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Pipefitter/welder vs welder fitter

The differences between pipefitter/welders and welder fitters 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 $39,676 average annual salary of a welder fitter.

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

Pipefitter/welder vs welder fitter overview

Pipefitter/WelderWelder Fitter
Yearly salary$53,768$39,676
Hourly rate$25.85$19.07
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs7,9968,022
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 43%
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 welder fitter do?

A Welder Fitter specializes in manipulating steel, aluminum, and other materials into various industries' structural forms. The majority of a welder's responsibilities are mostly manual work, which can have risks as they use torches or lasers for their daily tasks, and there are also instances when they have to climb high structures. Furthermore, a Welder Fitter must have keen attention to detail and communication skills as they must coordinate with fellow workers most of the time.

Pipefitter/welder vs welder fitter salary

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

Pipefitter/WelderWelder Fitter
Average salary$53,768$39,676
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $28,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City-Vancouver, WA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Jefferson Lab
Best paying industry-Energy

Differences between pipefitter/welder and welder fitter education

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

Pipefitter/WelderWelder Fitter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Pipefitter/welder vs welder fitter demographics

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

Pipefitter/WelderWelder Fitter
Average age4240
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 95.1% Female, 4.9%
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, 10.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage2%3%

Differences between pipefitter/welder and welder 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.
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Welder fitter example responsibilities.

  • Manage and run production parts through the brake.
  • Align parts in relation to each other, using jacks, turnbuckles, clips, wedges, and mauls.
  • Align and fit according to specifications using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars and hammers.
  • Weld and fit per drawing: GTAW aluminum, stainless, steel, and copper-nickel pipe.
  • Fabricate parts and equipment using GTAW process on thin metals such as aluminum & other precious metals.
  • Manufacture mobile home frames using fixtures, heat beam for a perfect chamber while applying welding procedures of SMAW and GMAW.
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Pipefitter/welder vs welder fitter skills

Common pipefitter/welder skills
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Carbon Steel, 9%
  • MIG, 7%
  • Safety Equipment, 5%
  • Pipe Systems, 5%
  • Plumbing, 5%
Common welder fitter skills
  • MIG, 13%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Arc Welding, 5%
  • GMAW, 5%
  • Aluminum, 5%
  • Stainless Steel, 5%

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