Plumber helper vs journeyman plumber

The differences between plumber helpers and journeyman plumbers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a plumber helper and a journeyman plumber. Additionally, a journeyman plumber has an average salary of $54,678, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.

The top three skills for a plumber helper include hand tools, plumbing and cast iron. The most important skills for a journeyman plumber are plumbing, hand tools, and work ethic.

Plumber helper vs journeyman plumber overview

	Plumber Helper	Journeyman Plumber
Yearly salary	$43,893	$54,678
Hourly rate	$21.10	$26.29
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	21,963	10,869
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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

A journeyman plumber is responsible for conducting basic plumbing tasks, such as installing and repairing plumbing lines under the supervision of a head plumber. Journeyman plumbers connect pipes and ensure the stability of plumbing lines to avoid potential hazards and possible defects. They handle the maintenance and replacement of fixtures and identify the source of failure to adjust pressure and seal connections as needed. A journeyman plumber must be able to detect irregularities immediately and provide estimate costing to the customers for repairs.

Plumber helper vs journeyman plumber salary

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

	Plumber Helper	Journeyman Plumber
Average salary	$43,893	$54,678
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $66,000	Between $36,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Portland, OR
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Oregon
Best paying company	ENCON Heating	Constellation Energy Partners
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Construction

Differences between plumber helper and journeyman plumber education

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

	Plumber Helper	Journeyman Plumber
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Plumber helper vs journeyman plumber demographics

Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and journeyman plumbers' demographics:

	Plumber Helper	Journeyman Plumber
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 97.1% Female, 2.9%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between plumber helper and journeyman plumber 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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Journeyman plumber example responsibilities.

Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, soldering and brazing.
Install and join copper, PVC, black iron and cast iron pipe and fittings below grind and above grind.
Work on sanitary sewer, rain leaders, and condensate lines using cast iron, PVC, and copper pipe.
Replace plumbing fixtures, water heaters, gas and electric, filtration systems, dishwashers, and service piping to structures.
Perform complete plumbing installations from rough-in to finishing according to Minnesota codes.

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Plumber helper vs journeyman plumber skills

Common plumber helper skills

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

Common journeyman plumber skills

Plumbing, 20%
Hand Tools, 19%
Work Ethic, 12%
Drainage Systems, 6%
Customer Service, 5%
Pipe Fittings, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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