Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
SOC Code: 47-3015 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $45,115 | $54,787 | $64,438 | $74,110 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $43,659 | $53,456 | $63,274 | $73,070 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $43,514 | $53,352 | $63,190 | $73,029 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $44,075 | $53,706 | $63,315 | $72,946 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $42,952 | $52,645 | $62,358 | $72,051 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $50,544 | $56,888 | $63,211 | $69,555 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $37,731 | $46,946 | $56,181 | $65,395 |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area | $40,581 | $48,818 | $57,054 | $65,291 |
| Yakima, WA | $40,435 | $48,672 | $56,909 | $65,146 |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area | $40,726 | $48,714 | $56,701 | $64,688 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 | |
| Active Listening | 2.9 | |
| Monitoring | 2.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 | |
| Coordination | 2.8 | |
| Active Learning | 2.6 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.6 | |
| Repairing | 2.6 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.5 | |
| Speaking | 2.5 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Building and Construction | 4.5 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.7 |
| Mechanical | 3.6 |
| Mathematics | 3.5 |
| English Language | 3.3 |
| Administration and Management | 3.1 |
| Design | 2.9 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.9 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 48.7% |
| Some college | 26.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 9.7% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 9.2% |
| Less than high school | 5.6% |
Typical Tasks
- Cut or drill holes in walls or floors to accommodate the passage of pipes.
- Measure, cut, thread and assemble new pipe, placing the assembled pipe in hangers or other supports.
- Mount brackets and hangers on walls and ceilings to hold pipes, and set sleeves or inserts to provide support for pipes.
- Requisition tools and equipment, select type and size of pipe, and collect and transport materials and equipment to work site.
- Fit or assist in fitting valves, couplings, or assemblies to tanks, pumps, or systems, using hand tools.
- Assist pipe fitters in the layout, assembly, and installation of piping for air, ammonia, gas, and water systems.
- Excavate and grade ditches, and lay and join pipe for water and sewer service.
- Cut pipe and lift up to fitters.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word
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