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Journeyman plumber vs maintenance plumber

The differences between journeyman plumbers and maintenance plumbers 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 plumber and a maintenance plumber. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $53,733 average annual salary of a maintenance plumber.

The top three skills for a journeyman plumber include plumbing, hand tools and work ethic. The most important skills for a maintenance plumber are plumbing, general maintenance, and hand tools.

Journeyman plumber vs maintenance plumber overview

Journeyman PlumberMaintenance Plumber
Yearly salary$54,678$53,733
Hourly rate$26.29$25.83
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs10,86982,939
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 47%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a journeyman plumber do?

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.

What does a maintenance plumber do?

A maintenance plumber repairs individual water systems or large water facilities. This job position monitors, diagnoses, maintains, and repairs gas leaks, water shortages, sewage, and pipe systems. They must have knowledge of repair and skill in maintenance. He/She or she handles installation, prepares needed equipment and machinery, and ensures that they are always in place. A skillful mindset and extensive knowledge in the field is the key.

Journeyman plumber vs maintenance plumber salary

Journeyman plumbers and maintenance plumbers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Journeyman PlumberMaintenance Plumber
Average salary$54,678$53,733
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $81,000Between $37,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORPortland, OR
Highest paying stateOregonOregon
Best paying companyConstellation Energy PartnersApple
Best paying industryConstructionTechnology

Differences between journeyman plumber and maintenance plumber education

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

Journeyman PlumberMaintenance Plumber
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Journeyman plumber vs maintenance plumber demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman plumbers' and maintenance plumbers' demographics:

Journeyman PlumberMaintenance Plumber
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 97.1% Female, 2.9%Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 1.9% White, 64.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between journeyman plumber and maintenance plumber duties and responsibilities

Journeyman plumber example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, soldering and brazing.
  • Install and join copper, PVC, black iron and cast iron pipe and fittings below grind and above grind.
  • Work on sanitary sewer, rain leaders, and condensate lines using cast iron, PVC, and copper pipe.
  • Replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, gas and electric, filtration systems, dishwashers, and service piping to structures.
  • Perform complete plumbing installations from rough-in to finishing according to Minnesota codes.
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Maintenance plumber example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Invoice customers and provide customer service assistance with questions regarding residential plumbing preventative maintenance.
  • Repair and/or replacement of cast iron and PVC pipe.
  • Perform light to medium HVAC systems' maintenance and repairs.
  • Assist in electrical, HVAC, maintaining all aspects of plant facilities.
  • Install all of the weather proofing systems, caulking and flashing of all the areas require by code.
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Journeyman plumber vs maintenance plumber skills

Common journeyman plumber skills
  • Plumbing, 20%
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Drainage Systems, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pipe Fittings, 4%
Common maintenance plumber skills
  • Plumbing, 26%
  • General Maintenance, 15%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 7%
  • Water Heaters, 6%
  • HVAC, 4%

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