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The differences between journeyman welders and combo welders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a journeyman welder and a combo welder. Additionally, a combo welder has an average salary of $46,985, which is higher than the $44,147 average annual salary of a journeyman welder.
The top three skills for a journeyman welder include MIG, brazing and jigs. The most important skills for a combo welder are GMAW, FCAW, and arc welding.
| Journeyman Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $44,147 | $46,985 |
| Hourly rate | $21.22 | $22.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 11,077 | 8,266 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The job of a journeyman welder is to bond the different types of metal to create larger, industrial pipes. Typical duties include operating welding equipment, ensuring a safe working environment, and reading blueprints. You are also responsible for welding metal parts and designing and building fixtures. To become a successful journeyman welder, you must complete an apprenticeship or a training program. In addition, you must also have previous work experience, technical skills, and in-depth knowledge of all relevant terminology and industry computer software.
A Combo Welder specializes in operating welding equipment to build and maintain structures or systems made of metal. It is also their responsibility to understand and adhere to schematics and guidelines, prepare materials, ensure measurements, and maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth and safe workflow. The extent of their responsibilities depends on their company of employment or project needs. Some projects may also require them to climb up high places, so it is essential to adhere to safety standards and regulations.
Journeyman welders and combo welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average salary | $44,147 | $46,985 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $61,000 | Between $34,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Spokane, WA | Olympia, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Clearwater Paper | SpaceX |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a journeyman welder and a combo welder in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman welders' and combo welders' demographics:
| Journeyman Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 3.1% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 25.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |