Post job

Pipe fitter vs carpenter helper

The differences between pipe fitters and carpenter helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe fitter has an average salary of $51,055, which is higher than the $34,192 average annual salary of a carpenter helper.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a carpenter helper are hand tools, ladders, and safety rules.

Pipe fitter vs carpenter helper overview

Pipe FitterCarpenter Helper
Yearly salary$51,055$34,192
Hourly rate$24.55$16.44
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs12,84629,208
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4242
Years of experience-12

What does a pipe fitter do?

A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.

What does a carpenter helper do?

A carpenter helper is responsible for assisting carpenters with the construction duties, performing construction tasks as needed, and ensuring the completion of the project timely and efficiently. Carpenter helpers maintain the construction tools and equipment, including cleaning the materials before and after every use and inspecting for any possible defects. They also help with measuring surfaces to establish reference points for the installment of systems and other construction materials. A carpenter helper must have excellent communication and organizational skills, having the initiative to perform heavy-duty tasks under minimal supervision.

Pipe fitter vs carpenter helper salary

Pipe fitters and carpenter helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pipe FitterCarpenter Helper
Average salary$51,055$34,192
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $63,000Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNorthampton, MA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaMassachusetts
Best paying companySpangler CandyBlack & Veatch
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between pipe fitter and carpenter helper education

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

Pipe FitterCarpenter Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Pipe fitter vs carpenter helper demographics

Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and carpenter helpers' demographics:

Pipe FitterCarpenter Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.7% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipe fitter and carpenter helper duties and responsibilities

Pipe fitter example responsibilities.

  • Certify GTAW & SMAW in various alloys on pipe and pipeline within various refineries.
  • Join piping by threading, caulking, wiping, soldering, brazing, fuse, or cement joints.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe theaters.
  • Read blue prints and ISO metric drawings.
  • Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
  • Collaborate with journeymen of many trades to complete tasks.
  • Show more

Carpenter helper example responsibilities.

  • Put up and dismantle scaffolding, shoring, bracing, ladders, handrails, platforms and gangways.
  • Cut and put up Sheetrock, as well as cement board.
  • Apply caulking compounds by hand and with caulking gun to seal crevices.
  • Assist lead carpenter with various jobs, including hanging Sheetrock and painting.
  • Assist in demo and construction of homes with water and/or fire damage.
  • Assist lead carpenter of demo and remodeling that mainly consist in kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Show more

Pipe fitter vs carpenter helper skills

Common pipe fitter skills
  • Carbon Steel, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Isometric Drawings, 6%
  • Hot Water, 5%
  • Pipe Supports, 5%
Common carpenter helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 30%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • Door Frames, 6%
  • Caulking, 4%

Browse construction and extraction jobs