Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters fall under the Construction and Extraction category in the U.S. occupational classification. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn a median salary of $39,270 per year, ranking in the top 86% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.9% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

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

The median annual wage for helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $39,270. That puts helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at #697 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is +4.9%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 45K positions in 2024 to 47K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.
2. 2.Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
3. 3.Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
4. 4.Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
5. 5.Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
6. 6.Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
7. 7.Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
8. 8.Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.

Top skills for helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitter?

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
  $106,580 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
  $78,690 median
• Roof Bolters, Mining
  $76,640 median
• Boilermakers
  $73,340 median
• Construction and Building Inspectors
  $72,120 median
• Pile Driver Operators
  $70,510 median

Common questions parents ask about helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters