Construction Welder Job Description

Construction Welder is a skilled tradesperson who joins metal components or structures together using various welding techniques. They create and maintain structural integrity and durability in bridges, buildings, pipelines, and other infrastructure projects. Individuals with the art of transforming raw metal into strong, enduring structures are suitable for this profession. Construction Welders are an integral part of the construction industry. They require certain qualifications such as education, experience, skills, certification, equipment knowledge, etc. So, let us dive into the details of a construction welder job description.

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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

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Position Levels

Some common job levels include-

• Entry-Level Welder
• Journeyman Welder
• Certified Welder
• Welding Supervisor/Foreman
• Welding Inspector
• Welding Engineer/Welding Technologist

Education Level

The typical education levels include-

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Welding Certification Programs
• Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
• Bachelor’s Degree in Welding Engineering/Materials Science (Optional)
• Apprenticeships
• Continuing Education/Certifications

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Course Types

Some common course types include-

• Advanced Welding Techniques Course
• Basic Welding Course
• Blueprint Reading/Welding Symbols Course
• Metallurgy/Materials Science Course
• Specialized Welding Course
• Welding Certification Course
• Welding Inspection Course
• Welding Safety Course
• Welding Technology Program

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Certification/License

Some common certification types include-

• AWS Welding Certifications-
  Certified Welder (CW)
  Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
  Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)

• API 1104 Welding Certification by API
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification by ASME
• D1.1 Structural Welding Certification by AWS
• D1.5 Bridge Welding Certification by AWS
• NACE Coating Inspector Certification by NACE
• Specialized Industry Certification
• Underwater Welding Certification by AWS or ADCI

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Work Experience

Some common experience types include-

• Aerospace Welding Experience
• Automotive Welding Experience
• Custom Fabrication Experience
• Heavy Equipment Repair Experience
• Marine Welding Experience
• Pipeline Welding Experience
• Sheet Metal Welding Experience
• Structural Welding Experience
• Underwater Welding Experience
• Welding Inspection Experience
• Welding Supervision/Leadership Experience

Duties/Responsibilities

Some common duties include-

• Adhere to welding-related environmental regulations
• Collaborate with other construction professionals
• Communicate effectively with team members
• Comply with all relevant safety regulations
• Follow strict safety procedures (PPE)
• Implement safety measures
• Inspect welded joints both visually and using testing methods
• Maintain accurate records of welding activities
• Make necessary adjustments to welding parameters
• Perform routine welding equipment maintenance/repairs
• Perform various welding techniques
• Seek opportunities for skill development/training
• Select the appropriate electrodes, welding process, and materials
• Select/prepare the metal materials for welding
• Set up/adjust welding equipment
• Stay updated on new welding techniques
• Study/interpret construction blueprints and welding symbols
• Troubleshoot welding issues

Equipment Types

Some common equipment types include-

• Welding Machines–
  Arc Welders (SMAW)
  MIG Welders (GMAW)
  TIG Welders (GTAW)
  Stick Welders (Arc Welders)

• Cutting Equipment
• Gas Cylinders/Regulators
• Grinders/Wire Brushes
• Safety Equipment (PPE)
• Welding Automation Equipment (optional)
• Welding Clamps/Magnets
• Welding Curtains/Screens
• Welding Electrodes, Wire, Filler Rods
• Welding Inspection Equipment
• Welding Measurement Tools
• Welding Positioners/Manipulators
• Welding Power Sources/Generators
• Welding Tables/Workbenches
• Welding Torches/Guns

Abilities/Skills

Some essential skills include-

• Ability to select the appropriate welding method
• Adaptability to address unexpected challenges
• Basic mathematical skills
• Blueprint reading capability
• Continuous learning skills
• Effective communication skills
• Environmental regulations awareness
• Equipment operation skills
• Knowledge of different types of metals/alloys
• Knowledge of safety protocols
• Precision/attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in various welding techniques
• Strong commitment to safety measures
• Teamwork spirit
• Time management skills
• Weld inspection skills (visually/methods)
• Welding parameters adjustment ability

Work Environment

Some common working conditions include-

• Compliance with safety regulations
• Exposure to fumes and gases
• Follow proper safety measures
• May expose to hazardous materials
• May need to engage in ongoing training
• May need to travel to different job sites
• May perform underwater welding
• May require to work night shifts or irregular hours
• May require work in confined spaces
• May work at heights (bridges, high-rise buildings)
• May work both outdoors and indoors
• Often work as part of a larger construction team
• Use a variety of welding equipment and tools
• Use respiratory protection
• Work for significant time in noise/vibrations
• Work in well-ventilated areas
• Work on construction sites

Physical Demands

Some common physical demands include-

• Frequently need to move around the work area
• Frequently stoop, bend, and crouch
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Involve repetitive hand and arm motions
• May be exposed to high noise levels
• May need to climb ladders or elevated platforms
• May need to lift and carry heavy materials/equipment
• Must work near high temperatures
• Need to tolerate temperature extremes
• Often handle materials manually
• Often stand for extended periods while working
• Perform in overhead welding position
• Require to use of respiratory protection
• Subject to vibration exposure
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work in awkward positions in tight spaces

Resume Format

A suggested resume format includes-

Contact Information

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Location (City and State)
• add a LinkedIn profile or relevant professional links

Objective (Optional)

• Highlight your career goals
• Reveal the welding work you are seeking for

Summary/Qualifications

• List your key qualifications, skills, and achievements
• Emphasize your welding certifications, years of experience, and any specialized skills

Work Experience

• List your relevant work experience (most recent job first)
• This includes the following details for each position-
  Job Title
  Company Name
  Location
  Dates of Employment
  Job Responsibilities

Education

• Detail your educational background (most recent first)
• This includes the following information-
  Degree/Certification Earned
  School Name
  Location
  Graduation Date

Welding Certifications

• Highlight your welding certifications
• Specifying the type of certification
• List issuing organizations also

Skills

• List your both technical and soft welding skills

Professional Memberships (Optional)

• Mention any relevant membership of professional organizations or associations

Additional Sections (Optional)

• Add Projects, Awards/Honors, Training and Workshops

References (Optional)

• Generally, not required (available upon request)

Resume Formatting Tips-

• Emphasize the resume with the most relevant information
• Keep formatting consistent throughout
• Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages)
• Proofread your resume (no grammatical errors)
• Tailor your resume accordingly
• Use a professional font
• Use bullet points to increase readability

Top Industries

Some common employment areas include-

• Aerospace Industry
• Automotive Industry
• Construction Industry
• Educational Institutions
• Environmental Service Companies
• Infrastructure Maintenance Agencies
• Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
• Mining/Heavy Equipment Industry
• Oil and Gas Industry
• Power Plants/Utilities
• Railroad/Transportation Industry
• Research/Development Organizations
• Self-Employment/Contracting Services
• Shipbuilding/Maritime Industry
• Specialized Welding Companies

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Job Types

Some common job types include-

• Aerospace Welder
• Automotive Welder
• Custom Fabrication Welder
• Heavy Equipment Repair Welder
• Marine Welder
• Nuclear Welder
• Pipefitter-Welder
• Pipeline Welder
• Railroad Welder
• Robotics Welding Operator/Technician
• Sheet Metal Welder
• Structural Welder
• Underwater Welder
• Welding Instructor
• Welding Inspector
• Welding Supervisor
• Welding Technician

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Salary Information

On average, a Construction Welder earns $22 per hour in the United States. But the factors such as education, skills, experience, certification, location, company size, employer types, etc. affect salary trends.

However, the approximate salary ranges for a construction welder include.

Hourly Wage

• Entry-Level – $15 to $25
• Mid-Career – $25 to $35
• Experienced – $35 to $45 or more

Monthly Salary

• Entry-Level – $2,400 to $4,000
• Mid-Career – $4,000 to $5,800
• Experienced – $5,800 to $7,200 or more

Yearly Salary

• Entry-Level – $28,800 to $48,000
• Mid-Career – $48,000 to $70,000
• Experienced – $70,000 to $86,400 or more

These salary ranges are just estimates and actual figures can vary significantly based on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, overtime and bonuses can significantly impact a construction welder’s earnings.

Benefits/Perks

Some common benefits include-

• Bonuses/Incentives
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Employee Discounts
• Health Insurance
• Overtime Pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retirement Plans (401k)
• Safety Equipment Provision
• Tool/Equipment Allowance
• Training/Development Opportunities
• Travel and Per Diem
• Uniforms/Workwear provision
• Union Membership Benefits
• Work-Life Balance Flexibility

Summary

Construction Welder joins metal components securely and contributes to the creation of products, structures, and infrastructure. They play a critical role in various industries, including manufacturing, maritime, construction, and aerospace. The profession requires a combination of safety awareness, technical skills, and physical stamina for smooth operation. The work involves blueprint interpretation, various welding techniques, and adherence to safety protocols. Construction welding provides a wide range of job opportunities in various industries. Overall, construction welders contribute significantly to the construction and maintenance of infrastructure in the world.