Journeyman plumber vs pipe foreman

The differences between journeyman plumbers and pipe foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $49,468 average annual salary of a pipe foreman.

The top three skills for a journeyman plumber include plumbing, hand tools and work ethic. The most important skills for a pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.

Journeyman plumber vs pipe foreman overview

	Journeyman Plumber	Pipe Foreman
Yearly salary	$54,678	$49,468
Hourly rate	$26.29	$23.78
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	10,869	7,924
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	-

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 pipe foreman do?

A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.

Journeyman plumber vs pipe foreman salary

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

	Journeyman Plumber	Pipe Foreman
Average salary	$54,678	$49,468
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $81,000	Between $38,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	-
Highest paying state	Oregon	-
Best paying company	Constellation Energy Partners	-
Best paying industry	Construction	-

Differences between journeyman plumber and pipe foreman education

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

	Journeyman Plumber	Pipe Foreman
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Journeyman plumber vs pipe foreman demographics

Here are the differences between journeyman plumbers' and pipe foremen' demographics:

	Journeyman Plumber	Pipe Foreman
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%	Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between journeyman plumber and pipe foreman 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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Pipe foreman example responsibilities.

Use hoists and cranes to lift work pieces to machines and manage work with little supervision.
Maintain a safe work environment ensuring that workers follow safety rules in accordance with client and OSHA.
Install HVAC systems, building control systems.
Form cast iron and PVC roof drains, sewer drains.
Set up equipment for welds with SMAW, TIG and brazing processes.
Work in full alkaline gear while doing demo and installation contaminate lines.

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Journeyman plumber vs pipe foreman skills

Common journeyman plumber skills

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

Common pipe foreman skills

Hand Tools, 14%
OSHA, 12%
Ladders, 7%
Construction Sites, 5%
Pipe Systems, 5%
Storm Sewer, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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