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For Educators: Military Resources

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median Salary
37,650
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 154,900 openings for construction laborers and helpers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$19,690

10%

$37,650

Median

$54,940

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    48%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    26%

  • Some college

    9%

  • Master's degree

    9%

  • Less than high school

    5%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Mathematics
  • Design

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.