Line welder vs pipe welder

The differences between line welders and pipe 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 line welder and a pipe welder. Additionally, a pipe welder has an average salary of $46,364, which is higher than the $31,712 average annual salary of a line welder.

The top three skills for a line welder include MIG, tack and safety equipment. The most important skills for a pipe welder are carbon steel, MIG, and hand tools.

Line welder vs pipe welder overview

	Line Welder	Pipe Welder
Yearly salary	$31,712	$46,364
Hourly rate	$15.25	$22.29
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	52,702	7,738
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Line welder vs pipe welder salary

Line welders and pipe welders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Line Welder	Pipe Welder
Average salary	$31,712	$46,364
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $33,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Atlanta, GA	North Kingstown, RI
Highest paying state	Wyoming	Alaska
Best paying company	ManpowerGroup	Forum Energy Technologies
Best paying industry	Automotive	Construction

Differences between line welder and pipe welder education

There are a few differences between a line welder and a pipe welder in terms of educational background:

	Line Welder	Pipe Welder
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Line welder vs pipe welder demographics

Here are the differences between line welders' and pipe welders' demographics:

	Line Welder	Pipe Welder
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 86.5% Female, 13.5%	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 3.1% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%	Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between line welder and pipe welder duties and responsibilities

Line welder example responsibilities.

Manage and run production parts through the brake.
Assemble Honda computer frames with robotic and MIG welders.
Experience in auto body repair RSW, GMAW, FCAW welding and assembly
Hire on full time by Toyota
Programme system for welding robotic arms.
Weld frames rails and brackets for Toyota lines.

Pipe welder example responsibilities.

Silver solder, TIG, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW weld mild steel stainless steel aluminum and copper nickel respectively.
Weld carbon and stainless steel pipe in position and roll out machines utilizing GTAW, GMAW, FCAW and SMAW processes.
Skil in all types of welding, including MIG, TIG, stick, aluminum and stainless steel.
Work with TIG and MIG welding systems, as well as forklifts and overhead cranes up to 30 tons.
Work safely under OSHA safety and PPE standards.
Used aluminum GMAW for structural supports and some larger fabrications.

Line welder vs pipe welder skills

Common line welder skills

MIG, 37%
Tack, 10%
Safety Equipment, 9%
Tape Measure, 6%
Torches, 6%
Jigs, 5%

Common pipe welder skills

Carbon Steel, 16%
MIG, 10%
Hand Tools, 8%
TIG, 6%
SMAW, 6%
GTAW, 6%