What is a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper?
Job Description & Duties 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.
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Responsibilities
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Clean and renew steam traps.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
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Skills Needed to be a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper
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:
- Plumber
- Irrigation Installation Specialist
- Plumber’s Helper
- Sprinkler Fitter
- Conduit Helper
Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Employment Estimates
There were about 55,500 jobs for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers
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
Individuals working as a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper have obtained the following education levels:

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

Where do Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers Work?

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers work in the following 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
Career changers with experience as a Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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