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The differences between pipefitter/welders and lead welders 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 $45,718 average annual salary of a lead welder.
The top three skills for a pipefitter/welder include hand tools, carbon steel and MIG. The most important skills for a lead welder are aluminum, stainless steel, and safety equipment.
| Pipefitter/Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Yearly salary | $53,768 | $45,718 |
| Hourly rate | $25.85 | $21.98 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 7,996 | 8,274 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
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.
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.
Pipefitter/welders and lead welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pipefitter/Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average salary | $53,768 | $45,718 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $72,000 | Between $33,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a pipefitter/welder and a lead welder in terms of educational background:
| Pipefitter/Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | High School Diploma, 39% |
| Most common major | Precision Metal Working | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pipefitter/welders' and lead welders' demographics:
| Pipefitter/Welder | Lead Welder | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2% | Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.9% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 3% |