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Sprinkler fitter apprentice vs plumber helper

The differences between sprinkler fitter apprentices and plumber helpers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a plumber helper has an average salary of $43,893, which is higher than the $38,872 average annual salary of a sprinkler fitter apprentice.

The top three skills for a sprinkler fitter apprentice include fire protection, ladders and scaffolding. The most important skills for a plumber helper are hand tools, plumbing, and cast iron.

Sprinkler fitter apprentice vs plumber helper overview

Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticePlumber Helper
Yearly salary$38,872$43,893
Hourly rate$18.69$21.10
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs19,60321,963
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 58%
Average age4242
Years of experience-4

What does a sprinkler fitter apprentice do?

A sprinkler fitter apprentice is responsible for assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of sprinkler systems. Day-to-day duties will typically include connecting piping systems to supply tanks, pumps, control equipment, and compressors, installing brackets, hangers, and clamps to support the sprinkler and piping system, and selecting, measuring, and threading pipes. Additionally, you will be responsible for installing alarms, valves, and other associated equipment. You will also be responsible for testing the piping system for leakage using liquid or air pressure equipment.

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 They also adjust pipe systems, replace outdated gutters, and adhere to the highest safety standards and protocols during operations.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

Sprinkler fitter apprentice vs plumber helper salary

Sprinkler fitter apprentices and plumber helpers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticePlumber Helper
Average salary$38,872$43,893
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $50,000Between $28,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City-San Jose, CA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-ENCON Heating
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between sprinkler fitter apprentice and plumber helper education

There are a few differences between a sprinkler fitter apprentice and a plumber helper in terms of educational background:

Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticePlumber Helper
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 58%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Sprinkler fitter apprentice vs plumber helper demographics

Here are the differences between sprinkler fitter apprentices' and plumber helpers' demographics:

Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticePlumber Helper
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.4% Female, 3.6%Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between sprinkler fitter apprentice and plumber helper duties and responsibilities

Sprinkler fitter apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Adhere to strict safety standards and OSHA regulations.
  • Install PVC pipes with primer and cement glue.
  • Install units, run heating and cooling lines, and light duct work.
  • Volunteer for night school, practicing tig welding, stick welding, and mig welding.
  • Perform fire sprinkler service and installation tasks - HVAC installation, line set and outdoor unit installation
  • Install, inspect, upgrade, and repair fire sprinklers for structures such as buildings, homes, etc.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Sprinkler fitter apprentice vs plumber helper skills

Common sprinkler fitter apprentice skills
  • Fire Protection, 45%
  • Ladders, 30%
  • Scaffolding, 6%
  • OSHA, 4%
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems, 2%
  • Plumbing, 2%
Common plumber helper skills
  • Hand Tools, 36%
  • Plumbing, 18%
  • Cast Iron, 18%
  • Ladders, 9%
  • PEX, 5%
  • Sewer Lines, 2%

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