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Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Michigan

Thinking about a career as a Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Michigan? Here’s what you need to know. 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. Construction laborers who do not primarily assist plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers are classified under “Construction Laborers” (47-2061). Apprentice workers are classified with the appropriate skilled construction trade occupation (47-2011 through 47-2231).

What do Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Make in Michigan?

The helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in Michigan, the median annual wage is $47,010 per year (or roughly $22.60/hour).Annual wages span from $35,520 at the 10th percentile to $51,210 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$35,520	$17.08
25th percentile	$40,590	$19.52
Median (50th)	$47,010	$22.60
75th percentile	$49,990	$24.04
90th percentile	$51,210	$24.62

The job concentration index in Michigan nationwide is 0.18, suggesting fewer helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median of $84,894 per year ($40.81/hour), lower than the Michigan median.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 628,519 helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters nationwide. In Michigan alone, around 220 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 580 helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.

Top Michigan Metros for Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

The largest metro-area employers of helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Michigan.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI	70	$48,490

Top States for Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Employment

View the states that employ the most helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work.

State	Number Employed
Texas	6,950
Florida	5,000
North Carolina	3,740
New York	3,520
Louisiana	2,300
California	2,230
Georgia	1,630
Virginia	1,520
Tennessee	1,170
South Carolina	990
Maryland	880
Oklahoma	850
Arizona	840
Washington	820
Ohio	820
Alabama	770
Kentucky	770
Arkansas	730
Pennsylvania	660
New Mexico	660

Highest-Paying States for Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

The highest-paying states for helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.

State	Annual Median Salary
Washington	$58,240
Hawaii	$55,670
Alaska	$54,360
North Dakota	$51,540
California	$49,970
Massachusetts	$48,560
Michigan	$47,010
Missouri	$46,800
Maine	$46,750
New Hampshire	$45,700

Skills

Key helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

Top abilities for helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

• Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
• Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
• 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.
• Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
• Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
• Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
• Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
• Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
• Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
• Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
• Install gas burners to convert furnaces from wood, coal, or oil.

Work Activities

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Getting Information
• Handling and Moving Objects
• Thinking Creatively
• Performing General Physical Activities
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel

Related Careers

Related occupations to helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters include:

• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Construction Laborers
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Electricians
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

Also Known As

Conduit Helper, Gas Main Fitter Helper, Hydraulic Plumber Helper, Industrial Gas Fitter Helper, Journeyman Plumber, Marine Pipefitter Helper, Marine Steam Fitter Helper, Pipe Coverer Helper, Pipe Fitter Helper, Plumber Apprentice, Plumber Assistant, Plumber Cub, Plumber Helper, Plumber's Helper, Plumbing Apprentice.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-3015.00