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The differences between pipe fitter helpers and instrument fitters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an instrument fitter has an average salary of $39,186, which is higher than the $38,643 average annual salary of a pipe fitter helper.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter helper include hand tools, safety procedures and stainless steel pipe. The most important skills for an instrument fitter are switches, read p, and safety regulations.
| Pipe Fitter Helper | Instrument Fitter | |
| Yearly salary | $38,643 | $39,186 |
| Hourly rate | $18.58 | $18.84 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 20,837 | 4,260 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Pipe fitter helpers enjoy salaries of around $22 per hour. They must have skills in dexterity, stamina, physical strength, teamwork, and the ability to follow directions. Those who choose this career path assist plumbers and pipefitters in piping system assemblage and installation, clean their work areas and tools, and remove worn or damaged pipe, and cut new pipe lengths.
Instrument fitters are professionals who are responsible for assembling and installing accurate instruments that perform tasks such as measuring, recording, and controlling. These fitters are required to use AutoCAD software to plan, draft, and design instrument layout and various assembly. They must install and wire multiple instruments such as pressure, level, and temperature transmitter. They are required to repair control valves throughout the plant to improve operational efficiency. Instrument fitters must also follow safety guidelines for using PPE safety glasses, hard hats, and safety shoes.
Pipe fitter helpers and instrument fitters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter Helper | Instrument Fitter | |
| Average salary | $38,643 | $39,186 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $48,000 | Between $32,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | Chicago, IL | - |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | - |
| Best paying company | Zachry Group | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter helper and an instrument fitter in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter Helper | Instrument Fitter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Music |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitter helpers' and instrument fitters' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter Helper | Instrument Fitter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.3% Female, 11.7% | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.9% Asian, 1.8% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 27.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |