Occupation Summary

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

O*NET 47-3015.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$37,855.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 25.77%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
  2. Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
  3. Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
  4. Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
  5. Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
  6. Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
  7. Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
  8. Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
  9. Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe.
  10. Clean shop, work area, and machines, using solvent and rags.
  11. Install gas burners to convert furnaces from wood, coal, or oil.
  12. Immerse pipe in chemical solution to remove dirt, oil, and scale.
  13. Clean and renew steam traps.
  14. Fill pipes with sand or resin to prevent distortion, and hold pipes during bending and installation.
  15. Perform rough-ins, repair and replace fixtures and water heaters, and locate, repair, or remove leaking or broken pipes.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed Annual Growth Rate
Building equipment contractors 80.5 0.50
Utility system construction 6.7 0.51
Nonresidential building construction 4.2 0.41


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $18.20
2022 National average hourly wage $18.07
2020 National employment 56,200
2020 Texas employment 9,400
Texas projected employment by 2030 11,822
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 1,482




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
89.20%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
73.40%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
72.80%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
70.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
65.60%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
62.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
58.40%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
57.40%
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
56.20%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
56.20%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
57.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
57.60%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
57.60%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
57.60%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
55.00%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
52.40%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
52.40%
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
52.40%
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00%
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
75.00%
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
67.60%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
67.60%
Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
65.00%
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
65.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
65.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.00%
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
62.40%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
60.00%


  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
    -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Handling and Moving Objects
    -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Thinking Creatively
    -- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Other Activities


  • Relationships
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.


Tools

Adjustable widemouth pliers: Expanding-jaw pliers; Water pump pliers;

Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches;

Air compressors: Air compressors;

Alternating current AC arc welder: Alternating current AC welding equipment;

Augers: Augers;

Backhoes: Backhoes; Tractors with backhoe attachments;

Ball peen hammer: Ball peen hammers;

Bandsaw wheel: Vertical bandsaws;

Bench vises: Bench chain vises; Bench vises;

Blocks or pulleys: Pulleys; Block and tackle equipment;

Blow torch: Torches; Propane torches; Butane torches;

Bolt cutters: Bolt cutters;

Boring or sinking machinery: Boring machines; Horizontal boring machines;

Box end wrenches: Ratcheting box wrenches; Box end wrenches;

Calipers: Calipers;

Caulking guns: Caulking guns;

Circuit tracers: Wire tracers;

Compactors: Compactors;

Deburring tool: Deburring tools;

Detection apparatus for non metallic objects: Line locators; Transmitters;

Dewatering pumps: Utility pumps;

Diagonal cut pliers: Diagonal cutting pliers;

Diaphragm pumps: Test pumps;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: Video diagnostic tools;

Direct current DC arc welder: Direct current DC arc welder;

Drain or pipe cleaning equipment: Power spinners; Pressurized water pigs; Sewer tapes; Snakes; Hand spinners; Pigs; Plumbers' snakes; Drain cleaning cables; Drain cleaning machines;

Drain or toilet plunger: Vacuum plungers; Plungers;

Dredgers: Dredges;

Drill press or radial drill: Drill presses;

Dump trucks: Dump trucks;

Explosimeters: Explosimeters;

Flat hand file: Flat files;

Flow sensors: Flow gauges;

Fluid regulators: Water stoppers; Pipe freezing kits;

Forklifts: Forklifts;

Gas detectors: Gas leak detection devices;

Gas generators: Generators;

Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus: Plasma cutting guides; Torch cutter guides;

Graders: Graders;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws; Mini hacksaws;

Hammer drills: Rotary hammers;

Hand reamer: Reamers;

Hex keys: Hex wrenches; Allen wrenches;

Hoists: Chain falls; Tirfors; Tuggers;

Hole saws: Hole cutting tools;

Hose cutter: Gasket cutters;

Hydraulic truck cranes: Hydraulic cranes;

Impact hammers: Impact hammers;

Impact wrenches: Impact wrenches; Hydraulic valve turners;

Industrial threading die: Die heads for threading machines;

Inspection mirror: Telescopic inspection mirrors;

Integrated tool carriers: Tractor pipe carrier attachments;

Jacks: Manual screw jacks; Pipeline jacks;

Ladders: Ladders;

Laser measuring systems: Pipe lasers;

Leak testing equipment: Trutest smoke detectors;

Level sensors or transmitters: Transit levels;

Levels: Optical levels; Pipe flange aligners; Laser levels; Carpenters' levels; Automatic levels; Dumpy levels; Two-hole pins; Split bubble levels;

Light trucks or sport utility vehicles: Light pickup trucks;

Liquid leak detectors: Ultrasonic leak detectors;

Locking pliers: Channel lock pliers;

Manlift or personnel lift: Manlifts;

Metal band sawing machine: Bandsaws;

Metal detectors: Rebar locators; Null locators; Magnetic locators;

Metal inert gas welding machine: Metal inert gas MIG welders;

Metal markers or holders: Radius markers; Centering head tools; Magnetic circle layout tools;

Moisture meters: Moisture meters;

Mud pumps: Mud pumps; Sand pumps;

Nut drivers: Universal nut wrenches;

Offset socket wrenches: Hollow core socket wrenches;

Ohmmeters: Ohmmeters;

Oil gun: Oilers;

Open end wrenches: Crescent wrenches;

Pipe bending mandrel: Pipe bending mandrels;

Pipe bending tools: Tube bending springs; Manual benders; Pipe benders;

Pipe extractors: Pipe extractors;

Pipe layer: Pipelayers;

Pipe or tube cutter: Pipe cutters; Pipe cutting machines; Mini tubing cutters; Tubing cutters; Wide roll pipe cutters; Polyvinyl chloride PVC cutters; Polyvinyl chloride PVC saws; Soil pipe cutters;

Pipe reamer: Spiral ratchet pipe reamers; Straight-fluted pipe reamers;

Pipe vises: Aligning clamps; Welding clamps;

Pipe wrenches: End pipe wrenches; Pipe wrenches; Offset pipe wrenches; Straight pipe wrenches;

Pneumatic drill: Pneumatic drills;

Pneumatic grinders: Air operated grinders; Angle air grinders; Pipe beveling machines;

Pneumatic hammer: Air hammers;

Pneumatic sanding machines: Sandblasters;

Power drills: Power drills; Right-angle drills; Cordless drills; Direct tap machines;

Power flaring tool: Flaring tools;

Power grinders: Bevel grinding machines; Motor-driven grinders; Pedestal grinders; Offset grinders; Portable grinders; Stationary grinders; Seat dressers;

Power saws: Reciprocating pipe saws; Reciprocating saws; Concrete saws; Cutoff saws; Circular saws;

Power screwguns: Cordless screwdrivers;

Pressure indicators: Heavy duty water pressure gauges; Hydrostatic testers; Maximum reading water pressure gauges; Air pressure gauges; Comprehensive water gauges; Water pressure gauges;

Pressure or steam cleaners: Rodders; Root ranger jetter nozzles; Water jetters;

Pry bars: Crowbars; Pry bars;

Pullers: Tub drain removers; Faucet handle pullers; Faucet stem and cartridge pullers; Compression sleeve pullers;

Ratchets: Ratchet wrenches;

Round file: Rat-tail files;

Safety harnesses or belts: Safety harnesses;

Scaffolding: Scaffolding;

Screwdrivers: Impact screwdrivers; Phillips head screwdrivers;

Sewage pumps: Sewage pumps;

Sheet metal grooving machine: Roll groovers;

Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine: Shielded arc welding tools;

Shovels: Round point shovels; Narrow mouth shovels;

Sledge hammer: Sledgehammers;

Slings: Belting slings;

Slip or groove joint pliers: Slip joint pliers;

Soldering iron: Soldering equipment; Soldering irons;

Specialty wrenches: Chain wrenches; Compound leverage wrenches; Cleanout plug wrenches; Basin wrenches; Basket strainer wrenches; Bibb seat tools; Internal wrenches; One stop wrenches; Monkey wrench sets; Plastic nut basin wrenches; Plumbers' pliers; Pedestal sink wrenches; Water heater element removal wrenches; Shower valve socket wrenches; Seat wrenches; Six-step faucet seat wrenches; Stillson wrenches; Spud wrenches; Telescoping basin wrenches; Rapwrenches; Pop-up plug wrenches;

Spot welding machine: Portable welding machines;

Square file: Thread repair files;

Staple guns: Staple guns;

Strap wrenches: Strap wrenches; Rubber strap wrenches;

Sump pumps: Sump pumps;

Swaging tools: Swaging tools;

Tachometers: Hand tachometers;

Tampers: Powered tampers;

Tape measures: Measuring tapes;

Tapping machine attachment: Tapping tools;

Thermographs: Non-contact infrared thermometers;

Threading die hand tool: Die heads for plastic pipe/conduit; Pipe threaders;

Threading machine: Pipe threading machines;

Tinners snips: Tin snips;

Tongs: Chain tongs;

Torx keys: Shut-off keys; Water meter keys; Four-in-one keys;

Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe: Lathes;

Track excavators: Excavators;

Track loaders: Track loaders; Tractors with loader attachments;

Trenching machines: Trenchers; Cable plows;

Tube end finisher: Tube crimping tools; Facing machines;

Tungsten inert gas welding machine: Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Vacuum gauges: Vacuum gauges;

Vibration testers: Vibration analyzers;

Voltage or current meters: Amp meters; Voltmeters;

Water pumps: Fill pumps; Ditch pumps;

Water samplers: Water samplers;

Welder torch: Brazing equipment;

Welding masks: Welding hoods;

Wheel bulldozers: Bulldozers;

Wheel loaders: Wheel loaders;

Winches: Winches;

Wire brushes: Pneumatic wire brushes; Wire brushes; Air wire brushes; Motor-driven brushes;

Wire or cable cutter: Cable saws;


Technology

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters include:
  • 47-2011.00 Boilermakers
  • 47-3011.00 Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
  • 47-3012.00 Helpers--Carpenters
  • 47-3013.00 Helpers--Electricians
  • 47-5081.00 Helpers--Extraction Workers
  • 49-9098.00 Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
  • 47-3014.00 Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
  • 47-2151.00 Pipelayers
  • 47-2152.00 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • 47-4071.00 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners


Sources of Additional Information
  • For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities for construction laborers and helpers, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local construction contractors or firms that employ laborers, or local union-management apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627.
  • For more information about education programs for laborers, visit: Laborers’ International Union of North America
  • NCCER
  • CareerOneStop

  • For career videos on construction laborers and helpers, visit: Construction laborers
  • Helpers – brickmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
  • Construction Laborers
  • Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other
  • Helpers-Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
  • Helpers-Carpenters
  • Helpers-Electricians
  • Helpers-Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
  • Helpers-Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • Helpers-Roofers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.