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The differences between journeymen 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 journeyman and a plumber helper. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.
The top three skills for a journeyman include hand tools, work ethic and HVAC. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.
| Journeyman | Plumber Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $57,682 | $43,893 |
| Hourly rate | $27.73 | $21.10 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 13,953 | 21,963 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.
Journeymen and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman | Plumber Helper | |
| Average salary | $57,682 | $43,893 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $83,000 | Between $28,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | CVR Energy | ENCON Heating |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a journeyman and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman | Plumber Helper | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 31% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeymen' and plumber helpers' demographics:
| Journeyman | Plumber Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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% |