Journeyman plumber vs master plumber

The differences between journeyman plumbers and master 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 master plumber. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $54,091 average annual salary of a master plumber.

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

Journeyman plumber vs master plumber overview

	Journeyman Plumber	Master Plumber
Yearly salary	$54,678	$54,091
Hourly rate	$26.29	$26.01
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	10,869	19,962
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 35%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Journeyman plumber vs master plumber salary

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

	Journeyman Plumber	Master Plumber
Average salary	$54,678	$54,091
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $36,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Baltimore, MD
Highest paying state	Oregon	Oregon
Best paying company	Constellation Energy Partners	HealthTrust
Best paying industry	Construction	Technology

Differences between journeyman plumber and master plumber education

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

	Journeyman Plumber	Master Plumber
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 35%
Most common major	Business	Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Most common college	-	-

Journeyman plumber vs master plumber demographics

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

	Journeyman Plumber	Master Plumber
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between journeyman plumber and master 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.

Master plumber example responsibilities.

Install pvc, c900 and ductile iron sewers.
Install copper, pvc and cast iron water mains.
Install water heater and place toilets, faucets, and dishwashers.
Install and repair portable water lines, fixtures including faucets, basins, water closets and urinals.
Perform start-ups and repairs for residential-commercial HVAC systems.
License and authorize to install and to assume responsibility for contractual agreement and to secure any permits for plumbing installations.

Journeyman plumber vs master plumber skills

Common journeyman plumber skills

Plumbing, 20%
Hand Tools, 19%
Work Ethic, 12%
Drainage Systems, 6%
Customer Service, 5%
Pipe Fittings, 4%

Common master plumber skills

Plumbing, 29%
Hand Tools, 7%
HVAC, 6%
Water Heaters, 5%
Plumbers, 4%
Hot Water, 4%