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Fire Protection Installer / Sprinkler Fitter

Updated Mar 26, 2026
Licensed sprinkler system installer. Designs, installs, and tests water-based fire suppression systems.

Fire protection/sprinkler fitter: installs fire sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, and related equipment per NFPA 13/14/20/25. Typical path: 5-year apprenticeship (UA Local union or non-union). Licensing: NICET Level II-IV for design, state contractor license for installation. Certifications: backflow preventer testing, fire pump testing, ITM (inspection/testing/maintenance per NFPA 25). Skills: pipe threading/grooving/welding, hydraulic calculations, reading fire protection drawings, system testing (hydrostatic 200 psi/2 hr). Pay range: $25-$50/hr (journeyman), $50-$80/hr (foreman/designer). High demand: every commercial building needs sprinklers. Shortage: aging workforce + construction boom. Growth: 9% projected 2022-2032 (BLS).

TAGS
sprinkler-fitterfire-protectionNFPA-13tradeUA
DETAILS
demand
high
pay range
$25-$50/hr journeyman
apprenticeship
5 years
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