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The differences between mig 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 mig welder and a lead welder. Additionally, a lead welder has an average salary of $45,718, which is higher than the $35,476 average annual salary of a mig welder.
The top three skills for a mig welder include tape measure, arc welding and jigs. The most important skills for a lead welder are aluminum, stainless steel, and safety equipment.
| MIG Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $35,476 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $17.06 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,051 | 8,274 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Mig welders and lead welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| MIG Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average salary | $35,476 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Salt Lake City, UT | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | Invacare | - |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | - |
There are a few differences between a mig welder and a lead welder in terms of educational background:
| MIG Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mig welders' and lead welders' demographics:
| MIG Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |