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Helper vs plumber

The differences between helpers and plumbers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a helper, becoming a plumber takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a plumber has an average salary of $55,337, 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 a plumber are plumbing, hand tools, and plumbers.

Helper vs plumber overview

HelperPlumber
Yearly salary$31,331$55,337
Hourly rate$15.06$26.60
Growth rate4%2%
Number of jobs29,87312,307
Job satisfaction54.4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age3442
Years of experience124

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 a plumber do?

Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.

Helper vs plumber salary

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

HelperPlumber
Average salary$31,331$55,337
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $36,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaOregon
Best paying companyNational Grid plcKern Community College District
Best paying industryUtilitiesFinance

Differences between helper and plumber education

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

HelperPlumber
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 52%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Helper vs plumber demographics

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

HelperPlumber
Average age3442
Gender ratioMale, 77.1% Female, 22.9%Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between helper and plumber 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

Plumber example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Replace old copper and cast iron plumbing, install PEX water lines, CPVC lines and PVC lines.
  • Learned how to read blueprints, use plumbing math and read sub/spec data.
  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using various techniques, including caulking, soldering, and brazing.
  • Install, repair and maintain plumbing systems and components including toilets, urinals, faucets, hose bibs drains, etc.
  • Dig trenches for new pipeline.
  • Show more

Helper vs plumber skills

Common helper skills
  • Food Handling, 24%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 7%
  • Physical Labor, 5%
  • Windows, 3%
Common plumber skills
  • Plumbing, 23%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Plumbers, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Cast Iron, 4%
  • Pipe Systems, 4%

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