In short
MIG welding (gas metal arc welding) feeds a wire electrode through a gun, which makes it fast and relatively easy to learn, so it is common in production and fabrication shops. TIG welding (gas tungsten arc welding) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler rod added by hand, which is slower and harder but gives precise, clean welds on thin metal, stainless steel and aluminum. Most beginners learn MIG first.
| MIG (GMAW) | TIG (GTAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrode | Wire fed through the gun | Tungsten, with separate filler rod |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Difficulty | Easier to learn | Harder, uses both hands and often a foot pedal |
| Best for | Production, fabrication, thicker steel | Thin metal, stainless, aluminum, critical joints |
| Typical jobs | Manufacturing, auto, structural shops | Aerospace, food equipment, pipe root passes |
| Middle pay | $53,750 a year, roughly $25.84 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then moderate-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 437,700 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 2.4% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 40,300, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
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Straight answers
Is TIG harder than MIG?
Yes. TIG takes more coordination and practice.
Which pays more, MIG or TIG?
TIG skills often lead to higher paying precision work, but pay depends more on the job than the process.
Should I learn stick welding too?
Yes. Stick is common in structural and field work. See stick welding.