Daily AncestorSteamfitter
A steamfitter installed and repaired the pipes that carried steam for heating and power in buildings, factories and ships.
Wiktionary defines a steamfitter as a person qualified to install and maintain pipes that carry steam. Wikipedia treats steamfitter and pipefitter as the same trade: putting up and repairing high-pressure piping for heating, process and power, as distinct from the plumber's lower-pressure water and drain pipes.
The 1940 census instructions give steamfitter, with lawyer, ship carpenter and music teacher, as an example of the precise kind of occupation entry wanted.
As seen in a recordOccupation and industry columns of the 1910 to 1940 census
Edw. Stankowiak, 37, Steamfitter, Building construction
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Steamfitter." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/occupations/steamfitter. Last checked 2026-10-12.