Plumber's Helper

Your Fit

Income

$39K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Plumber's Helper?

A Plumber's Helper assists plumbers in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. This role involves performing various support tasks to ensure the efficient completion of plumbing work.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Plumber's Helper.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Plumber's Helper earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$36K per year	$39K per year	$47K per year	$55K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $10K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Plumber's Helper do?

Work environment

Plumber's Helpers work in a variety of settings including residential, commercial, and industrial locations. The work is often physically demanding, involving lifting heavy equipment, working in cramped spaces, and sometimes outdoors in various weather conditions. Safety practices are essential to prevent injuries and accidents.

Quick task list

Assists with the installation of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing materials.
Cuts and assembles pipes and tubing.
Cleans work areas and equipment.
Carries tools and materials to and from the job site.
Helps to diagnose and troubleshoot plumbing problems.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Plumbing Assistance: Specializing in helping with plumbing in homes and small buildings.
Commercial Plumbing Assistance: Assisting with larger scale plumbing in business settings.
Industrial Plumbing Assistance: Working in industrial environments with complex plumbing systems.
Pipefitting Assistance: Specializing in the installation and repair of pipe systems for water, gas, and other substances.

Description

Being a Plumber's Helper is an excellent entry point into the plumbing trade. It offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn the practical skills necessary for a career in plumbing. Helpers work under the guidance of experienced plumbers, gaining knowledge about reading blueprints, understanding plumbing codes, and mastering the use of various tools and equipment.

The role requires physical strength, dexterity, and attention to detail. Helpers need to be able to follow instructions accurately and work effectively in a team. They also need to be adaptable, as they may work in a variety of environments, from residential kitchens and bathrooms to large commercial or industrial sites.

For those interested in a plumbing career, starting as a Helper provides valuable insights into the trade. It is a pathway to becoming a licensed plumber, as experience gained can be applied towards apprenticeship hours. The role is also ideal for learning about customer service and the business aspects of plumbing.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Gaining practical and technical skills in a high-demand trade.
The variety of tasks and environments, ensuring diverse work experiences.
The opportunity for career advancement within the plumbing industry.

You might make a good Plumber's Helper if you are...

Interested in hands-on, technical work.
Physically fit and able to handle demanding tasks.
Detail-oriented, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
A good team player, able to work well under supervision.
Keen to learn and develop new skills in a skilled trade.

Pros:

Entry into a skilled trade with good career prospects.
Diverse work environments and tasks.
Opportunity to learn on the job and advance in the field.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes challenging work conditions.
Potential exposure to hazards such as wet conditions, cramped spaces, and handling of heavy materials.
Work may be influenced by the fluctuating demands of the construction industry.

How to become a Plumber's Helper

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most skills are learned on the job through hands-on experience. Some may choose to attend vocational schools or community colleges for basic plumbing courses, but formal education beyond high school is not typically necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop or vocational classes focusing on basic plumbing or construction skills.
Mathematics for calculations and measurements.
Physical Education to build stamina and physical strength.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports or physical fitness activities.
Joining clubs or groups related to skilled trades or home improvement.
Volunteering for community service projects involving construction or maintenance work.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a vocational or technical school for a plumbing-related program.
Seeking apprenticeship programs under licensed plumbers.
Attending workshops or certification courses in plumbing and safety practices.

More resources

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) - Offers educational programs and resources for those interested in plumbing careers.
United Association (UA) Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs - Provides information on apprenticeship and training programs.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Offers detailed job descriptions and educational paths for plumbing roles.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) - Provides certification and training resources for the construction and plumbing industries.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.