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The differences between pipe layers and pipe foremen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipe foreman has an average salary of $49,468, 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 pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.
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 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 layers and pipe foremen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Layer | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average salary | $37,742 | $49,468 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $48,000 | Between $38,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | Missoula, MT | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | C Squared Systems | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a pipe layer and a pipe foreman in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Layer | Pipe Foreman | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 69% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | General Studies | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe layers' and pipe foremen' demographics:
| Pipe Layer | Pipe Foreman | |
| Average age | 36 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| 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, 9.4% 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% |