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Pipe fitter vs electrician helper

The differences between pipe fitters and electrician 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 $36,733 average annual salary of an electrician helper.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for an electrician helper are hand tools, run conduit, and receptacles.

Pipe fitter vs electrician helper overview

Pipe FitterElectrician Helper
Yearly salary$51,055$36,733
Hourly rate$24.55$17.66
Growth rate2%7%
Number of jobs12,84627,886
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 47%
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 an electrician helper do?

An electrician helper is responsible for performing electrical maintenance duties under the supervision of a senior electrician. Electrician helpers conduct electrical and system installations, following protocols for the safeness of the process and components. They also inspect electrical tools and equipment before use, request supplies, and ensure the adequacy of materials during electrical operations. An electrician helper must have comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry, be a fast learner, and have excellent time-management skills, especially when following instructions from the senior electrician on making the project successful.

Pipe fitter vs electrician helper salary

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

Pipe FitterElectrician Helper
Average salary$51,055$36,733
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $63,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSacramento, CA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaVermont
Best paying companySpangler CandyExelon
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between pipe fitter and electrician helper education

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

Pipe FitterElectrician Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 47%
Most common majorBusinessElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common college--

Pipe fitter vs electrician helper demographics

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

Pipe FitterElectrician Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%
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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 2.2% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between pipe fitter and electrician 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

Electrician helper example responsibilities.

  • Manage a team of outside contractors in installing and commissioning a 300HP VFD to environmental equipment to reduce downtime.
  • Terminate primary and secondary leads of transformers.
  • Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
  • Install, bend and cut PVC and EMT pipe for underground service and fire/alarm systems.
  • Perform and upgrade electrical installation such as transformers and electric panels and disconnects.
  • Wire breaker boxes, make taps in junction boxes and install fire alarms
  • Show more

Pipe fitter vs electrician 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 electrician helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 33%
  • RUN Conduit, 16%
  • Receptacles, 10%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • EMT, 9%
  • Switches, 4%

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