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Plumber helper vs carpenter

The differences between plumber helpers and carpenters 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 a carpenter takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a plumber helper has an average salary of $43,893, which is higher than the $41,748 average annual salary of a carpenter.

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

Plumber helper vs carpenter overview

Plumber HelperCarpenter
Yearly salary$43,893$41,748
Hourly rate$21.10$20.07
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs21,9635,862
Job satisfaction-4.86
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 42%
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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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 a carpenter do?

A carpenter is a skilled worker responsible for different areas of construction. Carpenters perform fabrication from raw materials. They use tools to create a successful finished product on their client's request. Carpenters must be able to multi-task, resolve any possible complications, strictly follow safety standards, and ensure that the project adheres to protocols without compromising quality and accuracy of work. Since carpentry is physical labor, carpenters are expected to be physically fit to accomplish various maintenance and production tasks.

Plumber helper vs carpenter salary

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

Plumber HelperCarpenter
Average salary$43,893$41,748
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $66,000Between $31,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew Jersey
Best paying companyENCON HeatingArgonne National Laboratory
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between plumber helper and carpenter education

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

Plumber HelperCarpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Plumber helper vs carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and carpenters' demographics:

Plumber HelperCarpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 7.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between plumber helper and 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.
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Carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Remodel homes, roofing, electric, plumbing, framework, Sheetrock, finishing work.
  • Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
  • Follow establish safety rules and regulations as specified by OSHA and maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Perform new construction, concrete foundations, layout framing, formwork, roofing, site preparation through fine finish.
  • Perform work including, fiberglass framing, concrete form, scaffolding, erecting metal stud walls, drywall and general carpentry
  • General labor practices, carpentry, masonry, cement pouring, hardwood floors, cleanup, and other duties as assigned.
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Plumber helper vs carpenter skills

Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%
Common carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Install Windows, 7%
  • Roofing, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 6%
  • Scaffolding, 6%

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