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The differences between pipe fitters and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $51,055 average annual salary of a pipe fitter.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
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 journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
Pipe fitters and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Washington |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and journeymen' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| 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, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |