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The differences between lead 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 lead welder and a combo welder. Additionally, a combo welder has an average salary of $46,985, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a lead welder.
The top three skills for a lead welder include aluminum, stainless steel and safety equipment. The most important skills for a combo welder are GMAW, FCAW, and arc welding.
| Lead Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $45,718 | $46,985 |
| Hourly rate | $21.98 | $22.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 8,274 | 8,266 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Lead welders and combo welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average salary | $45,718 | $46,985 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $62,000 | Between $34,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Olympia, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | SpaceX |
| Best paying industry | - | Construction |
There are a few differences between a lead welder and a combo welder in terms of educational background:
| Lead Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 39% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between lead welders' and combo welders' demographics:
| Lead Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |