Combo Welder or Combination Welder is a skilled professional who performs various types of welding tasks using different techniques. These welders primarily join metal components together to create durable structures or products. The profession requires a certain education level, work experience, certification, skills, etc. Combo welders work in various industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, and more. Their sharp skills in multiple welding techniques allow them to tackle different welding projects in diverse industrial settings. The combo welder’s job may vary slightly depending on the specific industry or company type. In this article, read all about the combo welder job description.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Combo Welding Equipment
- 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
- Vocational or Trade School
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Combo Welding Course
- Basic Combo Welding Course
- Certification Preparation Courses
- Combination of Welding and Fabrication Courses
- Industry-Specific Combo Welding Course
- Pipe Combo Welding Course
- Structural Combo Welding Course
- Weekend or Short-Term Intensive Combo Welding Courses
Certification/License
Some common combo certifications include-
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Combination Certifications
- Pipe Welding Certifications
- Structural Welding Certifications
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Apprenticeships
- Combination of Welding Positions
- Entry-Level Welding Jobs
- Internships
- On-the-Job Training
- Specialized Projects
- Vocational or Trade School Programs
- Welding Certifications
Duties/Responsibilities
Some typical duties include-
- Collaborate with team members
- Complete welding tasks within the timeframe
- Conduct visual inspections and NDT
- Ensure welded joints meet industry standards
- Fabricate/join large structures
- Follow all safety protocols
- Identify/resolve welding issues
- Keep detailed records of welding activities
- Maintain welding equipment/tools
- Operate welding equipment
- Perform expertise in advanced welding techniques
- Perform specialized pipe welding tasks
- Perform various welding processes
- Prepare metal parts for welding
- Stay updated with the latest welding advancements
- Weld different types of materials
- Weld in different welding positions
Combo Welding Equipment
Some essential equipment includes-
- Angle Grinder/Cutting Tools
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Regulators/Gas Cylinders
- TIG Torch
- Welding Consumables
- Welding Electrode Holder
- Welding Inspection Tools
- Welding Machine/Power Sources
- Welding Safety Equipment
- Welding Torch or Gun
- Welding Workstation/welding tables
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Blueprint Reading Skills
- Continuous Learning Temperament
- Effective Communication Skills
- Equipment Operation Proficiency
- Familiarity With Industry Welding Codes
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- Material Preparation Skills
- Proficiency in Various Welding Processes
- Safety Consciousness
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills
- Strong Understanding of Different Metals
- Teamwork Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Weld Inspection Skills
- Work Adaptability
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Be comfortable working in confined spaces
- May expose to weather conditions while working outdoors
- May need to travel for work assignments
- May work in dedicated welding booths or enclosures
- May work in high-temperature environments
- May work in shifts work
- Must strictly adhere to safety protocols
- Often collaborate with other professionals
- Often work in industrial environments
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in noise and fumes
Physical Requirements
Typical physical demands include-
- Bear welding shield weight
- Good physical endurance
- Handling welding equipment
- High heat exposure
- May need to lift/move heavy metal components
- Often requires working in awkward positions
- Perform repetitive motions with tools
- Prolonged standing hours while working
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Aerospace Companies
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Defense/Military Sectors
- Fabrication Shops
- Heavy Equipment Industry
- Maintenance/Repair Settings
- Manufacturing Industry
- Metal Fabrication Shops
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Pipeline Industry
- Power Generation Settings
- Railroad/Transportation Industry
- Renewable Energy Industry
- Shipbuilding Industry
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Automotive Welder
- Boiler Maker
- Combination Welding Instructor
- Certified Welding Inspector
- Maintenance Welder
- Marine Welder
- Nuclear Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Production Welder
- Robotic Welding Operator/Programmer
- Structural Welder
- Underwater Welder (Commercial Diver)
- Welder-Fabricator
- Welding Technician
Salary Information
On average, a Combo Welder in the United States earns $23.51 per hour. But various factors like education level, work experience, certification, industry size, skills, and location affect salary trends from place to place.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Combo Welders include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-level Combo Welder – $15 to $20
- Experienced Combo Welder – $20 to $30
- Extensive Experienced Combo Welder – $30 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-level Combo Welder – 2,500 to $3,500
- Experienced Combo Welder – $3,500 to $5,000
- Extensive Experienced Combo Welder – $5,000 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-level Combo Welder – $30,000 to $42,000
- Experienced Combo Welder – $42,000 to $60,000
- Extensive Experienced Combo Welder – $60,000 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, actual salary can vary from company to company depending on various local factors.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
- 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) with Match
- Disability
- Healthcare
- Pension
- Social Security
- Time Off (days)
Summary
Combo welders play a vital role in joining metal components to create durable structures. They possess expertise in multiple welding processes. The job is physically demanding. They can work in different confined spaces, outdoor environments, and industrial settings. Combo welders need to follow many safety protocols while working on welding projects. Every year, various industries employ combo welders. Their sharp skills make welding a versatile and sought-after profession. The salary of combo welders varies from place to place. Simply more skills and experience fetch more hourly and monthly. Overall, the profession of a combo welder is demanding and contributes to the creation and maintenance of various metal structures.
