5214 Pipe fitters

In short

• ONS unit group 5214, in minor group 521 (Metal forming, welding and related trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £46,000 (£23.59 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £40,400 (£20.72 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Pipe fitters install pipe systems and maintain and repair pipes in major utilities, industrial and construction settings and sites.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although some employers may expect entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually via apprenticeship including practical experience and technical training. NVQs/SVQs at levels 2 and 3 are available.

Tasks

• examines drawings and specifications to determine layout of piping
• measures and cuts required lengths of copper, lead, steel, iron, aluminium or plastic piping using hand or machine tools
• installs pipes for heating, ventilating, fire prevention, water and similar systems in industrial and construction settings, including oil rigs and terminals, sewerage systems and other mains networks
• fits piping into position and joins sections by welding, soldering, cementing, fusing, screwing or by other methods
• tests pipe work for leaks and makes necessary adjustments

Related job titles

• Pipe engineer
• Pipe fitter
• Pipe welder-fitter

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5214 Pipe fitters

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Pipe fitters

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£46,000 (£23.59 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5214 Pipe fitters

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5216

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Pipe fitters

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£40,400 (£20.72 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£28,300 (£14.51 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 521

• 5211 Sheet metal workers
• 5212 Metal plate workers, smiths, moulders and related occupations
• 5213 Welding trades

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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