Master plumber vs plumber helper

The differences between master 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 master plumber and a plumber helper. Additionally, a master plumber has an average salary of $54,091, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a master plumber include plumbing, hand tools and HVAC. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Master plumber vs plumber helper overview

	Master Plumber	Plumber Helper
Yearly salary	$54,091	$43,893
Hourly rate	$26.01	$21.10
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	19,962	21,963
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

Master plumber vs plumber helper salary

Master plumbers and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Master Plumber	Plumber Helper
Average salary	$54,091	$43,893
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $80,000	Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Baltimore, MD	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Oregon	Massachusetts
Best paying company	HealthTrust	ENCON Heating
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between master plumber and plumber helper education

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

	Master Plumber	Plumber Helper
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians	Business
Most common college	-	-

Master plumber vs plumber helper demographics

Here are the differences between master plumbers' and plumber helpers' demographics:

	Master Plumber	Plumber Helper
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
Race ratio	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%	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%

Differences between master plumber and plumber helper duties and responsibilities

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.

Plumber helper example responsibilities.

Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.

Master plumber vs plumber helper skills

Common master plumber skills

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

Common plumber helper skills

Hand Tools, 36%
Plumbing, 18%
Cast Iron, 18%
Ladders, 9%
PEX, 5%
Sewer Lines, 2%