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Pipefitter/welder vs pipe foreman

The differences between pipefitter/welders and pipe foremen 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 $49,468 average annual salary of a pipe foreman.

The top three skills for a pipefitter/welder include hand tools, carbon steel and MIG. The most important skills for a pipe foreman are hand tools, OSHA, and ladders.

Pipefitter/welder vs pipe foreman overview

Pipefitter/WelderPipe Foreman
Yearly salary$53,768$49,468
Hourly rate$25.85$23.78
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,9967,924
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 51%
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 pipe foreman do?

A pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives. Moreover, a pipe foreman monitors all activities while implementing the company's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.

Pipefitter/welder vs pipe foreman salary

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

Pipefitter/WelderPipe Foreman
Average salary$53,768$49,468
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $38,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pipefitter/welder and pipe foreman education

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

Pipefitter/WelderPipe Foreman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs pipe foreman demographics

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

Pipefitter/WelderPipe Foreman
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 95.9% Female, 4.1%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 1.9% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and pipe foreman 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

Pipe foreman example responsibilities.

  • Use hoists and cranes to lift work pieces to machines and manage work with little supervision.
  • Maintain a safe work environment ensuring that workers follow safety rules in accordance with client and OSHA.
  • Install HVAC systems, building control systems.
  • Form cast iron and PVC roof drains, sewer drains.
  • Set up equipment for welds with SMAW, TIG and brazing processes.
  • Work in full alkaline gear while doing demo and installation contaminate lines.
  • Show more

Pipefitter/welder vs pipe foreman skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common pipe foreman skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • OSHA, 12%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • Construction Sites, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Storm Sewer, 5%

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