How to Become a Pipefitter in Alaska (2026)
Alaska employs about 1,200 pipefitters earning a median $93,920 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most pipefitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Alaska.
Alaska employs approximately 1,200 pipefitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $93,920 1. The state’s concentration of pipefitter jobs is 1.23x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Pipefitter in Alaska, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Alaska): $93,920 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pipefitter in Alaska
How to become a Pipefitter in Alaska? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for pipefitters in Alaska.
How long does it take? Most paths into the pipefitter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do pipefitters earn in Alaska? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Alaska is $93,920 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $53,730 and experienced professionals can earn $122,660 or more 1.
How to Become a Pipefitter in Alaska
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Alaska training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Alaska that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Alaska.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Alaska, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Pipefitter Apprenticeship Information in Alaska
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Alaska’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Anchorage Field Office
- Address: 605 W. 4th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501-2249
- Phone: (907) 271-5035
- Email: [email protected]
Pipefitter Wages by Metro Area in Alaska
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Alaska
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Alaska vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 640 | $93,600 | $89,290 | $53,730 | $116,790 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 280 | $82,610 | $82,140 | $49,770 | $105,590 |
| Fairbanks-College | 200 | $96,670 | $92,330 | $61,600 | $121,130 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pipefitters in Alaska? Alaska currently employs approximately 1,200 pipefitters 1. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Alaska? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Alaska. You can also contact the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do pipefitters earn in Alaska compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Alaska is $93,920, which is $30,950 above the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Alaska
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Alaska (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Alaska
- Best HVAC Schools in Alaska (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Alaska
- Best Welding Schools in Alaska (2026)
Explore More Trades in Alaska
- Electrician in Alaska
- Plumber in Alaska
- HVAC Technician in Alaska
- Welder in Alaska
- Carpenter in Alaska
- Solar Installation Technician in Alaska
- Auto Mechanic in Alaska
- CNC Machinist in Alaska
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska
- Medical Assistant in Alaska
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |