The median pay for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is $42,360 a year ($20.36/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 2.4% through 2035, with about 4,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 47-3015
- Construction and Extraction
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter in four numbers
- Median pay
- $42,360a year, or $20.36/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $34KTop 10% $58K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.4%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,40045,300 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202545.3K
- Projected 203546.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 45.3K Projected 2035 46.4K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school5.6%
- High school48.7%
- Certificate26.8%
- Some college9.2%
- Master's9.7%
Highest education held by helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters Segment Value Less than high school 5.6% High school 48.7% Certificate 26.8% Some college 9.2% Master's 9.7%
Also advertised as: Pipefitter Helper, Plumber Apprentice, Plumber Assistant, Plumber Helper, Plumbing Apprentice, Plumbing Helper.
Pay
How much do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make?
Every helpers--pipelayer, plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$42,360
Middle half earn $36,940 to $47,720
- 10th
- $33,590
- 25th
- $36,940
- 75th
- $47,720
- 90th
- $57,780
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $33,590 |
| 25th | $36,940 |
| Median | $42,360 |
| 75th | $47,720 |
| 90th | $57,780 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $42,360
- Median hourly wage
- $20.36/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $43,730
- People employed
- 44,330
Versus all US occupations
At $42,360, Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn 17% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $8,620 a year.
Versus construction and extraction occupations
Inside the Construction and Extraction group, where the middle occupation pays $60,020, this is 29% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $57,780 or more while the bottom 10% earn $33,590, a gap of 1.7×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 9% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $56,140, and still leads at $52,461 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $56,140 | $52,461 | 600 |
| 2Hawaii | $52,000 | $47,294 | 180 |
| 3New York | $52,000 | $48,183 | 4,840 |
| 4Maine | $48,410 | $49,882 | N/A |
| 5Arizona | $47,990 | $47,667 | 460 |
| 6Alaska | $47,290 | $46,200 | 100 |
| 7California | $47,130 | $42,567 | 2,500 |
| 8Maryland | $46,170 | $43,989 | 970 |
| 9New Hampshire | $46,030 | $44,190 | 70 |
| 10Ohio | $45,760 | $49,324 | 1,090 |
Job outlook
Is Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +2.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | +2.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters to change 2.4% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,400 openings are projected each year, 9.7% of the 45,300 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of construction laborers and helpers varies by occupation (see table).
Construction laborers work in all fields of construction, and demand for laborers should mirror the level of overall construction activity. Repairing and replacing the nation’s infrastructure, such as the power grid, roads, and water lines, is expected to result in steady demand for laborers.
Getting in
How to become a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Construction laborers and helpers learn on the job. Formal education is not typically required, but some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)48.7%
- Post-Secondary Certificate26.8%
- Master's Degree9.7%
- Some College Courses9.2%
- Less than a High School Diploma5.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 48.7% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 26.8% |
| Master's Degree | 9.7% |
| Some College Courses | 9.2% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 5.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter do?
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.
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites.
Day-to-day tasks
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
- Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
- Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most construction laborers and helpers work full time, and work schedules may vary. Laborers and helpers on highway and bridge projects may need to work overnight to avoid causing traffic disruptions. In some parts of the country, construction laborers and helpers may work only during certain seasons. For example, in northern climates, cold weather frequently limits construction activity in the winter.
Some construction laborers are self-employed. In contrast, few helpers are self-employed.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather at least weekly.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Active Listening2.9
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Monitoring2.9
- Active Learning2.6
- Speaking2.5
- Reading Comprehension2.4
- Mathematics2.3
- Writing2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.6 |
| Speaking | 2.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.4 |
| Mathematics | 2.3 |
| Writing | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Coordination2.8
- Complex Problem Solving2.6
- Repairing2.6
- Social Perceptiveness2.5
- Time Management2.5
- Service Orientation2.4
- Equipment Selection2.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.6 |
| Repairing | 2.6 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.5 |
| Time Management | 2.5 |
| Service Orientation | 2.4 |
| Equipment Selection | 2.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 1 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.7
- Social1.9
- Investigative1.4
- Enterprising1.3
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
O*NET related occupations
- Construction and Extraction
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Worker
$39,630median a year
Most earn $29K to $56K
+5.3%High school - Construction and Extraction
- Construction and Extraction
- Construction and Extraction
Helpers--Painter, Paperhanger, Plasterer, and Stucco Mason
$40,470median a year
Most earn $31K to $52K
+1.5%No formal credential - Construction and Extraction
Helpers--Brickmason, Blockmason, Stonemason, and Tile and Marble Setter
$47,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $70K
−11.7%No formal credential
More construction and extraction careers
Median annual pay, with helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters highlighted
- Plumber$63,800
- Electrician$63,190
- Structural Iron and Steel Worker$62,780
- Sheet Metal Worker$61,800
- Carpenter$60,580
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator$59,850
- Roofer$55,440
- Oil and Gas Roustabout$46,960
- Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter$42,360
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,800 |
| Electrician | $63,190 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,780 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $61,800 |
| Carpenter | $60,580 |
| Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator | $59,850 |
| Roofer | $55,440 |
| Oil and Gas Roustabout | $46,960 |
| Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter | $42,360 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter appears on
Questions
Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter: frequently asked questions
How much do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make?
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn a median of $42,360 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 17% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $20.36/hr. The middle half earn between $36,940 and $47,720. The top 10% earn $57,780 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 48.7% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 2.4% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter do?
Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment, on construction sites. A core O*NET task: mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes. Employers most often ask for Office suite software, Spreadsheet software, Word processing software.
Which states pay Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters the most?
The highest state medians for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are Washington ($56,140), Hawaii ($52,000), New York ($52,000) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Helpers--Pipelayer, Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter?
O*NET scores Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.