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Pipe Fitting Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Help build the team environment. * Build pride of workmanship and quality through on job training ... Pass the "A" Class pipe fitters tests; written with a minimum score of 70% and practical with a ...

A Class Pipe Fitter - SDCA

San Diego, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $34.25/hr

Help build the team environment. * Build pride of workmanship and quality through on job training ... Pass the "A" Class pipe fitters tests; written with a minimum score of 70% and practical with a ...

Help build the team environment. * Build pride of workmanship and quality through on job training ... Pass the "A" Class pipe fitters tests; written with a minimum score of 70% and practical with a ...

Pipefitter

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Basic Functions: * Aid in maximizing the profitability of the company by helping to complete ... The Laborer-Pipefitter has the authority to carry out the duties assigned and requested by the ...

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Pipefitter Journeyman

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

A pipefitter journeyman is responsible for removing, repairing, targeting, laying out, fabricating ... The journeyman is also responsible for providing direction to improvers and helpers as directed by ...

Showing results 21-40

Pipe Fitting Helper information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$35

How much do pipe fitting helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe fitting helper in California is $21.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.54 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipe fitting helper?

Pipe Fitting Helpers assist experienced pipefitters by preparing, assembling, and installing pipes for various systems such as water, gas, and steam. Their duties often include measuring and cutting pipe, carrying materials, cleaning work areas, and holding or positioning pipes during installation. They work on construction sites, industrial facilities, and sometimes in residential settings, usually under the supervision of journeyman pipefitters. This role is physically demanding and often requires knowledge of basic tools and safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipe fitting helper?

To thrive as a Pipe Fitting Helper, you need a basic understanding of pipe systems, manual dexterity, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with hand and power tools, pipe threading machines, and sometimes OSHA safety certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to learn make individuals stand out in this position. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient installation and repair of piping systems while supporting the overall productivity of the job site.

What are some common challenges faced by pipe fitting helpers on the job site?

Pipe Fitting Helpers often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, handling heavy materials, and adapting to changing weather conditions on outdoor sites. They need to be vigilant about safety protocols, especially when working around hot pipes or hazardous materials. Effective communication with pipefitters and other team members is crucial for ensuring tasks are completed accurately and safely. Additionally, helpers must be flexible and ready to assist with a variety of tasks, from preparing tools to cleaning up the work area, which requires good organizational skills and a proactive attitude.

What is the difference between Pipe Fitting Helper vs Pipe Fitter?

AspectPipe Fitting HelperPipe Fitter
CertificationsNone required, but OSHA safety training often preferredTrade certifications or apprenticeships often required
Work EnvironmentAssists on job sites, supports pipe installation tasksPerforms pipe installation, repair, and maintenance
Job ResponsibilitiesPrepares materials, assists with fittings, cleans work areaMeasures, cuts, assembles, and installs piping systems
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in plumbing and pipefittingSkilled tradesperson with more technical responsibilities

In summary, a Pipe Fitting Helper supports pipe fitters by handling preparatory tasks and assisting with installations, while a Pipe Fitter performs the actual installation and maintenance of piping systems. The helper role typically requires less experience and certification, serving as an entry point into the trade.

What does a pipe fitting helper do?

A pipe fitting helper assists pipe fitters by preparing materials, holding pipes in place, and helping with measurements and cutting. They work in construction or industrial settings, often using hand tools and safety equipment, and may need basic knowledge of plumbing systems. The role supports skilled workers to ensure efficient installation and repair of piping systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pipe Fitting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pipe Fitting jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Pipe Fitting Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,966 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

A Class Pipe Fitter - SDCA

Austal USA

Escondido, CA • On-site

$42.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

REPORTS TO: Production Supervision
Overall purpose of job: To work within a team of Pipe Fitters to achieve maximum production in minimum time, standards and quality in keeping with company policies, while maintaining a positive and motivated team environment.
SUMMARY
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability desired.
The individual must have working knowledge of procedures, strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow directions. The individual must possess experience in the trade, knowledge of ship terminology, ability to interpret engineering drawings. The individual must demonstrate ability to interpret job specifications and perform work on marine vessels.
Must be able to follow directions and work with limited supervision. Must be willing to develop other team members skill levels.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
  • Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
  • Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
  • Ability to Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
  • Test system for leaks using testing equipment
  • Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
  • Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system using hand and power tools
  • Ability to install pipe systems on board vessels in a safe and productive manner.
  • Ability to safely rig equipment following all OSHA requirements.
  • Inspection of work, identification of potential problems, initiation of corrective actions.
  • Increase awareness of Quality procedures within department
  • Ensure correct work procedures adhered to.
  • Perform as a productive working team member that meets daily goals set by the supervisor.
  • Continuously improve communications and flexibility within the team.
  • Help build the team environment.
  • Build pride of workmanship and quality through on job training.
  • Contribute towards innovation / productivity improvements.
  • Assist in the control of waste elimination, e.g. materials, consumables etc.
  • Assist supervisor to maintain control of department equipment and its maintenance.
  • Prepared to Step up as supervisor when required
  • Must have full set of personal tools
  • Work towards the team goal of delivering the vessel on time.
  • Always be ready to start shift on time
  • Follow Austal guidelines and procedures
  • Do not leave job early or return late from break times
  • Ensure work area is left clean, all equipment and tools are stowed away safely and protected against damage
  • Performs and executes work in compliance with NAVSEA STD Items
  • Must be able to travel to off-site locations
  • Must follow Austal Off-Site Temporary Assignment Policy (SUP270)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • 1 year minimum work experience as a B-class pipe fitter at Austal or 2 years experience in a similar role at comparative employer.
  • Pass the "A" Class pipe fitters tests; written with a minimum score of 70% and practical with a minimum score of 90%.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and measure using the metric system.

REASONING ABILITY
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems that may arise in certain situations.

LIASES WITH
  • Supervisors
  • Foremen
  • Production Manager
  • PDSS Leadership
  • Safety personnel

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
  • Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.
Specific physical requirements include but are not limited to the following:
  • Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel.
  • Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis.
  • Lift/push/pull 50lbs on an occasional basis.
  • Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis.
  • Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps).
  • Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts.
  • Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead).
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.
  • Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.
  • Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards.
  • Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures.
  • Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time within OSHA guidelines.
  • Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands.
  • Able to utilize adequate visual skills.
  • Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down.
  • Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud. PPE available and MUST be used correctly.
SAFETY
Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.
COMPENSATION
Pay rate: $42.75 per hour
Equal Employment Commitment
Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.
Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.

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