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The differences between journeyman welders and mig 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 mig welder. Additionally, a journeyman welder has an average salary of $44,147, which is higher than the $35,476 average annual salary of a mig welder.
The top three skills for a journeyman welder include MIG, brazing and jigs. The most important skills for a mig welder are tape measure, arc welding, and jigs.
| Journeyman Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $44,147 | $35,476 |
| Hourly rate | $21.22 | $17.06 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 11,077 | 7,051 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| 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.
The MIG welder is responsible for creating metal projects using inert gas welding techniques and electric arc processes. MIG welders carefully fuse metal components, avoiding contamination on the weld, as well as managing the metal bond defects. They analyze specifications, interpret blueprints, and operate various machine tools and equipment for accurate measuring and cutting. The MIG welder should strictly follow the safety procedures at all times during operations to avoid hazards in the workplace, including the proper storage and cleaning of welding tools and materials.
Journeyman welders and mig welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Journeyman Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Average salary | $44,147 | $35,476 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $61,000 | Between $28,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | Spokane, WA | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Clearwater Paper | Invacare |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a journeyman welder and a mig welder in terms of educational background:
| Journeyman Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between journeyman welders' and mig welders' demographics:
| Journeyman Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.0% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |