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The differences between sprinkler fitters and pipe welders 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 $46,364 average annual salary of a pipe welder.
The top three skills for a sprinkler fitter include fire protection, hand tools and ladders. The most important skills for a pipe welder are carbon steel, MIG, and hand tools.
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 Your duties will typically include installing plumbing fixtures, fixing and replacing defective and outdated sprinklers, and soldering and welding pipes, tubes, and fittings designed for sprinklers.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.
According to schematics and analyzing specifications, a pipe welder is responsible for maintaining and repairing pipe systems and components. Pipe welders inspect the quality of the materials, assemble tools for welding preparations, ensure the safety of the welding method and structural units, and strictly adhere to safety operations procedures. They also examine finished welds to identify any defects and perform adjustments as needed. A pipe welder must have a broad knowledge of the mechanical industry to operate machinery and construct a safe piping system.
Sprinkler fitters and pipe welders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sprinkler Fitter | Pipe Welder | |
| Average salary | $66,430 | $46,364 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $100,000 | Between $33,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | North Kingstown, RI |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Tesla | Forum Energy Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Government | Construction |
There are a few differences between a sprinkler fitter and a pipe welder in terms of educational background:
| Sprinkler Fitter | Pipe Welder | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Fire Science And Protection | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between sprinkler fitters' and pipe welders' demographics:
| Sprinkler Fitter | Pipe Welder | |
| Average age | 42 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 3% |