Table 5 National Key Indicators for Plumbing Products (Blns US. Dollars) Earnings & Employment The BLS reports that pipe layers, plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters are among the highest paid construction occupations. In May 2006, the national median hourly earnings of plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters were $20.56. The middle 50 percent earned between $15.62 and $27.54. The lowest 10 percent earned $12.30, and the highest 10 percent earned $34.79. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters in May 2004 were as follows