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The differences between plumber helpers and pipe foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe foreman has an average salary of $49,468, 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 pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.
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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.
A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.
Plumber helpers and pipe foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plumber Helper | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average salary | $43,893 | $49,468 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $66,000 | Between $38,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | - |
| Best paying company | ENCON Heating | - |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | - |
There are a few differences between a plumber helper and a pipe foreman in terms of educational background:
| Plumber Helper | Pipe Foreman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plumber helpers' and pipe foremen' demographics:
| Plumber Helper | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |