Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters vs Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both careers offer solid entry into the plumbing industry, but represent different stages of the same career ladder. Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters are licensed journeymen earning a median $62,970 after completing 4-5 years of apprenticeship training. They install, repair, and maintain complex piping systems independently. Helpers earn $39,270 median salary but require only 1-2 years of on-the-job training while supporting licensed tradespeople. Helpers show stronger job growth at 8.5% versus 4.9% for journeymen, reflecting industry expansion and apprenticeship demand. The $23,700 salary difference reflects the significant skill and responsibility gap between these roles.
Salary Breakdown
The $23,700 salary gap reflects experience and licensing requirements. Entry-level helpers typically start around $30,000-35,000, while experienced helpers can reach $45,000-50,000. Journeymen plumbers start around $45,000-50,000 but experienced professionals in specialized fields like steamfitting or industrial pipefitting can earn $75,000-90,000+. Both trades offer excellent overtime opportunities, especially in construction and emergency repair work. Union positions typically pay 10-20% above median wages. Specialized certifications in areas like medical gas systems, backflow prevention, or industrial steam systems can add $5,000-15,000 to annual earnings for journeymen.
Work Environment
Both roles involve similar physical demands: crawling in tight spaces, lifting 50+ pounds, and working in various weather conditions. Helpers primarily focus on material handling, trenching, and basic installations under supervision. Journeymen handle complex diagnostics, customer interaction, and independent problem-solving. Both face safety risks from chemicals, hot pipes, and confined spaces, but journeymen carry greater liability exposure. Travel varies by specialization—residential plumbers work locally while industrial pipefitters may travel extensively. Emergency service calls mean irregular hours for many journeymen, while helpers typically work standard construction schedules.
Career Growth
Helper positions are stepping stones to apprenticeships—most transition to formal training within 2-3 years. Journeymen have diverse advancement paths: specializing in medical gas, fire protection, or HVAC systems; becoming master plumbers; pursuing contractor licenses; or moving into supervision and project management. Business ownership potential is significant for journeymen with proper licensing. Earning ceilings differ dramatically—helpers plateau around $50,000-55,000, while specialized journeymen, master plumbers, or successful contractors can earn $100,000-200,000+. Union leadership, training instruction, and inspection roles offer additional career paths for experienced journeymen.
Who should choose Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters?
Choose the journeyman path if you want immediate higher earning potential, enjoy complex problem-solving, and can commit to 4-5 years of apprenticeship training. This career suits people who want independence, customer interaction, and technical challenges. It's ideal if you're willing to invest time upfront for long-term career stability, have strong mechanical aptitude, and want to eventually run your own business. The licensing requirements and ongoing education appeal to those who take pride in professional credentials and expertise.
Typical path: UA apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license required
Explore Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters →Who should choose Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters?
Choose the helper role if you need immediate employment, want to test the waters before committing to a full apprenticeship, or prefer working under supervision rather than independently. This path suits people who learn better through hands-on experience, have financial constraints preventing longer training programs, or want to earn while exploring different specializations. It's perfect for career changers, recent high school graduates, or those who prefer physical labor over complex troubleshooting and customer service responsibilities.
Typical path: On-the-job training under licensed plumbers; stepping stone to apprenticeship
Explore Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers & Pipefitters →The Bottom Line
Helper positions offer faster entry and income, while journeyman roles provide long-term earning power and independence. Most successful helpers eventually pursue apprenticeships anyway. Choose based on your immediate financial needs, learning style, and career timeline—both paths lead to the same destination.