Pipe fitter helper vs pipe foreman

The differences between pipe fitter helpers and pipe foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe foreman has an average salary of $49,468, 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 a pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.

Pipe fitter helper vs pipe foreman overview

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Pipe Foreman
Yearly salary	$38,643	$49,468
Hourly rate	$18.58	$23.78
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	20,837	7,924
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	-

What does a pipe fitter helper do?

Pipe fitter helpers enjoy salaries of around $22 per hour. They must have skills in dexterity, stamina, physical strength, teamwork, and the ability to follow directions. Those who choose this career path assist plumbers and pipefitters in piping system assemblage and installation, clean their work areas and tools, and remove worn or damaged pipe, and cut new pipe lengths.

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.

Pipe fitter helper vs pipe foreman salary

Pipe fitter helpers and pipe foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Pipe Foreman
Average salary	$38,643	$49,468
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $48,000	Between $38,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	-
Highest paying state	Minnesota	-
Best paying company	Zachry Group	-
Best paying industry	Construction	-

Differences between pipe fitter helper and pipe foreman education

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

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Pipe Foreman
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	General Studies	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Pipe fitter helper vs pipe foreman demographics

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

	Pipe Fitter Helper	Pipe Foreman
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7%	Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
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, 9.4% 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 pipe fitter helper and pipe foreman 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.

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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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Pipe fitter helper vs pipe foreman 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 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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