How to become Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$42,360

25th–75th pct. $36,940–$47,720

Top pay (est.)

$75,100

Top 10% $57,780

Pay in 5 years

$49,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$58,300est.

$50,100–$67,700

Outlook score

54/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.4%

4,400 openings / yr

How to become Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Key skills

Coordination

3.0

Repairing

2.6

Critical Thinking

2.4

Active Listening

2.4

Monitoring

2.2

Speaking

2.2

Instructing

2.1

Social Perceptiveness

2.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction

4.6

Mechanical

4.4

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

Mathematics

3.5

Design

3.1

Education and Training

3.0

Administration and Management

2.7

English Language

2.7

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Extent FlexibilityStatic StrengthTrunk StrengthOral ComprehensionVisualizationControl Precision

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate

27%

Master's degree

10%

Some college

Less than high school

Training before entry

6–12 months

22%

None / short demo

21%

3–6 months

15%

Up to 1 month

11%

2–4 years

1–2 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

38%

3–6 months

12%

6–12 months

12%

2–4 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Construction Laborers Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites.	$47,120	67/100	8%
2	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.	$79,920	71/100	16%
3	Electricians Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures.	$63,190	78/100	7%
4	Carpenters Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.	$60,580	67/100	9%
5	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement.	$59,850	58/100	15%
6	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases.	$63,800	76/100	7%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.