Automotive Welder (auto welder) is a skilled professional who welds and joins metal components in the automotive industry. They primarily use various welding techniques to create durable welds and ensure the structural integrity of vehicles. These vehicle welders play a crucial role in the automotive manufacturing and repair industry. They work with various materials and welding techniques. The profession requires certain qualifications, experience, education, certification, skills, and adherence to safety standards for producing high-quality welds. In this article, read all about an automotive welder job description in detail.
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 common job levels include-
- Entry-Level Welder (Level 1)
- Experienced Welder (Level 2)
- Certified Welder (Level 3)
- Master Welder (Level 4)
- Welding Supervisor/Inspector (Level 5)
- Welding Engineer (Level 6)
Education Level
The typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational/Trade School Certification
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- Apprenticeship Program
- Relevant AWS Certification
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Techniques Course
- Aluminum Welding Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Certification Course
- Continuing Education/Workshops
- Online Welding Course
- Robotic Welding Course
- Specialized Automotive Welding Courses
- Welding Technology Program
- Welding Safety Course
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
- Aluminum Welding Certification
- Automotive Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Pipe Welding Certification
- Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) Certification
- Robotic Welding Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aluminum Welding Experience
- Apprenticeship Experience
- Certification Experience
- On-the-Job Experience
- Pipe Welding Experience
- Project-Based Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- Resistance Spot Welding Experience
- Robotic Welding Experience
- Training/Mentorship Experience
- Welding Process Improvement Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common job duties include-
- Adhere to safety protocols/guidelines
- Communicate effectively with team members
- Comply with environmental regulations
- Conduct visual inspections of welds
- Ensure all welding work meets industry standards
- Ensure proper component fitment/alignment
- Fabricate/modify vehicle components
- Follow the design/layout instructions
- Handle/transport materials safely
- Implement corrective measures for welding problems
- Implement quality control procedures
- Inspect/maintain welding equipment regularly
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Perform welding operations using various techniques
- Prepare metal surfaces for welding
- Read/interpret blueprints, and welding symbols
- Report equipment malfunctions/issues
- Select the appropriate welding method/settings
- Stay updated on new welding techniques
- Suggest process improvements
- Troubleshoot potential welding issues
- Use lifting equipment/machinery
- Use non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work closely with other team members
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Welding Machines–
MIG Welding Machine (GMAW)
TIG Welding Machine (GTAW)
Stick Welding Machine (SMAW)
- Cutting Tools
- Gas Cylinders/Regulators
- Grinders/Abrasive Tools
- Welding Aprons/Protective Clothing
- Welding Carts
- Welding Clamps/Magnets
- Welding Electrodes/Filler Materials
- Welding Gauges/Measuring Instruments
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Helmets/Face Shields
- Welding Power Sources
- Welding Respirators/Ventilation Systems
- Welding Safety Equipment
- Welding Tables/Fixtures
- Welding Wire Brushes/Chipping Hammers
- Welding Wire Feeders/Spools
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Basic math skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning skills
- Documentation ability
- Effective communication skills
- Equipment operation competency
- Familiarity with different materials
- Hand-eye coordination
- Precision/attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork skills
- Time management skills
- Understanding of quality control processes
- Welding proficiency in various welding processes
- Work adaptability
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Collaborate with other team members
- Exposure to fumes and gases
- Exposure to loud noise
- May face safety hazards
- May need to comply with industry-specific standards
- May need to work different shifts
- May subject to extreme heat or cold
- May work both indoors and outdoors
- May work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Must perform work with precision/quality
- Often use proper hearing protection
- Often work in various welding positions
- Perform custom fabrication on a variety of projects
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in well-ventilated areas
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Apply fine motor skills
- Be resistant to cold in cold temperatures
- Frequently stoop, bend, and squat
- Require maneuver to handle welding equipment
- Lifting techniques require physical strength
- May be required to lift/carry heavy materials
- May be subject to heavy breathing
- Must maintain various welding positions
- Often perform overhead welding position
- Often stand for long periods while performing tasks
- Possess precise hand-eye coordination
- Repetitive motions can lead to strain over time
- Show resistance to heat
- Wearing safety gear is physically demanding
- Working in confined spaces can be physically challenging
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (city and state)
Objective (Optional)
- Highlights your career goals
Summary (Optional)
- Briefly provide your key qualifications and skills (this section is helpful for extensive experience holders)
Skills
- List your relevant technical and soft skills
- Mention both general skills and specific automotive welding skills
Work Experience
- Highlight specific welding processes used
- Include the employer’s name, location (city/state), job title, and the dates of employment (month and year)
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- Provide detailed descriptions of your responsibilities
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible
- Use bullet points to increase readability
Education
- Include your educational background (most recent first)
- List the institution name, location, degree earned, and graduation date (month and year)
Certifications (Optional)
- Add relevant certification if you have
- Create a section to list them
Additional Sections (Optional)
List here-
- Awards and Honors
- Professional Affiliations
- Continuing Education/Training
References (Optional)
- Generally, not necessary (available upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Use bullet points for more clarity
- Keep paragraphs short for easy readability
- Proofread carefully (no typos/grammatical errors)
- Keep the resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Use a professional format with a font (11-12 points)
Top Industries
Some common working places include-
- Aerospace Industry
- Aftermarket Parts Manufacturing Company
- Agricultural/Heavy Equipment Manufacturing Company
- Automotive Manufacturing Plant
- Automotive Repair Shop
- Boat/Marine Industry
- Consulting/Inspection Services
- Custom Fabrication Shop
- Educational Institutions
- Railroad Industry
- Military/Defense Sector
- Self-Employment/Entrepreneurship
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aluminum Welder
- Aftermarket Parts Fabricator
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Chassis Welder
- Custom Fabrication Welder
- Exhaust System Welder
- Educator/Instructor
- Repair/Restoration Welder
- Production Welder
- Self-Employed Welder
- Robotic Welding Technician
- Welding Consultant
- Welding Engineer (advanced role)
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of an Automotive Welder in the United States is $22. But factors like certifications, education, experience, location, skills, company size, and employer type affect salary figures.
However, the approximate salary ranges of an automotive welder includes-
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $15 to $25
- Mid-Career: $20 to $30
- Experienced: $25 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,400 to $4,000
- Mid-Career – $3,200 to $5,200
- Experienced – $4,000 to $6,400 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $28,800 to $48,000
- Mid-Career – $38,400 to $62,400
- Experienced – $48,000 to $76,800 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from employer to employer depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, unionized positions may also have standardized wage scales.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Company Culture/Social Events
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Employee Discounts:
- Healthcare Benefits
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
- Retirement Plans (401k) plan
- Safety Gear/Equipment Provision
- Shift Differentials Pay
- Tool Allowance
- Training/Professional Development Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Union Membership
- Wellness Programs
- Work-Life Balance Initiatives
Summary
Automotive Welders play a vital role in the automotive industry by welding and joining metal components. They ensure the structural integrity and safety of vehicles. These vehicle welders require special expertise, training, and precision in various welding techniques. They work in various settings such as repair shops, manufacturing plants, and custom fabrication shops. The profession requires physical demands. They obtain good salaries along with many job benefits and perks. Overall, automotive welders are essential contributors to the automotive industry.
