Manufacturing

Welder

Do you love the details? Have a steady hand and a mind for problem solving? Become a Welder and learn something that will set you up for life!

Join metal parts using various welding techniques including MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Read blueprints and inspect welds for quality.

Salary Range

$38,000 – $76,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$44,190

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth(+2%)

2024–2034 projected

They are paid well, have a high job security, and have a high job satisfaction

Browse Welder Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
Operate safety equipment and use safe work habits.
Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
Recognize, set up, and operate hand and power tools common to the welding trade, such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
Weld separately or in combination, using aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys.
Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrodes to metals being welded, completing electrical circuits.
Connect and turn regulator valves to activate and adjust gas flow and pressure so that desired flames are obtained.
Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
Monitor the fitting, burning, and welding processes to avoid overheating of parts or warping, shrinking, distortion, or expansion of material.

Tools of the Trade

Blow torchDrill press or radial drillGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusWelding electrodeManlift or personnel liftWelding or cutting tipWelder torchElectrode holderUltrasonic welding machineWelding masksSpot welding machineTungsten inert gas welding machineVoltage or current metersMetal inert gas welding machinePositioning jigShielded metal arc welding or stick welding machinePower sawsPipe or tube cutterTrack cranesWorkshop cranesMill saw fileHydraulic press brakeThreading machineCalipersSpeed sensorsInduction heatersFlow sensorsRespiratorsBench visesHydraulic press framesManual press brakePry barsHoistsHammersPower buffersCutting dieSafety glassesJacksPullersTemperature gaugeFlame cutting machineSoldering ironSocket setsWelding wireAlternating current AC arc welderThickness measuring devicesRespiration air supplying self contained breathing apparatus or accessoriesPyrometersTracer or duplicating or contouring lathePlasma arc welding machinePneumatic hammerProtective glovesPower grindersDirect current DC arc welderLaser welding machinePunches or nail sets or driftsPneumatic drillTube bending machinePressure or steam cleanersTapsMetal stampsShearsWetsuitsProtractorsThreading tapsDeburring toolFrequency convertersLight trucks or sport utility vehiclesPneumatic sanding machinesStraight edgesWire brushesMicrocontrollersMetal band sawing machineWelding generatorTinners snipsMetal slitting sawHacksawTwo way radiosLaddersMicrometersScrewdriversTape measuresWire cuttersRatchetsNibblersScaffoldingLevelsHand clampsScribersUtility knivesNotebook computersForkliftsAnvilsPower drillsSquaresMilling machinesImpact wrenchesPotentiometersTongsWelding robotsRulersGogglesLaser printersPower chippersAdjustable widemouth pliersDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesPersonal computersWinchesTemplates

Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 58/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 46/100

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 46/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 44/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 39/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 39/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 38/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 36/100

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 29/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 29/100