Industrial Welder is a skilled professional who handles work for joining and fabricating metal components using various welding processes. Primarily, industrial welders perform welding operations as per blueprints, specifications, or work orders in various industrial settings. Blueprint interpretation will be a key part of the position. For excelling in this role, individuals need a strong understanding of different metals, their properties, and their welding characteristics. The profession provides opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. In this article, read all about the industrial welder job description.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Industrial 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
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology or a Related Field
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Welding Certification Courses
- Vocational/Technical Welding Programs
- Welding Technology Associate’s Degree Programs
- Apprenticeship Programs
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
- American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Certifications-
-Certified Welder (CW)
-Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
-Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Qualification
- Structural Welding Certifications
- Occupational Licenses or Certifications
Work Experience
Some common work experience includes-
- Industrial Welding Experience
- Specialized Experience in a Specific Industry
- Experience in Welding Technique
- Project Management Experience
- Quality Assurance Experience
- Experience in Welding Different Materials
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to project timelines/budgets
- Align/fit metal parts accurately
- Collaborate with team members
- Communicate effectively with team members
- Continuously update knowledge/skills
- Document all welding activities
- Ensure compliance with safety protocols/procedures
- Follow industry standards, codes, and practices
- Generate reports and update project documentation
- Identify/address welding defects
- Inspect completed welds for quality assurance
- Maintain a clean/organized work area
- Maintain welding equipment
- Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Perform welding operations using various welding techniques
- Prepare materials for welding
- Read/interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications
- Set up/operate welding equipment
- Troubleshoot welding issues
- Weld metal components together
Industrial Welding Equipment
Some common industrial equipment types include-
1. Welding Machines/Power Sources
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Machines
- MIG Welding Machines
- Stick Welding Machines
- TIG Welding Machines
2. Welding Guns/Torches
- MIG Welding Guns
- TIG Welding Torches
- Stick Welding Electrode Holders
3. Welding Consumables
- Welding Electrodes
- Welding Wires
- Flux-Cored Wires
4. Welding Accessories/Safety Equipment
- Welding Clamps/Fixtures
- Welding Curtains/Blankets
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Helmets
- Welding Jackets/Aprons
5. Gas Cylinders and Regulators
Industrial Welding Process
Some common process types include-
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Laser Welding
- MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas Welding)
- Resistance Welding
- Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
- TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Ability to inspect/assess weld quality
- Blueprint reading skills
- Effective communication skills
- Good knowledge of metal fabrication
- Good time management skills
- Knowledge of safety protocols at the workplace
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Understand the properties of different metals/alloys
- Welding equipment operating/maintaining skills
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Exposure to various hazards
- May be exposed to vibration/noise
- May need to travel to different locations/worksites
- May work regular daytime shifts or non-traditional hours
- Must adhere to safety regulations/industry standards
- Often work as part of a team
- Often work in diverse worksite conditions
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work indoors or outdoors as per projects requirements
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- May need to lift/carry equipment, heavy materials, and tools
- May require to work overhead position
- Need to manage heat exposures
- Often spend extended periods on their feet
- Possess good stamina
- Wear a welding helmet to avoid vision strain
- Work in awkward positions
Top Industries
Some common employment areas-
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Engineering/Consulting Firms
- Fabrication Shops
- Maintenance/Facilities Departments
- Maintenance/Repair Settings
- Manufacturing Industries
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation Sectors
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industries
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Pipe Welder
- Robotic Welding Operator/Programmer
- Specialty Welder
- Structural Welder
- Welder/Fabricator
- Welding Engineer
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
- Welding Technician
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of an industrial welder in the United States is $24.10. The salary figures are not the same in all places. The factors like education, certification, location, company size, and employer types affect salary trends.
However, some of the approximate salary ranges for industrial welders include.
Hourly Wages
- Entry-level – $15 to $25
- Experienced One – $25 to $35
- Highly Skilled – $35 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-level – $2,500 to $4,000
- Experienced One – $4,000 to $6,000
- Highly Skilled – $6,000 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-level – $30,000 to $48,000
- Experienced One – $48,000 to $72,000
- Highly Skilled – $72,000 or more
These salary figures are just approximate estimates and can vary significantly.
Benefits/Perks
Some of the most common benefits include-
- Bonuses and Incentive Programs
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurances
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Professional Development
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Tuition Reimbursement or Training Programs
- Uniforms and Safety Gear
Summary
The profession of an Industrial welder is a pivotal figure in various industries and sectors. These individuals contribute to the maintenance, construction, production, and repair of structures, equipment, and infrastructure. The profession requires certain qualifications and experiences. Overall, this career path is rewarding for aspiring individuals willing to work in industrial welding.
