What is a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Definition 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?
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- 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.
- Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
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Things a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Should Know How to Do
When polled, Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Marine Pipefitter Helper
- Pipefitter
- Mechanic
- Pipe Fitter Helper
- Fire Sprinkler Fitter
What Kind of Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 55,500 jobs for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper per 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 average yearly salary of a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper ranges between $21,860 and $46,200.

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
Learn what Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper might also be interested in the following careers:
- 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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