Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter Salary in 2026
How Much Do Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Make?
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn a median annual salary of $39,270 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,050 at the 10th percentile to $54,860 at the 90th percentile — a range of $23,810. The highest-paying state is Washington at $58,240.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,050 |
| 25th percentile | $35,750 |
| Median (50th) | $39,270 |
| 75th percentile | $46,550 |
| 90th percentile | $54,860 |
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $58,240 |
| Hawaii | $55,670 |
| Alaska | $54,360 |
| North Dakota | $51,540 |
| California | $49,970 |
| Massachusetts | $48,560 |
| Michigan | $47,010 |
| Missouri | $46,800 |
| Maine | $46,750 |
| New Hampshire | $45,700 |
| Colorado | $45,490 |
| Utah | $44,810 |
| Montana | $44,670 |
| District of Columbia | $44,300 |
| New York | $43,540 |
| Nebraska | $43,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,810 |
| Oregon | $42,740 |
| Tennessee | $42,470 |
| Arizona | $41,790 |
| New Jersey | $41,570 |
| Illinois | $41,050 |
| Oklahoma | $39,560 |
| Ohio | $39,360 |
| Florida | $39,130 |
| Wisconsin | $38,770 |
| Virginia | $38,750 |
| Alabama | $38,480 |
| Idaho | $38,470 |
| Wyoming | $38,470 |
| Texas | $38,310 |
| South Carolina | $38,140 |
| Maryland | $38,130 |
| Mississippi | $37,960 |
| North Carolina | $37,680 |
| Connecticut | $37,470 |
| Georgia | $37,450 |
| Kentucky | $37,440 |
| Iowa | $37,320 |
| Arkansas | $37,220 |
| New Mexico | $37,080 |
| Kansas | $36,950 |
| Delaware | $36,800 |
| South Dakota | $36,280 |
| Indiana | $36,220 |
| Louisiana | $36,110 |
| Nevada | $35,520 |
| West Virginia | $33,280 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$31,050 – $35,750 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$39,270 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$46,550 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $54,860+ |
How to Earn More as a Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $64,100 — $24,830 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($46,550) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterthis career | $39,270 |
| Boilermaker | $73,340 |
| Carpenter | $59,310 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer | $58,140 |
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SOC: 47-3015.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.