What Does it Take to Be a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Job Description Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.
Life As a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper: What Do They Do?
- Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation.
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
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What a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Should Know
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Jobs
- Plumbing Assistant
- Hydraulic Plumber Helper
- Sprinkler Installer
- Helper
- Apprentice Plumber
Job Outlook for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 55,500 jobs in the United States for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 18.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,300 new jobs for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper are Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Idaho, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Average Salary
The salary for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers ranges between about $21,860 and $46,200 a year.

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers who work in Alaska, Missouri, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,970 |
Alaska | $48,400 |
Arizona | $32,730 |
Arkansas | $31,960 |
California | $34,500 |
Colorado | $35,060 |
Connecticut | $37,010 |
Delaware | $28,770 |
District of Columbia | $38,000 |
Florida | $28,570 |
Georgia | $28,990 |
Hawaii | $38,660 |
Idaho | $26,780 |
Illinois | $35,780 |
Indiana | $31,470 |
Iowa | $32,550 |
Kansas | $36,150 |
Kentucky | $29,650 |
Louisiana | $35,440 |
Maine | $29,090 |
Maryland | $30,170 |
Massachusetts | $35,510 |
Michigan | $30,710 |
Minnesota | $36,550 |
Mississippi | $27,690 |
Missouri | $39,750 |
Montana | $34,690 |
Nebraska | $35,720 |
Nevada | $29,200 |
New Hampshire | $31,830 |
New Jersey | $35,110 |
New Mexico | $32,300 |
New York | $37,960 |
North Carolina | $29,730 |
North Dakota | $31,460 |
Ohio | $30,880 |
Oklahoma | $34,710 |
Oregon | $32,870 |
Pennsylvania | $35,290 |
Rhode Island | $34,050 |
South Carolina | $29,780 |
South Dakota | $27,200 |
Tennessee | $32,960 |
Texas | $32,780 |
Utah | $33,130 |
Vermont | $28,290 |
Virginia | $30,910 |
Washington | $39,000 |
West Virginia | $31,130 |
Wisconsin | $35,400 |
Wyoming | $33,680 |
What Tools do Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
How to Become a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper
What education is needed to be a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper may also be interested in:
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
- Helpers–Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
Are you already one of the many Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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