Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters support skilled trades professionals working with piping systems. This occupation employs about 45,000 people nationwide and is projected to grow by 4.9%, with around 5,000 annual openings. The role suits people who bring together physical strength and stamina, mechanical ability, fine motor skills, and adaptability. It can also appeal to those who enjoy hands-on problem solving that draws on mathematics, science, and creativity and innovation. Because helpers work closely with others, customer service and leadership skills are also important. Typical entry requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making this a pathway into the construction and mechanical trades for people who want to start working without a lengthy academic track. Over time, strong project management skills can help helpers take on more responsibility. For students and career changers seeking a physical, skill-based job with a defined trade context, this occupation offers a structured way to enter the field.
Nationally, helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median annual salary of $39,270. Pay varies by state. Among the top opportunity states listed, Washington shows a median salary of $56,140 and New York $52,000, both above the national median. California and Colorado also have median salaries above $39,270, at $47,130 and $45,030 respectively, while Virginia’s median salary of $38,190 is close to the national figure. At the metro level, the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue area stands out with a median salary of $65,600, followed by New York–Newark–Jersey City at $52,000 and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont at $51,350. These figures indicate that earnings can differ significantly depending on location, even within states that appear strong overall. People considering this career may want to compare local pay levels to the national median to understand potential earning power in their target area.
Employment for helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters stands at about 45,000 nationally, with projected growth of 4.9%. This same 4.9% growth rate appears in the highlighted states and metro areas, suggesting a consistent growth projection across many locations. The occupation is expected to generate about 5,000 annual openings, which combines new positions and turnover. For job seekers and students, this means there is a regular flow of opportunities into the field. The combination of a defined employment base, measurable growth, and recurring openings can support both entry-level candidates and those looking to move between regions. While the data does not specify reasons for this growth, it indicates that demand for helpers in these pipe-related trades is expected to continue. People who build the key skills associated with the role may be better positioned to access these openings over time.
Location plays a meaningful role in opportunity for helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Among states, California and New York have the highest CareerGPS opportunity scores at 67.38 and 65.78, with median salaries of $47,130 and $52,000 and employment of 2,500 and 4,840, respectively. Washington offers the highest listed state median salary at $56,140, with a solid opportunity score of 56.29. Colorado and Virginia also appear on the opportunity list, with differing salary and employment levels, giving job seekers options across multiple regions. At the metro level, New York–Newark–Jersey City stands out with an opportunity score of 77.27, employment of 4,360, and a median salary of $52,000. Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue combines a high opportunity score of 61.92 with the top metro median salary of $65,600. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim also provide notable opportunities, each with their own salary and employment mix.
The typical education for helpers—pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the occupation accessible to people who want to enter the workforce without pursuing a longer college program. While formal education requirements are relatively modest, the role draws on a broad mix of skills. Physical strength and stamina and fine motor skills support the hands-on, physical nature of the work. Mechanical skills, mathematics, and science provide a foundation for understanding the systems and measurements involved. Creativity and innovation, along with adaptability, help workers respond to varied situations on the job. Project management and leadership skills can become more important as helpers gain experience and take on coordination or oversight responsibilities. Customer service skills are also highlighted, reflecting the need to interact effectively with others in the work environment. Together, these skills shape a practical, trade-focused career path built on both physical and cognitive abilities.
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