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Pipefitter/welder vs sprinkler fitter

The differences between pipefitter/welders and sprinkler fitters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a sprinkler fitter has an average salary of $66,430, which is higher than the $53,768 average annual salary of a pipefitter/welder.

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

Pipefitter/welder vs sprinkler fitter overview

Pipefitter/WelderSprinkler Fitter
Yearly salary$53,768$66,430
Hourly rate$25.85$31.94
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,99613,203
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 50%
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 sprinkler fitter do?

A sprinkler fitter is responsible for installing, inspecting, and repairing sprinkler systems. Your duties will typically include installing plumbing fixtures, fixing and replacing defective and outdated sprinklers, and soldering and welding pipes, tubes, and fittings designed for sprinklers. Additionally, you are expected to test sprinkler systems to ensure that they are well functioning as they wear and tear over time. As a sprinkler fitter, you may also be tasked to educate the public about the importance of having functional sprinklers as part of fire prevention measures.

Pipefitter/welder vs sprinkler fitter salary

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

Pipefitter/WelderSprinkler Fitter
Average salary$53,768$66,430
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $43,000 And $100,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Tesla
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between pipefitter/welder and sprinkler fitter education

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

Pipefitter/WelderSprinkler Fitter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingFire Science And Protection
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs sprinkler fitter demographics

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

Pipefitter/WelderSprinkler Fitter
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 1.9% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and sprinkler fitter 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

Sprinkler fitter example responsibilities.

  • Maintain OSHA and company record of on-site safety training.
  • Supervise, and run gas lines
  • Wire up bell and pressure switches.
  • Install dryers, stoves furnace and water heaters.
  • Follow all regulations including OSHA, safety, PPE.
  • Repair and maintain fire sprinkler systems in OKC area.
  • Show more

Pipefitter/welder vs sprinkler fitter skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common sprinkler fitter skills
  • Fire Protection, 24%
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Ladders, 13%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems, 4%
  • NFPA, 4%

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