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The differences between pipe welders and mig 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 mig welder. Additionally, a pipe welder has an average salary of $46,364, which is higher than the $35,476 average annual salary of a mig welder.
The top three skills for a pipe welder include carbon steel, MIG and hand tools. The most important skills for a mig welder are tape measure, arc welding, and jigs.
| Pipe Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $46,364 | $35,476 |
| Hourly rate | $22.29 | $17.06 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,738 | 7,051 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| 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.
The MIG welder is responsible for creating metal projects using inert gas welding techniques and electric arc processes. MIG welders carefully fuse metal components, avoiding contamination on the weld, as well as managing the metal bond defects. They analyze specifications, interpret blueprints, and operate various machine tools and equipment for accurate measuring and cutting. The MIG welder should strictly follow the safety procedures at all times during operations to avoid hazards in the workplace, including the proper storage and cleaning of welding tools and materials.
Pipe welders and mig welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Average salary | $46,364 | $35,476 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $63,000 | Between $28,000 And $44,000 |
| Highest paying City | North Kingstown, RI | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Forum Energy Technologies | Invacare |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a pipe welder and a mig welder in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe welders' and mig welders' demographics:
| Pipe Welder | MIG Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1% |
| 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, 10.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.0% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |