Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between pipe fitters and instrument fitters 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 $39,186 average annual salary of an instrument fitter.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for an instrument fitter are switches, read p, and safety regulations.
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.
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 fitters and instrument fitters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Instrument Fitter | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $39,186 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $32,000 And $47,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | - |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | - |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and an instrument fitter in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Instrument Fitter | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Business | Music |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and instrument fitters' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Instrument Fitter | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% |
| 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, 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% |