CFChooseField
Construction and Trades

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median pay

$39,270
Median annual pay for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

4,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

45,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Building and Construction
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Manual Dexterity
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Extent Flexibility
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Investigative
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cooperation
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Thinking Creatively
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.