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Pipefitter/welder vs maintenance welder

The differences between pipefitter/welders and maintenance 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 $40,659 average annual salary of a maintenance welder.

The top three skills for a pipefitter/welder include hand tools, carbon steel and MIG. The most important skills for a maintenance welder are MIG, arc welding, and hand tools.

Pipefitter/welder vs maintenance welder overview

Pipefitter/WelderMaintenance Welder
Yearly salary$53,768$40,659
Hourly rate$25.85$19.55
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,99678,332
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4240
Years of experience-4

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 maintenance welder do?

A Maintenance Welder diagnoses and repairs a variety of metal work including construction vehicles and equipment. They cut, fit, and weld metal using gas and electric welding equipment.

Pipefitter/welder vs maintenance welder salary

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

Pipefitter/WelderMaintenance Welder
Average salary$53,768$40,659
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $30,000 And $54,000
Highest paying City-Renton, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-BNSF Railway
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between pipefitter/welder and maintenance welder education

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

Pipefitter/WelderMaintenance Welder
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs maintenance welder demographics

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

Pipefitter/WelderMaintenance Welder
Average age4240
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 92.8% Female, 7.2%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and maintenance welder 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.
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Maintenance welder example responsibilities.

  • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
  • Experience in welding pressure tanks, stainless pipes and aluminum tanks using GMAW, FCAW, GTAW.
  • Perform rework utilizing SMAW and FCAW welding skills.
  • Perform TIG welding of stainless pipe and equipment repairs.
  • Certify students in weld processes SMAW, GMAW, GTAW.OAW, and both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
  • Install duct work, blowers, dampers, flow boxes, and the structure the components set on.
  • Show more

Pipefitter/welder vs maintenance welder skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common maintenance welder skills
  • MIG, 10%
  • Arc Welding, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • GMAW, 7%
  • SMAW, 6%
  • GTAW, 5%

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