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The differences between maintenance plumbers 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 maintenance plumber and a plumber helper. Additionally, a maintenance plumber has an average salary of $53,733, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.
The top three skills for a maintenance plumber include plumbing, general maintenance and hand tools. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.
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.
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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.
Maintenance plumbers and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Maintenance Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average salary | $53,733 | $43,893 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $77,000 | Between $28,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Apple | ENCON Heating |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a maintenance plumber and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:
| Maintenance Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between maintenance plumbers' and plumber helpers' demographics:
| Maintenance Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |