Pipe fitter helper vs apprentice pipefitter

The differences between pipe fitter helpers and apprentices pipefitter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an apprentice pipefitter has an average salary of $42,906, which is higher than the $38,643 average annual salary of a pipe fitter helper.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter helper include hand tools, safety procedures and stainless steel pipe. The most important skills for an apprentice pipefitter are hand tools, direct supervision, and work ethic.

Pipe fitter helper vs apprentice pipefitter overview

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Apprentice Pipefitter
Yearly salary	$38,643	$42,906
Hourly rate	$18.58	$20.63
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	20,837	6,570
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	-

Pipe fitter helper vs apprentice pipefitter salary

Pipe fitter helpers and apprentices pipefitter have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Apprentice Pipefitter
Average salary	$38,643	$42,906
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $48,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	-
Highest paying state	Minnesota	-
Best paying company	Zachry Group	-
Best paying industry	Construction	-

Differences between pipe fitter helper and apprentice pipefitter education

There are a few differences between a pipe fitter helper and an apprentice pipefitter in terms of educational background:

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Apprentice Pipefitter
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	General Studies	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Pipe fitter helper vs apprentice pipefitter demographics

Here are the differences between pipe fitter helpers' and apprentices pipefitter' demographics:

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Apprentice Pipefitter
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between pipe fitter helper and apprentice pipefitter duties and responsibilities

Pipe fitter helper example responsibilities.

Used industry tools such as cutting torches, pipe benders, levels, power grinders, screwdrivers.
Blind off towers to pull exchangers to be replace or repair.
Replace and reassemble gratings, ladders, handrails, and other disassemble structures after repairs are complete.
Maintain and repair pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, towers, tanks and many other plant components.
Learned to properly fit PVC and do leak and repair techniques for all pipe systems and some hydraulic lines.
Coordinate work of sales, production and shipping departments to implement procurement of products in accordance with refinery needs.

Apprentice pipefitter example responsibilities.

Work on carbon steel, cast iron, PVC, and copper lines.
Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, beveling machines and round-up clamps
Bond PVC using glue and primer.
Fit and weld industrial grade HVAC pipe.
Install new heating components with soldering and brazing connections all throughout the building.
Install strainers, regulators, traps, pumps, insulation, valves, etc.

Pipe fitter helper vs apprentice pipefitter skills

Common pipe fitter helper skills

Hand Tools, 32%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Stainless Steel Pipe, 6%
Carbon Steel, 4%
Pneumatic Drills, 3%
Drill Holes, 3%

Common apprentice pipefitter skills

Hand Tools, 17%
Direct Supervision, 12%
Work Ethic, 10%
Hot Water, 10%
Water Systems, 8%
Processing Systems, 7%

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Pipe Fitter Helper vs Apprentice Pipefitter

Updated January 8, 2025

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