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The differences between journeyman plumbers and helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a journeyman plumber, becoming a helper takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.
The top three skills for a journeyman plumber include plumbing, hand tools and work ethic. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.
| Journeyman Plumber | Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $54,678 | $31,331 |
| Hourly rate | $26.29 | $15.06 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 10,869 | 29,873 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Average age | 42 | 34 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.
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.
Journeyman plumbers and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Plumber | Helper | |
| Average salary | $54,678 | $31,331 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Constellation Energy Partners | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a journeyman plumber and a helper in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Plumber | Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman plumbers' and helpers' demographics:
| Journeyman Plumber | Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 34 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9% | Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |