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The differences between commercial plumbers and plumber helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a commercial plumber and a plumber helper. Additionally, a commercial plumber has an average salary of $54,423, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.
The top three skills for a commercial plumber include plumbing, PVC and cast iron. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.
| Commercial Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $54,423 | $43,893 |
| Hourly rate | $26.16 | $21.10 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 34,990 | 21,963 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Commercial plumbers are specialized plumbers who work on housing or retail developments, commercial businesses, and properties. They repair, install, and maintain plumbing systems and services on a larger, more complex scale. They work on an infrastructure's water pressure, boiler systems, water supply, and waste following blueprint designs and understand the requirements for each project. Some jobs require them to have basic carpentry skills for when they need to access pipes inside walls or to brace pipes to keep them in place. They will also solder, weld, and attach fittings and fixtures when needed.
A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.
Commercial plumbers and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Commercial Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average salary | $54,423 | $43,893 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $82,000 | Between $28,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Baton Rouge, LA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Stanley Furniture | ENCON Heating |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a commercial plumber and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:
| Commercial Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between commercial plumbers' and plumber helpers' demographics:
| Commercial Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.6% Female, 2.4% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |