Code Welder or Coded Welder is a skilled professional who performs welding operations and joins metal parts using various welding techniques and equipment. Code Welders are also known as Welding Technicians or Certified Welders. These persons are responsible for cutting, fitting, and welding metal materials according to company standards, national codes, and customers’ specifications. These individuals primarily ensure the integrity and strength of the welds, by following specific safety standards and guidelines. Becoming a Code Welder requires certain qualifications and experiences. In this article, read various aspects of Code Welder’s career.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Welding Codes
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Typical education level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Certification in Welding Techniques e.g., AWS Certified Welder (CW)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
1. Basic Welding Courses
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) Course
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) Course
- Introduction to Welding (A foundational course)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Course
2. Advanced Welding Courses
- Aluminum Welding Course
- Pipe Welding Course
- Stainless Steel Welding Course
- Structural Welding Course
3. Code Welder Certification Preparation
- AWS Certified Welder (CW) Program
- ASME Section IX Code Welding Course
4. Specialized Welding Courses
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Course
- Robotic Welding Course
- Underwater Welding Course
Common Welding Codes
Some widely recognized codes include-
1. American Welding Society (AWS) Codes
- AWS D1.1: Structural Welding Code (Steel)
- AWS D1.2: Structural Welding Code (Aluminum)
- AWS D1.3: Structural Welding Code (Sheet Steel)
- AWS D1.6: Structural Welding Code (Stainless Steel)
- AWS D1.5: Bridge Welding Code
- AWS D17.1: Aerospace Fusion Welding
2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
- ASME Section IX: Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications
- ASME B31.1: Power Piping
- ASME B31.3: Process Piping
- ASME B31.4: Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids
- ASME B31.8: Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
3. American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards
- API 1104: Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
- API 650: Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
- API 620: Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
4. Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- CSA W59: Welded Steel Construction (Structural Welding Code)
- CSA W47.1: Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel
- CSA W47.2: Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Aluminum
5. European Welding Standards (EN)
- EN ISO 3834: Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials
- EN 1090: Execution of steel and aluminum structures
6. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards
- ISO 9606: Qualification testing of welders (Fusion welding)
- ISO 15614: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials
Certification/License
Some common certification types-
- American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder (CW)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX Certification
- Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certification
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification
- European Welding Federation (EWF) Certification
- International Institute of Welding (IIW) Certification
Work Experience
Typical hands-on experience includes-
- Entry-Level Positions – Require limited or no professional welding experience
- Junior or Apprentice Welders – Require a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant welding experience
- Experienced Welders – Several years (3-5) of professional welding experience
- Industry-Specific Experience – Needs specific certifications or relevant qualifications
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to welding standards such as AWS or ASME codes
- Collaborate with other team members for work integration
- Conduct inspections/tests on welded joints using NDT methods
- Document/record welding activities
- Follow safety protocols/guidelines to prevent accidents
- Maintain/troubleshoot welding equipment
- Monitor the welding process to ensure proper working
- Perform welding operations as per project specifications
- Prepare and clean metal surfaces
- Read/interpret technical drawings, welding symbols, and work orders
- Set up and operate welding equipment
- Select/use appropriate welding techniques and materials
Abilities/Skills
Some key skills include-
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Adhering to safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment
- Attention to detail
- Competence in visual inspection techniques
- Effective communication skills
- Familiarity with relevant welding codes and standards
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Proficiency in various welding processes
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Understand the properties of different metals and alloys
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Exposure to noise and fumes
- May be required to work on different shifts
- May require travel to different job sites or locations
- May require working in confined spaces
- May work both indoors and outdoors
- Must adhere to safety protocols and guidelines
- Often work in high-temperature environments
- Overtime work may be common
Physical Requirements
Some of the physical demands include-
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
- May involve lifting and carrying heavy objects
- Need physical stamina and endurance
- Require kneeling, bending, reaching, or crouching
- Typically requires standing for extended periods
- Wear welding helmets with appropriate shade filters (PPE)
- Work often involves repetitive motions
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Aerospace/Defense Sectors
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Fabrication/Metalworking Shops
- Manufacturing Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Petrochemical/Chemical Industries
- Power Generation Sector
- Structural Steel Fabrication Companies
- Transportation Sector
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Pipe Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Pressure Vessel Welder
- Structural Welder
- Welder Fabricator
- Welding Instructor
- Welding Sales/Technical Support
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
Salary Information
The salary of a Code Welder varies from place to place in the United States. Salary figures depend on factors like education, certification, experience, location, and company size. The average hourly wage of a Code Welder is $23. Some of the general salary ranges of code welders include.
Hourly Wage-
- Entry-level Code Welder: $15 to $25
- Experienced Code Welder: $25 to $35
- Highly skilled or specialized Code Welder: $35 to $50+
Monthly Salary-
- Entry-level Code Welder: $2,500 to $4,500
- Experienced Code Welder: $4,500 to $6,500
- Highly skilled or specialized Code Welder: $6,500 to $8,500+
Yearly Salary-
- Entry-level Code Welder: $30,000 to $54,000
- Experienced Code Welder: $54,000 to $78,000
- Highly skilled or specialized Code Welder: $78,000 to $102,000+
These salary figures are just estimates. Code welders may earn higher salaries in certain regions and industries.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Retirement Plans (401k or Pension Plans)
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Health Insurances
- Life Insurance Coverage
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Professional Development Programs
- Tuition Reimbursement Programs
Summary
Code Welders are skilled professionals. They perform welding tasks in accordance with specific codes and standards. The profession requires practical experience, relevant certifications, and knowledge of welding codes/standards. They work in various settings such as fabrication shops, construction sites, and industrial facilities. Overall, Code Welders are pivotal figures in the manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
