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Skilled 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.

Median salary (BLS)

$42,360

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$34k – $58k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Entry / Junior

    $33,590

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Established

    $42,360

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

    Senior

    $50,070

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Skilled Trades

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.