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.
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
SOC: 47-3015 O*NET: 47-3015.00
Median Salary
$39,270
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.9%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$31,050
10th percentile
Early Career
$35,750
25th percentile
Median
$39,270
50th percentile
Experienced
$46,550
75th percentile
Top Earners
$54,860
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$31,050
25th
$35,750
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$39,270
Mean: $41,720
75th
$46,550
90th
$54,860
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $23,810 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $35,750 and $46,550
- •Salary spread is 27.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 43,640 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:45,300
Top Industries
Construction96.2%
Specialty Trade Contractors88.5%
Building Equipment Contractors86.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.9%
Annual Openings:4,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)45,300
Current
2034 (Projected)47,500
+4.9%
+2,200
Employment Change
+4.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
Texas
6,950 jobs$38,3101.77x
Florida
5,000 jobs$39,1301.80x
North Carolina
3,740 jobs$37,6802.70x
New York
3,520 jobs$43,5401.31x
Louisiana
2,300 jobs$36,1104.24x
California
2,230 jobs$49,9700.44x
Georgia
1,630 jobs$37,4501.19x
Virginia
1,520 jobs$38,7501.32x
Tennessee
1,170 jobs$42,4701.26x
South Carolina
990 jobs$38,1401.54x
Maryland
880 jobs$38,1301.13x
Oklahoma
850 jobs$39,5601.77x
Arizona
840 jobs$41,7900.93x
Washington
820 jobs$58,2400.82x
Ohio
820 jobs$39,3600.52x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What knowledge is required?
✓
Building and Construction
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Mechanical
✓
Mathematics
✓
English Language
✓
Administration and Management
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals typically have a RCS Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.03
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.00
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.98
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.97
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.86
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.84
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.0
Persistence
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Integrity
4.0
Initiative
3.9
Self-Control
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Independence
3.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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