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The differences between plumbers and plumber helpers 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 plumber helper. Additionally, a plumber has an average salary of $55,337, which is higher than the $43,893 average annual salary of a plumber helper.
The top three skills for a plumber include plumbing, hand tools and plumbers. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.
| Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Yearly salary | $55,337 | $43,893 |
| Hourly rate | $26.60 | $21.10 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 12,307 | 21,963 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| 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 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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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.
Plumbers and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average salary | $55,337 | $43,893 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $84,000 | Between $28,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Kern Community College District | ENCON Heating |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a plumber and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:
| Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between plumbers' and plumber helpers' demographics:
| Plumber | Plumber Helper | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |