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  1. Occupations
  2. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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.

SOC: 47-3015.00

Common Job Titles

  • Plumber's Helper

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onHandle pipes, tools, and materials on construction sites, supporting plumbers and pipefitters under direct supervision.
    Developing
  • Hands-onOperate pipe cutters, benders, and threading machines following safety procedures and under journeyman supervision.
    Developing
  • Hands-onExecute equipment maintenance and work area cleaning tasks maintaining safe work environments according to public safety protocols.
    Developing
  • Hands-onManipulate wrenches, levels, and measuring tapes to prepare work sites and position materials accurately.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply mathematical calculations for measurements and material quantities supporting layout and installation tasks under supervision.
    Developing
  • MindsetRespect safety regulations and team protocols when working with heavy equipment and in confined spaces.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeIdentify pipe threading machines, welding equipment, and hand tools by matching tool specifications to work requirements following established protocols.
    Emerging
  • KnowledgeClassify building materials and plumbing components using knowledge of mechanical systems and construction standards.
    Emerging
  • MindsetFollow verbal instructions from plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters demonstrating active listening and coordination on job sites.
    Emerging
  • KnowledgeExplain basic piping system components and their functions when assisting with inspections and equipment setup.
    Emerging

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

43,640

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,050. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,750. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,270. 75th percentile: U.S. $46,550. 90th percentile: U.S. $54,860. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$31,050
10% of workers earn the following or more$54,860
Workers on average earn$41,720

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Building and Construction4.5/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
  • Mechanical3.6/5
  • Mathematics3.5/5
  • English Language3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressors
  • Air hammers
  • Air operated grinders
  • Air pressure gauges
  • Air wire brushes
  • Aligning clamps
  • Allen wrenches
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152.00
  • Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers 49-9098.00
  • Helpers--Carpenters 47-3012.00
  • Helpers--Electricians 47-3013.00
  • Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons 47-3014.00

Moderately Similar

  • Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters 47-3011.00
  • Pipelayers 47-2151.00
  • Boilermakers 47-2011.00
  • Helpers--Extraction Workers 47-5081.00
  • Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners 47-4071.00

Related

  • Helpers--Roofers 47-3016.00
  • Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 47-2131.00
  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 49-9071.00
  • Carpenters 47-2031.00
  • Sheet Metal Workers 47-2211.00
  • Electricians 47-2111.00
  • Helpers--Production Workers 51-9198.00
  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers 47-2221.00
  • Insulation Workers, Mechanical 47-2132.00
  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 51-2041.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateIELCE.Plumbing.02Issuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • CertificatePipefittingIssuer: Coastal Alabama Community College
  • CertificatePipefittingIssuer: Bishop State Community College
  • Short-Term CertificatePlumbing TechnologyIssuer: Northwest-Shoals Community College
  • CoursePlumbing AssistantIssuer: ACCS Innovation Center
  • CertificatePlumberIssuer: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • CertificateInstrumentation TechnicianIssuer: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • CertificateInstrumentation FitterIssuer: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • CertificateIndustrial PipefitterIssuer: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
  • CertificateAcademic English Foundations (Noncredit)Issuer: Ventura College