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Trades & Construction

How to become a Fire Sprinkler Fitter

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
4 years
Typical pay
$54k–$82k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Apply to a sprinkler fitter apprenticeship

    Road Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 runs nationally; merit shops also train.

  2. Start on install crews

    Paid from day one. Threading, grooving and hanging pipe overhead.

    Typical titles at this level

    • Sprinkler fitter apprentice

  3. Complete the five-year program

    Hydraulics, NFPA 13 and layout, alongside full-time work.

  4. Get your state licence and NICET level

    Inspection and design work both gate on NICET certification.

    NICET Fire Protection certification

  5. Move to inspection or layout

    Both get you out of the ceiling and pay at least as well.

  6. Destination

    Fire Sprinkler Fitter

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