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Pipe fitter vs apprentice carpenter

The differences between pipe fitters and apprentices carpenter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe fitter has an average salary of $51,055, which is higher than the $37,902 average annual salary of an apprentice carpenter.

The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for an apprentice carpenter are hand tools, ladders, and caulking.

Pipe fitter vs apprentice carpenter overview

Pipe FitterApprentice Carpenter
Yearly salary$51,055$37,902
Hourly rate$24.55$18.22
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs12,84617,370
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 45%
Average age4242
Years of experience-12

What does a pipe fitter do?

A pipefitter specializes in pipe systems. They are mostly responsible for cutting, assembling, installing, and maintaining the pipes' condition within homes or establishments. There are also instances when a pipe fitter has to visit sites, investigate problems, and conduct tests and repairs when necessary. Most pipefitters work in a group setting and are required to communicate and coordinate with co-workers, all while adhering to a company's standards and safety policies.

What does an apprentice carpenter do?

An apprentice carpenter is responsible for assisting the carpenter on construction operations, ensuring the adherence to safety protocols, and following clients' specifications. Apprentice carpenters monitor carpentry tools and equipment adequacy, inspect the items for any defects for immediate repair or replacements, and analyze blueprints and schematics, especially for installing systems and essential components on the construction. An apprentice carpenter must have excellent organizational and time-management skills and extensive knowledge of the carpentry industry to support the project completion for the customer's satisfaction.

Pipe fitter vs apprentice carpenter salary

Pipe fitters and apprentices carpenter have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pipe FitterApprentice Carpenter
Average salary$51,055$37,902
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $63,000Between $30,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaWashington
Best paying companySpangler CandyCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Best paying industryConstructionConstruction

Differences between pipe fitter and apprentice carpenter education

There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and an apprentice carpenter in terms of educational background:

Pipe FitterApprentice Carpenter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Pipe fitter vs apprentice carpenter demographics

Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and apprentices carpenter' demographics:

Pipe FitterApprentice Carpenter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 93.3% Female, 6.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipe fitter and apprentice carpenter duties and responsibilities

Pipe fitter example responsibilities.

  • Certify GTAW & SMAW in various alloys on pipe and pipeline within various refineries.
  • Join piping by threading, caulking, wiping, soldering, brazing, fuse, or cement joints.
  • Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe theaters.
  • Read blue prints and ISO metric drawings.
  • Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
  • Collaborate with journeymen of many trades to complete tasks.
  • Show more

Apprentice carpenter example responsibilities.

  • Operate tools ranging from drills, caulking guns, tape measure to chop saws, table saws, skill saws.
  • Provide help with certain tasks such as drywall, paint, caulking and framing, brickwork, roofing, and landscaping.
  • Trim work, framing, paint, Sheetrock.
  • Maintain a clean work site, while utilizing the proper PPE.
  • Help with multiple side jobs and bathroom renovations, from demo to finish.
  • Operate a terrain telescoping man lift, backhoe, skid steer and tractor.
  • Show more

Pipe fitter vs apprentice carpenter skills

Common pipe fitter skills
  • Carbon Steel, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 11%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • Isometric Drawings, 6%
  • Hot Water, 5%
  • Pipe Supports, 5%
Common apprentice carpenter skills
  • Hand Tools, 19%
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Caulking, 9%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Scaffolding, 9%
  • Reference Points, 7%

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