Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between pipe fitters and pipe foremen 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 $49,468 average annual salary of a pipe foreman.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.
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 pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.
Pipe fitters and pipe foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $49,468 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $38,000 And $64,000 |
| 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 a pipe foreman in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Foreman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and pipe foremen' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |