Pipefitter in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Nevada employs 5,370 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $61,610 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Nevada (May 2025)

Nevada median pay: $61,610 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $42,210
Experienced (75th percentile): $89,550
Top earners (90th percentile): $118,430
Employed in Nevada: 5,370
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Nevada markets:

Reno: $77,020 (1,170 employed)
Carson City: $64,040 (60 employed)
Las Vegas: $59,700 (3,800 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada

Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,610 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)

Nevada is projected to grow pipefitters employment +8.7%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally.

Nevada License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Nevada pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board).

Nevada has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work falls under the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Official requirements: No standalone Nevada pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board) →

Training in Nevada

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Nevada's mining, manufacturing, and resort construction drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:

College of Southern Nevada — Certificate / Associate
Truckee Meadows Community College — Certificate / Associate
Western Nevada College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Nevada?

The median wage for pipefitters in Nevada is $61,610 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $118,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Nevada?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Nevada pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board). Nevada has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Nevada?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Nevada metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Nevada metro areas, Reno leads at $77,020, followed by Carson City ($64,040), Las Vegas ($59,700). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Pipefitter in Nevada?

Real Nevada options include College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Nevada?

Nevada projects pipefitters employment to change +8.7% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Nevada pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Nevada wages · Nevada licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.