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The differences between journeyman welders and lead 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 lead welder. Additionally, a lead welder has an average salary of $45,718, 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 lead welder are aluminum, stainless steel, and safety equipment.
| Journeyman Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $44,147 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $21.22 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 11,077 | 8,274 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| 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 Lead Welder inspects welds to ensure that code and quality control standards are met. They also test and inspect welded surfaces and structures to discover flaws.
Journeyman welders and lead welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average salary | $44,147 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $61,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Spokane, WA | - |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | - |
| Best paying company | Clearwater Paper | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a journeyman welder and a lead welder in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman welders' and lead welders' demographics:
| Journeyman Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| 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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |