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The differences between pipe layers and journeymen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 3-6 months to become a pipe layer, becoming a journeyman takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $37,742 average annual salary of a pipe layer.
The top three skills for a pipe layer include hand tools, asphalt and water mains. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Pipe Layer | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $37,742 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $18.15 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 1,419 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 36 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
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.
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 layers and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Layer | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $37,742 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Missoula, MT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | C Squared Systems | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a pipe layer and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Layer | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe layers' and journeymen' demographics:
| Pipe Layer | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 36 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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% |