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The differences between pipe fitters and fabricators 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 $34,922 average annual salary of a fabricator.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a fabricator are hand tools, basic math, and calipers.
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.
A fabricator specializes in manufacturing and assembling equipment or devices, ensuring every product's quality and efficiency. There are instances when a fabricator is required to make multiple gears, conduct verification processes on product schematics and specifications, perform quality control inspections, and test the product in different environments. Furthermore, a fabricator needs to coordinate with all workforce members to remain informed on any changes or updates in the production operations while adhering to the company's policies and safety standards.
Pipe fitters and fabricators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Fabricator | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $34,922 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $27,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | Danaher |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Finance |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a fabricator in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Fabricator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and fabricators' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Fabricator | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 89.8% Female, 10.2% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 8.1% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 5% |