Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Also called: Plumber Helpers
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.
Also called: Conduit Helper, Gas Main Fitter Helper, Hydraulic Plumber Helper, Industrial Gas Fitter Helper, Marine Pipefitter Helper, Marine Steam Fitter Helper
Median pay
$42,360
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,590 – $57,780
People employed
44,330
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay by state
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary in every state →
What helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do
- 01Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- 02Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- 03Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- 04Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- 05Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- 06Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Building and Construction
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers84% · −6%
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters82% · +51%
- Pipelayers82% · +16%
- Carpenters81% · +43%
- Helpers--Extraction Workers79% · +13%
Change into helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers84% · $39,630
- Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers83% · $45,990
- Pipelayers83% · $49,000
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners81% · $49,880
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas79% · $46,960