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all about welder jobs

If you have experience as a welder, the job possibilities are nearly endless. Welders are currently in high demand across the U.S., and skilled welders with several years of experience under their belts in particular. What you bring to the workplace simply can’t be replaced by technology. 

As a welder, what’s more, you might also specialize in areas such as fabrication, pipeline welding, precision welding, pressure welding, ship building and repair, vessel welding or machinery and equipment repair welding.

what do welder jobs entail?

Welders typically work full time, although you may work after normal business hours or in shifts, depending on where you're employed. While you’ll probably work in a shop or industrial environment, some welders work onsite (especially in the construction industry). Overall, companies in the construction, manufacturing industries are by far the largest employers of welders in the U.S. You should also know that there are three primary types of highly in-demand welding jobs out there today, as explained below.

three different types of in-demand welding jobs

• MIG welding: Metal inert gas, or MIG, welding refers to a specific type of welding process. In MIG welding, an electric arc is created between a wire electrode and a metal workpiece. This arc produces heat, causing the wire electrode and the metal workpiece to melt and join.
• Arc welding: Arc welding is a welding process that uses electricity to melt two metals, which become bound together once they have cooled.
• SMAW or “stick” welding: Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as “stick” welding, is a manual arc welding process in which a consumable electrode covered with a flux — a cleaning agent that removes oxidation — is used to fuse metals. 

what are the pros and cons of being a welder?

As a welder, you’ll work with your hands all day — so if the idea of an office job where you sit at a desk all day makes you cringe, then a welding job sounds like it might be right for you. However, you should be aware that being a welder means carrying out demanding work day in and day out. You’ll be on your feet all day, for starters. You’ll also likely work in noisy or dusty environments where temperatures and climates vary greatly. What’s more, if you work in the construction sector, seasonal weather can be an issue. 

what are future career paths for welders?

With training and experience, you can move into supervisory positions, such as foreman, maintenance supervisor or production manager. If you’re a welder with advanced skills and more than five years of experience, you should have a big advantage in the current labor market. In fact, there are numerous opportunities to further your career, and demand for welders and related machine operators is forecast to grow in the coming years.

what are related jobs for welders?

Other jobs you might be interested in if you want a job similar to welding include:

• construction workers
• fitters
• machine operators
• millwrights
• pipefitters

what’s the average salary for a welder?

Welders typically earn an hourly rate. On an annual basis, that nets out somewhere in the ballpark of $32,000 for welders who are just starting out in their careers. If you have previous welding experience, however, the compensation can be higher. Those with three-to-five years of experience, for example, can expect annual earnings of around $37,000 or more. 

While welders are highly in demand across the U.S., those based in California, Wisconsin and Texas will have the most abundant opportunities.

what are welders responsible for?

Depending on your skill set, you may be called on to operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment, manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment and brazing and semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment. Regardless of the equipment you’re using, however, the goal will be pretty much the same: either bonding metal pieces or repairing metal parts. In some cases, you may also be asked to operate metal-shaping machines. 

Highly skilled welders are often required to read and interpret blueprints, and implement their broad-based knowledge of welding techniques, fitting and metallurgy as part of the execution. Day-to-day tasks for most welders include:

• planning out welds according to project specifications
• tacking welds and melting metal bars
• welding components in a variety of positions
• cutting metals and other materials
• installing and repairing equipment
• testing and inspecting welded materials

where do welders typically work?

As a welder, you’ll typically work in a shop environment or at construction sites. You could be a permanent hire or a contractor — or even be self-employed. Most welders either work in construction or for companies that manufacture metal goods such as structural steel and plate work, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft, ships and more. On the job, you’ll usually report to a foreman or supervisor.

what skills, training or certification do you need to be a welder?

The training and certifications required to be a welder will vary depending on your role, industry and employer. In general, welders need to have graduated from high school and completed an apprenticeship program. Alternatively, a blend of work experience and coursework or training in welding is often acceptable. Since welding, brazing and soldering machine operators frequently receive extensive on-the-job training, they may be hired even if they have relatively little or no previous experience. 

Some skills you might bring to the table as a welder include:

• the ability to work with your hands in a physically demanding environment
• the ability to problem solve and think on your feet
• knowledge of welding equipment and procedures
• the ability to use tools such as saws, squares and calipers
• the ability to read technical documents and blueprints
• a safety mindset and the desire to comply with workplace health and safety guidelines

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