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.
Also Known As
- Plumber's Helper
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
- Pipe Fitter Helper
- Plumber Apprentice
- Plumber Assistant
- Plumber Cub
- Plumber Helper
- Plumber's Helper
- Plumbing Apprentice
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Manual Dexterity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Extent Flexibility
- Problem Sensitivity
- Trunk Strength
- Visualization
- Oral Expression
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- 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
- Alternating current AC welding equipment
- Amp meters
- Angle air grinders
- Augers
- Automatic levels
- Backhoes
- Ball peen hammers
Work Environment
- 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
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,050 |
| Median | $39,270 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $54,860 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 43,640
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $62,970
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,860
Helpers--Electricians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,890
Helpers--Carpenters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,600
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $38,140
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.