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The differences between pipe welders and tig 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 tig welder. Additionally, a pipe welder has an average salary of $46,364, which is higher than the $38,192 average annual salary of a tig welder.
The top three skills for a pipe welder include carbon steel, MIG and hand tools. The most important skills for a tig welder are tig welding, carbon steel, and GTAW.
| Pipe Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $46,364 | $38,192 |
| Hourly rate | $22.29 | $18.36 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,738 | 7,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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 tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder is someone who assembles and welds metal parts for use in manufacturing or construction projects. The duties and responsibilities of a TIG welder include ensuring the quality of metal parts before assembling them, reading and interpreting blueprints, and observing safety procedures. The requirements to qualify for the position include knowledge of metallurgy, good hand-eye coordination, and good mathematical skills. A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certification is the minimum education requirement for the job.
Pipe welders and tig welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipe Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Average salary | $46,364 | $38,192 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | North Kingstown, RI | Tualatin, OR |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Wyoming |
| Best paying company | Forum Energy Technologies | Alfa Laval |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Retail |
There are a few differences between a pipe welder and a tig welder in terms of educational background:
| Pipe Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 42% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipe welders' and tig welders' demographics:
| Pipe Welder | TIG Welder | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% |
| 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, 9.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |