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The differences between pipe layers and helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 3-6 months to become a pipe layer, becoming a helper takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a pipe layer has an average salary of $37,742, which is higher than the $31,331 average annual salary of a helper.
The top three skills for a pipe layer include hand tools, asphalt and water mains. The most important skills for a helper are food handling, safety procedures, and safety rules.
| Pipe Layer | Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $37,742 | $31,331 |
| Hourly rate | $18.15 | $15.06 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 1,419 | 29,873 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Average age | 36 | 34 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 12 |
A pipe layer specializes in assembling and connecting pipes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include conducting initial ground assessments and examinations, digging pipe trenches, sealing pipe joints, measuring routes, and locating existing systems using particular detectors. They may also remove malfunctioning or old pipe systems, conduct inspections, ensure alignment, and perform progress reports as needed. Moreover, a pipe layer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.
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 layers and helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Layer | Helper | |
| Average salary | $37,742 | $31,331 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Missoula, MT | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | C Squared Systems | National Grid plc |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a pipe layer and a helper in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Layer | Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe layers' and helpers' demographics:
| Pipe Layer | Helper | |
| Average age | 36 | 34 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 77.1% Female, 22.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 28.3% Asian, 1.1% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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% |