Pipefitter in Vermont: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Vermont employs 980 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $62,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pipefitters Earn in Vermont (May 2025)
- Vermont median pay
- $62,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,800
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $91,940
- Employed in Vermont
- 980
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,970 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Vermont markets:
- Burlington
- $67,450 (470 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont
Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,170 median stretches to roughly $63,439 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)
Vermont is projected to grow pipefitters employment +5.4%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Vermont License and Certification Requirements
No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship (some scopes need a state license) — regulated by the No standalone Vermont pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/heating scope via Division of Fire Safety).
- Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
- Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction.
- Note: plumbing and heating-scope work is licensed by the Division of Fire Safety.
Training in Vermont
High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Vermont's manufacturing and institutional construction drive demand.
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 Vermont?
The median wage for pipefitters in Vermont is $62,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,800, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $91,940. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Vermont?
No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship (some scopes need a state license), overseen by the No standalone Vermont pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/heating scope via Division of Fire Safety). Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Vermont?
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
Which Vermont metros pay pipefitters the most?
Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $67,450. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Pipefitter a growing career in Vermont?
Vermont projects pipefitters employment to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Vermont pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/heating scope via Division of Fire Safety) (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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.