Aluminum Welder (aluminum welder fabricator) is a skilled professional who joins aluminum materials together using various welding techniques. They primarily work with aluminum as a base material to create structures, products, or components. Aluminum welders ensure high-quality welds and adhere to project specifications to obtain desired results. The profession demands a strong understanding of aluminum welding techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols. To be successful in this role, individuals need certain qualifications, education, experience, skills, certification, etc. So, let us dive into the details of an aluminum welder job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Education Level
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Demands
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some typical job levels include-
- Welding Assistant or Apprentice Welder
- Junior Welder or Welder I
- Welder or Welder II
- Senior Welder or Welder III
- Certified Welder
- Welding Inspector
Education Level
Some common education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Welding Training Program
- AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code (Aluminum) Certification
- Apprenticeship Program
- Relevant Continuing Education/Training
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology (optional)
- Safety Training/Certifications (OSHA Certification)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Aluminum Welding Course
- Aluminum Welding Equipment Operation Course
- Aluminum Welding Techniques Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Blueprint Reading Course
- Certification Preparation Course (by AWS)
- Customized Training Program
- Online Aluminum Welding Course
- Weld Inspection/Quality Control Course
- Welding Metallurgy Course
- Welding Safety Course
- Welding Workshops and Seminars
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- AWS B2.2 Certification
- AWS D1.2 Certification
- API Welder Certification
- ASME IX Certification
- Automotive Welding Certification
- Bridge Welding Certification
- ISO Certification
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- Military Welding Certification
- Naval Sea Systems Command Certification
- Nuclear Welding Certification
- Renewable Energy Welding Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aerospace Aluminum Welding Experience
- Automotive Aluminum Welding Experience
- Custom Fabrication/Manufacturing Experience
- Extreme Environments Welding Experience
- Marine/Naval Aluminum Welding Experience
- Nuclear Aluminum Welding Experience
- Oil/Gas Aluminum Welding Experience
- Prototype/Research Welding Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- Renewable Energy Aluminum Welding Experience
- Repair/Maintenance Welding Experience
- Structural Aluminum Welding Experience
- Supervisory/Leadership Roles Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
- Choose the appropriate type of aluminum materials
- Clean welded surfaces accordingly
- Communicate effectively for smooth workflow
- Complete welding logs and reports
- Conduct routine maintenance of welding equipment
- Ensure that all safety measures are in place
- Ensure that welds meet project specifications
- Ensure the welds are performed in accordance with standards
- Ensure the work area is left organized after welding tasks
- Inspect/test welds for quality standards
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Make any necessary adjustments to maintain quality
- Monitor the work environment for safety hazards
- Perform aluminum welding using various techniques (Tig/Mig)
- Prepare materials as needed for welding
- Prepare the work area (aluminum surfaces)
- Report any equipment malfunctions or issues
- Report any safety concerns or incidents
- Review blueprints and welding symbols
- Set up welding equipment
- Stay up-to-date with advancements in welding technology
- Troubleshoot welding issues
- Work closely with other team members
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Welding Machines–
TIG Welding Machine (TIG welder)
MIG Welding Machine (MIG welder)
- Clamps/Fixtures
- Gas Cylinder
- Grinding/Cutting Equipment
- Regulator/Flowmeter
- Safety Glasses
- Welding Apron/Protective Clothing
- Welding Cables/Leads
- Welding Consumables
- Welding Electrodes (for stick welding)
- Welding Fume Extraction System
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Helmet/Face Shield
- Welding Table/Workbench
- Welding Torch/Gun
Abilities/Skills
Some key abilities include-
- Ability to follow precise instructions
- Ability to produce defect-free welds in aluminum materials
- Ability to use NDT methods
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning skills
- Effective communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of different aluminum alloys
- Knowledge of welding codes/standards
- Metallurgical knowledge of aluminum
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong commitment to safety practices
- Time management skills
- Weld inspection/quality control skills
- Welding equipment operation abilities
- Welding proficiency in aluminum welding processes
- Welding work adaptability
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
- Exposure to hazardous fumes/gases
- Exposure to heat and UV radiation
- Frequently collaborate with other professionals
- May be exposed to varying weather conditions
- May be required to travel to different locations
- May involve shift work
- May need to work in confined spaces
- May work both indoors and outdoors
- Often expected to meet high-quality standards
- Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy working areas
- Use respiratory protection
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Be tolerant of extreme temperatures
- Handle tools and accessories
- May need to carry/maneuver heavy materials
- May require working overhead or at heights
- Must have visual acuity
- Need the physical endurance to maintain focus
- Need to manipulate welding equipment
- Prolonged use of respiratory protection
- Require to use of proper lifting techniques
- Stand for extended periods
- Work demands fine motor skills
- Work in awkward positions
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (city and state)
Objective/Summary (Optional)
- Highlight your career goals briefly
- List your specific career objectives
Qualification Summary
- List of key qualifications and skills
- Highlight your welding certifications
- Any other relevant qualifications
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- This includes the following details for each position-
Job Title
EmployerName
Location (city and state)
Dates of Employment (start and end dates)
Responsibilities and Accomplishments
Education
- Detail your educational background (most recent first)
- This includes the following information-
Degree Name
Institution Name
Location (city and state)
Graduation Date (if applicable)
Certifications/Training
- List any relevant welding certifications
- Include any additional related training or courses
Skills
- List both technical and soft skills
Optional Sections (if applicable)
- Projects or Work Portfolio
- Awards and Honors
- Professional Memberships
- References (available upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips
- Apply consistent formatting style
- Focus on relevant information
- Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Proofread your resume carefully
- Use a professional resume template
- Use bullet points to make your resume more readable
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Commercial Diving/Underwater Welding Facilities
- Construction Industry
- Construction/Infrastructure Development Projects
- Consulting/Inspection Services
- Custom/Specialty Welding Shops
- Government Agencies/Municipalities
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
- Marine/Shipbuilding Industry
- Naval/Defense Sector
- Oil and Gas Sector Industry
- Renewable Energy Industry
- Research/Development Organizations
- Welding Services Companies
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Aluminum Welder/Fabricator
- Automotive Welder
- Contract Welder
- Custom Welder/Artisan
- Marine Welder
- Naval Ship Welder
- Oil/Gas Welder
- R&D Welder
- Renewable Energy Welder
- Structural Aluminum Welder
- Underwater Welder/Diver
- Welding Consultant
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Educator
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of an Aluminum Welder in the United States is $25. But factors like education, experience, skills, certification, location, company size, and employer type affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for aluminum welders include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $15 to $25
- Experienced: $25 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,400 to $4,000
- Experienced – $4,000 to $6,400 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $28,800 to $48,000
- Experienced – $48,000 to $76,800 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, and actual salaries can vary significantly based on various local factors and rampant market trends. Besides this, many aluminum welders have the opportunity to earn extra income through overtime work.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Flexible Work Schedule
- Health Insurance
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Training/Certification Cost Coverage
- Profit-sharing Programs
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Equipment/Gear Provision
- Training/Development Opportunities
- Travel Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniforms/Workwear Cost Coverage
- Wellness Programs
Summary
Aluminum Welders weld aluminum components to create products, structures, and equipment. They play a pivotal role in various industries at different positions. The profession requires certain qualifications and working skills to excel in this role. Aluminum welders can find jobs in diverse sectors. The salary of an aluminum welder differs from place to place depending on workloads. Besides this, they obtain various job compensation packages in the form of benefits and perks. Overall, Aluminum Welder is an important individual in shaping the future of aluminum welding work in the industry.
