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The differences between mig welders and tig 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 tig welder. Additionally, a tig welder has an average salary of $38,192, 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 tig welder are tig welding, carbon steel, and GTAW.
| MIG Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $35,476 | $38,192 |
| Hourly rate | $17.06 | $18.36 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,051 | 7,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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 tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder is someone who assembles and welds metal parts for use in manufacturing or construction projects. The duties and responsibilities of a TIG welder include ensuring the quality of metal parts before assembling them, reading and interpreting blueprints, and observing safety procedures. The requirements to qualify for the position include knowledge of metallurgy, good hand-eye coordination, and good mathematical skills. A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certification is the minimum education requirement for the job.
Mig welders and tig welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| MIG Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Average salary | $35,476 | $38,192 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $29,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Salt Lake City, UT | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Invacare | Alfa Laval |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Retail |
There are a few differences between a mig welder and a tig welder in terms of educational background:
| MIG Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mig welders' and tig welders' demographics:
| MIG Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% |
| 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, 9.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |