Construction & Extraction
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Also called: Pipefitter Helper, Plumber Apprentice, Plumber Assistant, Plumber Helper
US median pay
$42,360
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2.4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
4,400
45,300 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- 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.
- Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
- Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Repairing2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
- Time Management2.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.5/5
- Troubleshooting2.4/5
- Service Orientation2.4/5
Knowledge
- Building and Construction4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma49%
- Post-secondary certificate27%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.