How to Become a Steamfitter in Missouri (2026)
Missouri employs about 8,310 steamfitters earning a median $66,790 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most steamfitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Missouri.
Compare Steamfitter Schools in Missouri
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washburn Institute of Technology | 71.0 | $8,880 | $56,774 | 68% | Yes* | 170 mi |
| 2 | Kirkwood Community College | 56.3 | $6,176 in-state / $8,220 out-of-state | $48,663 | 43% | Yes* | 252 mi |
| 3 | Neosho County Community College | 55.0 | $5,780 | $55,338 | 34% | Yes* | 156 mi |
| 4 | Johnson County Community College | 55.0 | $2,424 in-state / $5,688 out-of-state | $52,956 | 31% | Yes* | 115 mi |
| 5 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | 52.6 | $3,342 in-state / $5,238 out-of-state | $48,056 | 31% | Yes* | 159 mi |
| 6 | Ranken Technical College | 52.3 | $18,008 | $65,096 | 53% | Yes* | 135 mi |
| 7 | St Charles Community College | 51.7 | $3,048 in-state / $6,096 out-of-state | $48,369 | 25% | Yes* | 116 mi |
| 8 | Iowa Western Community College | 48.3 | $6,930 in-state / $7,080 out-of-state | $51,139 | 40% | Yes* | 260 mi |
| 9 | Metropolitan Community College Area | 46.7 | $3,375 in-state / $4,950 out-of-state | $53,376 | 29% | Yes* | 263 mi |
| 10 | Butler Community College | 44.9 | $3,541 in-state / $6,271 out-of-state | $46,569 | 32% | Yes* | 229 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Missouri employs approximately 8,310 steamfitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $66,790 1. Nationally, steamfitter 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 Steamfitter in Missouri, 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 (Missouri): $66,790 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Steamfitter in Missouri
How to become a Steamfitter in Missouri? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for steamfitters in Missouri.
How long does it take? Most paths into the steamfitter 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 steamfitters earn in Missouri? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Missouri is $66,790 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $44,780 and experienced professionals can earn $117,180 or more 1.
How to Become a Steamfitter in Missouri
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Missouri, 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.
Steamfitter Apprenticeship Information in Missouri
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Missouri’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Missouri Division of Workforce Development
- Address: 3315 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65102-0599
- Email: [email protected]
Steamfitter Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Missouri vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 4,060 | $77,000 | $81,070 | $47,040 | $121,230 |
| Kansas City | 3,740 | $76,150 | $79,030 | $46,800 | $122,820 |
| Springfield | 660 | $61,410 | $70,710 | $45,670 | $105,470 |
| Columbia | 310 | $58,010 | $63,500 | $36,800 | $96,920 |
| Jefferson City | 290 | $49,560 | $59,030 | $42,850 | $101,210 |
| St. Joseph | 200 | $68,290 | $74,440 | $47,660 | $116,580 |
| Joplin | 180 | $64,370 | $68,530 | $42,210 | $101,640 |
| Cape Girardeau | 120 | $65,180 | $71,660 | $40,100 | $104,070 |
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 steamfitters in Missouri? Missouri currently employs approximately 8,310 steamfitters 1. Nationally, steamfitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Missouri? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Missouri. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do steamfitters earn in Missouri compared to the national average? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Missouri is $66,790, which is $3,820 above the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - On-the-Job Training & 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) |