
- Lowest: Arkansas — $37,650
How to become Pipelayer
Pipelaying is a skilled trade that typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Most workers learn through on-the-job training, often starting as laborers and picking up skills from experienced pipelayers. Formal apprenticeships, run by joint union-contractor committees, combine paid work with classroom instruction and usually last 3-5 years.
Certifications are not mandatory for all jobs, but states or employers may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate heavy equipment. Safety credentials like OSHA 10 or 30 are a plus. No degree is needed.
- High school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training or apprenticeship (3-5 years)
- Valid driver's license; CDL often required
- Optional: OSHA safety certification
Job outlook
The BLS projects pipelayer employment will decline by 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 1,350 jobs. That's largely due to automation in trenching and pipelaying, plus slower growth in oil and gas pipeline construction. However, the occupation will still see about 2,400 openings per year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the trade.
Job opportunities will be best in states with active water, sewer, or infrastructure projects. The need to repair aging water and wastewater systems should provide steady work in public-sector projects, even as overall employment shrinks.
- Projected growth 2024-2034: -4.1%
- Annual openings: 2,400
- Decline driven by automation and reduced pipeline construction
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for pipelayers in 2025?
The median annual salary for pipelayers is $49,000, according to 2024 BLS figures. The mean is $54,700, or about $24 per hour.
Which state pays pipelayers the most?
Wisconsin pays the highest average salary for pipelayers at $86,870. Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, and California also top the list.
How long does it take to become a pipelayer?
Most pipelayers learn on the job. Apprenticeships typically last 3-5 years and combine paid work with classroom instruction. A high school diploma is the usual minimum requirement.
Is pipelaying a declining career?
Yes. BLS projects a 4.1% employment decline from 2024 to 2034, but about 2,400 openings per year will occur due to retirements and turnover. Demand will persist in water infrastructure projects.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Pipelayers data.