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The differences between pipe welders and lead 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 lead welder. Additionally, a pipe welder has an average salary of $46,364, which is higher than the $45,718 average annual salary of a lead welder.
The top three skills for a pipe welder include carbon steel, MIG and hand tools. The most important skills for a lead welder are aluminum, stainless steel, and safety equipment.
| Pipe Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $46,364 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $22.29 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,738 | 8,274 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| 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 Lead Welder inspects welds to ensure that code and quality control standards are met. They also test and inspect welded surfaces and structures to discover flaws.
Pipe welders and lead welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average salary | $46,364 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $63,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | North Kingstown, RI | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | Forum Energy Technologies | - |
| Best paying industry | Construction | - |
There are a few differences between a pipe welder and a lead welder in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe welders' and lead welders' demographics:
| Pipe Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| 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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |