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The differences between plumber helpers and apprentices 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 takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a plumber helper has an average salary of $43,893, which is higher than the $37,107 average annual salary of an apprentice.
The top three skills for a plumber helper include hand tools, plumbing and cast iron. The most important skills for an apprentice are PET, customer service, and basic math.
| Plumber Helper | Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $43,893 | $37,107 |
| Hourly rate | $21.10 | $17.84 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 21,963 | 13,014 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.
An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.
Plumber helpers and apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plumber Helper | Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $43,893 | $37,107 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $66,000 | Between $26,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Worcester, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ENCON Heating | Mid-South Management |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a plumber helper and an apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Plumber Helper | Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | Bachelor's Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and apprentices' demographics:
| Plumber Helper | Apprentice | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.2% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 3% |