Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between pipe fitters and 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 $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.
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.
Helpers are employed by families or homeowners to provide overall assistance in the house. They are usually assigned to do household chores such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cooking meals, and tending the garden. They may also be assigned to do groceries or even drive the family around. They take care of children at home and assist them with their schoolwork should it be needed. They also address any other needs that the family may require assistance with. Helpers are expected to be patient and trustworthy since they will be working closely with the family members.
Pipe fitters and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Helper | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $31,331 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a helper in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and helpers' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 34 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 2.2% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |