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Plumber helper vs apprentice carpenter

The differences between plumber helpers and apprentices carpenter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a plumber helper, becoming an apprentice carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a plumber helper has an average salary of $43,893, which is higher than the $37,902 average annual salary of an apprentice carpenter.

The top three skills for a plumber helper include hand tools, plumbing and cast iron. The most important skills for an apprentice carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and caulking.

Plumber helper vs apprentice carpenter overview

Plumber HelperApprentice Carpenter
Yearly salary$43,893$37,902
Hourly rate$21.10$18.22
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs21,96317,370
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience412

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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.

What does an apprentice carpenter do?

An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.

Plumber helper vs apprentice carpenter salary

Plumber helpers and apprentices carpenter have different pay scales, as shown below.

Plumber HelperApprentice Carpenter
Average salary$43,893$37,902
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $66,000Between $30,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyENCON HeatingCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between plumber helper and apprentice carpenter education

There are a few differences between a plumber helper and an apprentice carpenter in terms of educational background:

Plumber HelperApprentice Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Plumber helper vs apprentice carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and apprentices carpenter' demographics:

Plumber HelperApprentice Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between plumber helper and apprentice carpenter duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Apprentice carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Operate tools ranging from drills, caulking guns, tape measure to chop saws, table saws, skill saws.
  • Provide help with certain tasks such as drywall, paint, caulking and framing, brickwork, roofing, and landscaping.
  • Trim work, framing, paint, Sheetrock.
  • Maintain a clean work site, while utilizing the proper PPE.
  • Help with multiple side jobs and bathroom renovations, from demo to finish.
  • Operate a terrain telescoping man lift, backhoe, skid steer and tractor.
  • Show more

Plumber helper vs apprentice carpenter skills

Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%
Common apprentice carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Caulking, 9%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Reference Points, 7%

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