Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper Job Description Help plumbers, pipe fitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

• Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation.
• Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
• 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.
• 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.

Job skills important in day‑to‑day work include:

• 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 strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/assessing performance of oneself, others, or organizations to make improvements.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Considering costs and benefits to choose the most appropriate action.
• Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Active Learning – Understanding implications of new information for current and future problem‑solving.

• Plumbing Assistant
• Hydraulic Plumber Helper
• Helper

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 55,500 jobs in the United States for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Helper. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each 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.

The salary for Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers ranges between about $21,860 and $46,200 a year.

Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter Helpers who work in Alaska, Missouri, or Hawaii
, make the highest salaries.

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