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Construction & Trades

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in U.S.

In U.S., helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn $39,270 at the median — $18.88 an hour. The range runs from $31K at the entry level to $55K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$39K
Median annual
$18.88/hr
Hourly rate
$31K
Entry level (10th %)
$55K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $39K get you in U.S.?

Estimated monthly take-home$2,799/mo
Median 2BR rent-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home50.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$39,270/yr
Monthly remaining after rent$1,387/mo
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About helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

U.S. employed: 43,640
Category: Construction & Trades
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.

Bar chart showing Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $31,050, 25th percentile $35,750, median $39,270, 75th percentile $46,550, 90th percentile $54,860. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$31K25th$36KMedian$39K75th$47K90th$55K
Bar chart showing Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary percentiles in U.S.: 10th percentile $31,050, 25th percentile $35,750, median $39,270, 75th percentile $46,550, 90th percentile $54,860. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (10th percentile) start around $31K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $55K or more - a $24K spread from bottom to top.

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Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
Washington$58K+48%820
Hawaii$56K+42%N/A
Alaska$54K+38%30
North Dakota$52K+31%50
California$50K+27%2,230
Massachusetts$49K+24%N/A
Michigan$47K+20%220
Missouri$47K+19%N/A
Maine$47K+19%330
New Hampshire$46K+16%140
Utah$45K+14%240
Montana$45K+14%70
District of Columbia$44K+13%N/A
New York$44K+11%3,520
Nebraska$43K+11%N/A

Track helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary changes

BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in U.S.?

The median is $39,270 a year - that works out to about $18.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,050, and experienced helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can clear $54,860. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $39K enough to live in U.S.?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,799/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 50.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.

How far does a helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary go in U.S.?

U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary is worth about $39,270 in national-average purchasing power.

Where do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters get paid the most?

The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.

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