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Pipe fitter vs electrical helper

The differences between pipe fitters and electrical 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 $31,465 average annual salary of an electrical helper.

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

Pipe fitter vs electrical helper overview

Pipe FitterElectrical Helper
Yearly salary$51,055$31,465
Hourly rate$24.55$15.13
Growth rate2%4%
Number of jobs12,84647,283
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4234
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 an electrical helper do?

An Electrical Helper is responsible for assisting head electricians in conducting electrical repairs and installments for private households or commercial establishments. Electrical Helpers operate various electrical tools and equipment, requiring them to inspect the materials before and after every use to avoid potential hazards and operational failures. They also support the senior electricians in performing troubleshooting procedures, component replacements, and upgrading systems for optimization. An Electrical Helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills, especially in fixing broken cables and strictly following safety protocols and regulations.

Pipe fitter vs electrical helper salary

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

Pipe FitterElectrical Helper
Average salary$51,055$31,465
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $63,000Between $26,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBuffalo, NY
Highest paying stateMinnesotaMaine
Best paying companySpangler CandyXcel Energy
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between pipe fitter and electrical helper education

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

Pipe FitterElectrical Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Pipe fitter vs electrical helper demographics

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

Pipe FitterElectrical Helper
Average age4234
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 14.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 54.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipe fitter and electrical 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

Electrical helper example responsibilities.

  • Set and wire PDU's and PLC's.
  • Set and terminate PDU's and PLC's.
  • Lay out ac and dc cable in the trenches.
  • Run MC wire and strap accordingly.
  • Maintain ac units and clean outside units and coils.
  • Make up junction boxes, make taps, terminate wires.
  • Show more

Pipe fitter vs electrical 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 electrical helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 21%
  • Ladders, 14%
  • EMT, 13%
  • Assist Electricians, 10%
  • RUN Conduit, 8%
  • OSHA, 5%

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