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Helper vs apprentice

The differences between helpers and apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a helper and an apprentice. Additionally, an apprentice has an average salary of $37,107, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.

The top three skills for a helper include food handling, safety procedures and safety rules. The most important skills for an apprentice are PET, customer service, and basic math.

Helper vs apprentice overview

HelperApprentice
Yearly salary$31,331$37,107
Hourly rate$15.06$17.84
Growth rate4%7%
Number of jobs29,87313,014
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age3442
Years of experience1212

What does a helper do?

Helpers are employed by families or homeowners to provide overall assistance in the house. They are usually assigned to do household chores such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and tending the garden. They may also be assigned to do groceries or even drive the family around. They take care of children at home and assist them with their schoolwork should it be needed. They also address any other needs that the family may require assistance with. Helpers are expected to be patient and trustworthy since they will be working closely with the family members.

What does an apprentice do?

An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.

Helper vs apprentice salary

Helpers and apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

HelperApprentice
Average salary$31,331$37,107
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAWorcester, MA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyNational Grid plcMid-South Management
Best paying industryUtilitiesTransportation

Differences between helper and apprentice education

There are a few differences between a helper and an apprentice in terms of educational background:

HelperApprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Helper vs apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between helpers' and apprentices' demographics:

HelperApprentice
Average age3442
Gender ratioMale, 77.1% Female, 22.9%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between helper and apprentice duties and responsibilities

Helper example responsibilities.

  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, etc.
  • Operate power nail guns, paint sprayers, ladders, power washers, drive company truck.
  • Clean areas that harbore pests, using rakes, brooms, shovels and mops, preparatory to fumigating.
  • Operate winches and hoisting devices.
  • Perform tack welding as necessary.
  • Install EMT and new wire throughout structure.
  • Show more

Apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Perform services include but not limit to plumbing, roofing, siding, painting, tiling, and electrical work.
  • Replace asphalt shingles, and other cold application roofs, and built-up roofs and apply caulking materials and membrane waterproofing.
  • Experience with EPDM & TPO single-ply membrane, fully adhere and mechanically fasten.
  • Assist journeyman with bending pipe (EMT, PVC & rigid), pulling and installing wire, and terminating panels
  • Locate and repair leaks in asphalt, asbestos, and slate shingles, tile and built-up roofs and single-ply membranes.
  • Install and repair electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, conduit systems, fixtures, wall sockets, plugs and switches.
  • Show more

Helper vs apprentice skills

Common helper skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 7%
  • Physical Labor, 5%
  • Windows, 3%
Common apprentice skills
  • PET, 43%
  • Customer Service, 28%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Apprenticeship, 4%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%
  • CPR, 1%

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