Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Career Overview
Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Featured schools near , edit
What Tasks Do Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Perform?
The core tasks performed by helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters span:
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
Skills and Knowledge
Top helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters draw on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Top Skills
The abilities most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Related Job Titles
People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:
- Conduit Helper
- Gas Main Fitter Helper
- Hydraulic Plumber Helper
- Industrial Gas Fitter Helper
- Journeyman Plumber
- Marine Pipefitter Helper
- Marine Steam Fitter Helper
- Pipe Coverer Helper
How Many Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Are There?
There are roughly 628,519 helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to grow by +6.1% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $84,894 |
| Hourly median | $40.81 |
| 10th percentile | $57,777 |
| 25th percentile | $71,336 |
| 75th percentile | $98,453 |
| 90th percentile | $112,011 |
Wages vary widely based on experience, location, and industry.
Pay by State
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $58,240 |
| Hawaii | $55,670 |
| Alaska | $54,360 |
| North Dakota | $51,540 |
| California | $49,970 |
| Massachusetts | $48,560 |
| Michigan | $47,010 |
| Missouri | $46,800 |
| Maine | $46,750 |
| New Hampshire | $45,700 |
| Colorado | $45,490 |
| Utah | $44,810 |
| Montana | $44,670 |
| District of Columbia | $44,300 |
| New York | $43,540 |
| Nebraska | $43,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,810 |
| Oregon | $42,740 |
| Tennessee | $42,470 |
| Arizona | $41,790 |
| New Jersey | $41,570 |
| Illinois | $41,050 |
| Oklahoma | $39,560 |
| Ohio | $39,360 |
| Florida | $39,130 |
| Wisconsin | $38,770 |
| Virginia | $38,750 |
| Alabama | $38,480 |
| Idaho | $38,470 |
| Wyoming | $38,470 |
| Texas | $38,310 |
| South Carolina | $38,140 |
| Maryland | $38,130 |
| Mississippi | $37,960 |
| North Carolina | $37,680 |
| Connecticut | $37,470 |
| Georgia | $37,450 |
| Kentucky | $37,440 |
| Iowa | $37,320 |
| Arkansas | $37,220 |
| New Mexico | $37,080 |
| Kansas | $36,950 |
| Delaware | $36,800 |
| South Dakota | $36,280 |
| Indiana | $36,220 |
| Louisiana | $36,110 |
| Nevada | $35,520 |
| West Virginia | $33,280 |
| Guam | $28,080 |
| Puerto Rico | $21,890 |
Pay by U.S. Region
Earnings for helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters shift depending on where you work. Top regions by median wage:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $49,591 | 9.1% | 0.60 |
| New England | $46,437 | 1.1% | 1.51 |
| Rocky Mountains | $42,544 | 1.1% | 0.53 |
| Middle Atlantic | $42,309 | 13.1% | 1.10 |
| Great Lakes | $39,550 | 4.5% | 0.51 |
| Southwest | $38,651 | 21.9% | 1.76 |
| Southeast | $38,213 | 45.5% | 2.08 |
| Plains States | $37,575 | 2.5% | 1.22 |
Top Metro Areas
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | WA | $64,100 | 420 |
| Visalia, CA | CA | $61,360 | 40 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | CA | $60,960 | 160 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | CA | $60,950 | 100 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | CA | $58,180 | 270 |
| Modesto, CA | CA | $54,600 | 50 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | CA | $52,770 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | WA | $50,640 | 100 |
Which Industries Hire Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The largest employers of helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are concentrated in the following sectors:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 41,970 | $39,130 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 600 | $42,750 |
| Manufacturing | 210 | $39,130 |
| Utilities | 140 | $46,250 |
| Educational Services | 60 | $41,190 |
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Software Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Use
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
Work Environment
The work environment for helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters reflects the following characteristics:
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Spend Time Standing
Education and Training
Entry-level helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education. The role falls in Some Preparation Needed (Job Zone 2), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.
Other Careers to Consider
Similar Occupations
- Boilermakers (Primary-Long)
- Carpenters (Supplemental)
- Construction Laborers (Supplemental)
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers (Supplemental)
- Electricians (Supplemental)
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall (Supplemental)
- Pipelayers (Primary-Long)
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (Primary-Short)
References
Data on this page comes from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 47-3015.00 (Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.