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The differences between pipe welders and combo welders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a pipe welder and a combo welder. Additionally, a combo welder has an average salary of $46,985, which is higher than the $46,364 average annual salary of a pipe welder.
The top three skills for a pipe welder include carbon steel, MIG and hand tools. The most important skills for a combo welder are GMAW, FCAW, and arc welding.
| Pipe Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $46,364 | $46,985 |
| Hourly rate | $22.29 | $22.59 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,738 | 8,266 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
According to schematics and analyzing specifications, a pipe welder is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipe systems and components. Pipe welders inspect the quality of the materials, assemble tools for welding preparations, ensure the safety of the welding method and structural units, and strictly adhere to safety operations procedures. They also examine finished welds to identify any defects and perform adjustments as needed. A pipe welder must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate machinery and construct a safe piping system.
A Combo Welder specializes in operating welding equipment to build and maintain structures or systems made of metal. It is also their responsibility to understand and adhere to schematics and guidelines, prepare materials, ensure measurements, and maintain an active communication line with co-workers for a smooth and safe workflow. The extent of their responsibilities depends on their company of employment or project needs. Some projects may also require them to climb up high places, so it is essential to adhere to safety standards and regulations.
Pipe welders and combo welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average salary | $46,364 | $46,985 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $63,000 | Between $34,000 And $64,000 |
| Highest paying City | North Kingstown, RI | Olympia, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Forum Energy Technologies | SpaceX |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a pipe welder and a combo welder in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe welders' and combo welders' demographics:
| Pipe Welder | Combo Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 25.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |