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Pipefitter/welder vs apprentice pipefitter

The differences between pipefitter/welders and apprentices pipefitter can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pipefitter/welder has an average salary of $53,768, which is higher than the $42,906 average annual salary of an apprentice pipefitter.

The top three skills for a pipefitter/welder include hand tools, carbon steel and MIG. The most important skills for an apprentice pipefitter are hand tools, direct supervision, and work ethic.

Pipefitter/welder vs apprentice pipefitter overview

Pipefitter/WelderApprentice Pipefitter
Yearly salary$53,768$42,906
Hourly rate$25.85$20.63
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,9966,570
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

Pipefitter/welder vs apprentice pipefitter salary

Pipefitter/welders and apprentices pipefitter have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pipefitter/WelderApprentice Pipefitter
Average salary$53,768$42,906
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pipefitter/welder and apprentice pipefitter education

There are a few differences between a pipefitter/welder and an apprentice pipefitter in terms of educational background:

Pipefitter/WelderApprentice Pipefitter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 49%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs apprentice pipefitter demographics

Here are the differences between pipefitter/welders' and apprentices pipefitter' demographics:

Pipefitter/WelderApprentice Pipefitter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.3% Asian, 1.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and apprentice pipefitter duties and responsibilities

Pipefitter/welder example responsibilities.

  • Use specific tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, benders, and welders.
  • Learned and teach company procedures for welding on up-armore ground combat vehicles and MRAPs using GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
  • Cert through company for 1/2 AR plate GMAW 1-4g.
  • Weld stainless 304 , 308 , 309 , 316 , 317 and inconel
  • Weld on carbon pipe ranging in sizes 3"up to 24"and sch 10 up to sch 160
  • Work as a journeyman welder and ironworker.
  • Show more

Apprentice pipefitter example responsibilities.

  • Work on carbon steel, cast iron, PVC, and copper lines.
  • Operate equipment such as cutting torches, threading machines, grinder, beveling machines and round-up clamps
  • Bond PVC using glue and primer.
  • Fit and weld industrial grade HVAC pipe.
  • Install new heating components with soldering and brazing connections all throughout the building.
  • Install strainers, regulators, traps, pumps, insulation, valves, etc.
  • Show more

Pipefitter/welder vs apprentice pipefitter skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common apprentice pipefitter skills
  • Hand Tools, 17%
  • Direct Supervision, 12%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Hot Water, 10%
  • Water Systems, 8%
  • Processing Systems, 7%

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