What is a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Job Description 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.
Life As a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper: What Do They Do?
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
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Things a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Plumber Assistant
- Drain Technician
- Plumber’s Helper
- Plumber Apprentice
- Sprinkler Helper
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Job Outlook
There were about 55,500 jobs for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 18.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,300 new jobs for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper are Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Idaho, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper
The typical yearly salary for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers is somewhere between $21,860 and $46,200.

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers who work in Alaska, Missouri, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,970 |
Alaska | $48,400 |
Arizona | $32,730 |
Arkansas | $31,960 |
California | $34,500 |
Colorado | $35,060 |
Connecticut | $37,010 |
Delaware | $28,770 |
District of Columbia | $38,000 |
Florida | $28,570 |
Georgia | $28,990 |
Hawaii | $38,660 |
Idaho | $26,780 |
Illinois | $35,780 |
Indiana | $31,470 |
Iowa | $32,550 |
Kansas | $36,150 |
Kentucky | $29,650 |
Louisiana | $35,440 |
Maine | $29,090 |
Maryland | $30,170 |
Massachusetts | $35,510 |
Michigan | $30,710 |
Minnesota | $36,550 |
Mississippi | $27,690 |
Missouri | $39,750 |
Montana | $34,690 |
Nebraska | $35,720 |
Nevada | $29,200 |
New Hampshire | $31,830 |
New Jersey | $35,110 |
New Mexico | $32,300 |
New York | $37,960 |
North Carolina | $29,730 |
North Dakota | $31,460 |
Ohio | $30,880 |
Oklahoma | $34,710 |
Oregon | $32,870 |
Pennsylvania | $35,290 |
Rhode Island | $34,050 |
South Carolina | $29,780 |
South Dakota | $27,200 |
Tennessee | $32,960 |
Texas | $32,780 |
Utah | $33,130 |
Vermont | $28,290 |
Virginia | $30,910 |
Washington | $39,000 |
West Virginia | $31,130 |
Wisconsin | $35,400 |
Wyoming | $33,680 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
How do I Become a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?
What kind of Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers Work

Below are examples of industries where Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper might also be interested in the following careers:
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
- Helpers–Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Career changers with experience as a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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