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Pipefitter/welder vs fire sprinkler installer

The differences between pipefitter/welders and fire sprinkler installers 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 $36,901 average annual salary of a fire sprinkler installer.

The top three skills for a pipefitter/welder include hand tools, carbon steel and MIG. The most important skills for a fire sprinkler installer are customer service, scaffolding, and ladders.

Pipefitter/welder vs fire sprinkler installer overview

Pipefitter/WelderFire Sprinkler Installer
Yearly salary$53,768$36,901
Hourly rate$25.85$17.74
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,99629,213
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a pipefitter/welder do?

A Pipefitter Welder installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs mechanical piping systems. They may also supervise a team of helpers or assistants, and might also be responsible for training them.

What does a fire sprinkler installer do?

A fire sprinkler installer is primarily in charge of installing and maintaining sprinkler systems that activate when it detects fire. Before installing the sprinkler systems, they usually meet with clients or representatives to identify their needs and preferences, visit sites to conduct measurements and assessments, understand blueprints and diagrams, and process the necessary paperwork. There are also instances when a fire sprinkler installer may participate in constructing pipe systems, cutting and modifying structures, and conducting evaluations to ensure that all systems function efficiently according to standards and regulations.

Pipefitter/welder vs fire sprinkler installer salary

Pipefitter/welders and fire sprinkler installers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pipefitter/WelderFire Sprinkler Installer
Average salary$53,768$36,901
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $26,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pipefitter/welder and fire sprinkler installer education

There are a few differences between a pipefitter/welder and a fire sprinkler installer in terms of educational background:

Pipefitter/WelderFire Sprinkler Installer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingGeneral Studies
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs fire sprinkler installer demographics

Here are the differences between pipefitter/welders' and fire sprinkler installers' demographics:

Pipefitter/WelderFire Sprinkler Installer
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 24.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and fire sprinkler installer 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

Fire sprinkler installer example responsibilities.

  • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
  • Accompany state fire marshal officials during inspections of existing facilities as well as new construction.
  • Lay out plastic tubing according to the sketch.
  • Dig trenches with a shovel to lay the piping.
  • Dig trenches with shovel or by use of ditching machine.
  • Work safely from various heights of ladders, scaffolds and high lifts.
  • Show more

Pipefitter/welder vs fire sprinkler installer skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common fire sprinkler installer skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Scaffolding, 17%
  • Ladders, 15%
  • CCTV, 9%
  • Fire Alarms, 9%
  • Fire Protection, 9%

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