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The differences between pipe fitters and plumbers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a plumber has an average salary of $55,337, 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 plumber are plumbing, hand tools, and plumbers.
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.
Plumbers specialize in assembling, detecting issues, maintaining, and repairing pipes and systems that can either involve water or gas distribution in a home or establishment, ensuring that they function efficiently. Additionally, Plumbers can also install various materials such as kitchen or bathroom sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. Among the tasks may revolve around training other plumbers or coordinating with other workers involved on a project, clearing obstructions and handling waste disposal, informing clients about the costs and process of repairs, and building rapport with them.
Pipe fitters and plumbers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Fitter | Plumber | |
| Average salary | $51,055 | $55,337 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $63,000 | Between $36,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Oregon |
| Best paying company | Spangler Candy | Kern Community College District |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Finance |
There are a few differences between a pipe fitter and a plumber in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Fitter | Plumber | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe fitters' and plumbers' demographics:
| Pipe Fitter | Plumber | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% | Male, 96.5% Female, 3.5% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |