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The differences between plumbers and journeymen 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 and a journeyman. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $55,337 average annual salary of a plumber.
The top three skills for a plumber include plumbing, hand tools and plumbers. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Plumber | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $55,337 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $26.60 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 12,307 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
Plumbers and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plumber | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $55,337 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $84,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Washington |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Construction |
There are a few differences between a plumber and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Plumber | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plumbers' and journeymen' demographics:
| Plumber | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |