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The differences between pipe fitters and pipe layers 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 $37,742 average annual salary of a pipe layer.
The top three skills for a pipe fitter include carbon steel, hand tools and safety procedures. The most important skills for a pipe layer are hand tools, asphalt, and water mains.
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 layer specializes in assembling and connecting pipes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include conducting initial ground assessments and examinations, digging pipe trenches, sealing pipe joints, measuring routes, and locating existing systems using particular detectors. They may also remove malfunctioning or old pipe systems, conduct inspections, ensure alignment, and perform progress reports as needed. Moreover, a pipe layer typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and efficient workflow.
Pipe fitters and pipe layers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Layer | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $37,742 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Missoula, MT |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | C Squared Systems |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a pipe layer in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Layer | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | General Studies |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and pipe layers' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Pipe Layer | |
| Average age | 42 | 36 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 28.3% Asian, 1.1% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |