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The differences between pipe layers and masons 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 mason takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a mason has an average salary of $43,974, 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 mason are masonry, scaffolding, and safety regulations.
| Pipe Layer | Mason | |
| Yearly salary | $37,742 | $43,974 |
| Hourly rate | $18.15 | $21.14 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -2% |
| Number of jobs | 1,419 | 15,057 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 36 | 44 |
| 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 mason is responsible for shaping artificial mineral products, concrete blocks, stone pieces, and bricks to create structures essential for construction or other building purposes using various machinery and equipment, following the highest safety standards and production procedures. Masons analyze schematics and blueprints, applying the clients' specifications and customization to their product expertise. They also inspect tools and equipment, ensuring that the materials are free from any defects to avoid hazards and construction delays.
Pipe layers and masons have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Layer | Mason | |
| Average salary | $37,742 | $43,974 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $28,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Missoula, MT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | C Squared Systems | Pella |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a pipe layer and a mason in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Layer | Mason | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe layers' and masons' demographics:
| Pipe Layer | Mason | |
| Average age | 36 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 78.7% Female, 21.3% |
| 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, 9.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 2.1% White, 64.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 1% |