How to become a helpers--pipelayer, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Q: How do I become a helpers--pipelayer, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters?

The typical entry-level education is usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..

Q: How much does a helpers--pipelayer, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make?

The median pay in the United States is $42,360 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

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.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.Typical entry-level education

$42,360Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do

Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.

Skills that matter most

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Learning
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Mathematics
Writing

Is helpers--pipelayer, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 17% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

Washington $56,140
Hawaii $52,000
New York $52,000
Arizona $47,990
Alaska $47,290

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.