Pipe fitter vs plumber helper

The differences between pipe fitters and plumber 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 $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Pipe fitter vs plumber helper overview

	Pipe Fitter	Plumber Helper
Yearly salary	$51,055	$43,893
Hourly rate	$24.55	$21.10
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	12,846	21,963
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	-	4

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 plumber helper do?

A plumber helper is responsible for assisting the head plumber in installing plumbing systems, conducting preventive maintenance, and repairing broken components. Plumber helpers inspect and maintain the stability and condition of all the plumbing equipment to avoid potential hazards and ensure no delays in operations. They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations. A plumber helper must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to perform services under minimal supervision and strict timetables.

Pipe fitter vs plumber helper salary

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

	Pipe Fitter	Plumber Helper
Average salary	$51,055	$43,893
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $63,000	Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Spangler Candy	ENCON Heating
Best paying industry	Construction	Manufacturing

Differences between pipe fitter and plumber helper education

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

	Pipe Fitter	Plumber Helper
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Pipe fitter vs plumber helper demographics

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

	Pipe Fitter	Plumber Helper
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between pipe fitter and plumber 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.

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Plumber helper example responsibilities.

Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
Install lavatories, help install urinals and commodes, roof drains and hose-bibs.
Assist journeyman plumber with measuring, cutting, brazing and sweating copper and copper fittings.
Perform solder brazing, some rough work with acetylene torch and grinders and various cutting implements.
Used tools of the trade; pipe cutters, cutting torches, pipe threading and pipe bending machines
Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinders, beveling machines and round up clamps.

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Pipe fitter vs plumber 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 plumber helper skills

Hand Tools, 36%
Plumbing, 18%
Cast Iron, 18%
Ladders, 9%
PEX, 5%
Sewer Lines, 2%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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