MIG Welder (metal inert gas welder) is a skilled professional who primarily uses MIG welding equipment to join metal components or structures together. They operate MIG welding machines and employ appropriate techniques to weld metal components. MIG Welders play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. They interpret blueprints/specifications and work with various metals and materials. They may also be involved in fabricating or repairing metal parts. The profession requires certain qualifications, education, experience, skills, certification, etc. In this article, read all about the MIG 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 Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Entry-Level Welder (Level 1)
- Welder Helper (Level 2)
- Certified Welder (Level 3)
- Advanced Welder (Level 4)
- Welding Inspector (Level 5)
- Specialized Welder (Level 6)
- Welding Engineer (Level 7)
- Master Welder (Level 8)
Education Level
Typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training Program
- Associate’s Degree (Welding Technology)
- Bachelor’s Degree (Welding Engineering or Materials Science)
- Apprenticeship Program
- AWS Welding Certification Course
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced MIG Welding Course
- Basic MIG Welding Course
- Certification Preparation Course
- Customized/Industry-Specific Course
- Intermediate MIG Welding Course
- Online MIG Welding Course
- Welding Technology Program
- Continuing Education/Workshops
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)–
AWS CW-MIG (carbon steel MIG welding)
AWS CW-MIG Aluminum (aluminum MIG welding)
- API Welding Certification by API
- ASME Welding Certification
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- D1.1 Structural Welding Certification by AWS
- ISO Welding Certification
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- NCCER Welding Certification
- Pipe Welding Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aerospace Welding Experience
- Artistic Welding Experience
- Automotive Welding Experience
- Custom Fabrication Experience
- High-Pressure/High-Temperature Welding Experience
- Maintenance/Repair Welding Experience
- Manufacturing/Production Welding Experience
- Marine Welding Experience
- Offshore Welding Experience
- Pipe Welding Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- Robotic Welding Operation Experience
- Structural Welding Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
- Clean the work area after completing welding tasks
- Clean/prepare the metal surfaces
- Cut/shape metal pieces as needed
- Ensure proper ventilation in the welding area
- Estimate materials/time needed
- Follow instructions and provide inputs accordingly
- Identify/troubleshoot welding issues
- Inspect welds for quality and accuracy
- Interpret blueprints/welding symbols
- Lift, position, and secure metal components for welding work
- Maintain accurate records of work performed
- Make adjustments as necessary for the desired weld quality
- Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment
- Perform welding repairs on metal parts
- Plan/organize work tasks efficiently
- Prepare/set up Mig welding equipment
- Report any equipment malfunctions or issues
- Stay updated with advances in welding techniques
- Use Mig welding techniques
- Weld in various positions (flat, vertical, horizontal, overhead)
- Work closely with team members
Equipment Types
Some key equipment types include-
- Chipping Hammer/Wire Brush
- Contact Tip/Nozzle
- Ground Clamp (Work Clamp)
- MIG Welding Machine (Power Source)
- Safety Gear
- Shielding Gas Cylinder/Regulator
- Welding Cart/Trolley
- Welding Gun (MIG Torch)
- Welding Helmet (Auto-Darkening Helmet)
- Welding Pliers/Wire Cutters
- Welding Supplies/Consumables
- Welding Table/Work Surface
- Welding Wire
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Attention to detail
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Effective communication skills
- Equipment operation proficiency
- Manual dexterity
- Material knowledge
- Mathematical skills
- Organization skills
- Proficiency in welding
- Quality control skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Safety awareness
- Teamwork spirit
- Time management skills
- Work adaptability
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to various hazards
- Frequently collaborate with team members
- May need to adapt to temperature extremes
- May require working in confined spaces
- May travel to different job sites
- May work varying shifts
- Must adhere to strict safety measures
- Need to work in light at workplace
- Often perform quality control checks
- Often work in welding booths or bays
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work both indoors and outdoors
- Work in different welding positions
- Work in a noisy environment
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May be exposed to high temperatures
- May need to climb ladders/scaffolding
- May need to push/pull heavy welding equipment
- Need to maintain balance on uneven surfaces
- Often manipulate metal materials
- Often need to lift/carry heavy materials
- Operate welding equipment steadily
- Precision can be mentally/physically taxing
- Reach/bend frequently
- Typically spend long hours standing at workstations
- Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Weld in various positions
- Welding overhead can be physically strenuous
- Working in tight spaces can be physically challenging
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your full name
- Address (optional)
- Phone number
- Email address
Summary/Objective (Optional)
- Highlight briefly your career goals, and relevant skills
Skills
- List key job-relevant skills-
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- This includes the following details for each position-
Job title
Employer’s name and location
Dates of employment (month and year)
Key responsibilities and achievements
Any specialized projects or materials you worked with
Education
- List your educational background (most recent first)
- This can include-
Degree or certification earned
School or institution’s name
Location
Graduation date (month and year)
Certifications/Training (Optional)
- List any welding certifications
- Add any specialized training relevant to the job
- This includes-
Certification name
Certifying organization
Date of certification
Additional Sections (Optional)
- Depending on your qualifications, you may include-
Awards and honors
Professional Affiliations
Volunteer work or community involvement related to welding
Technical skills
References (Optional)
- Generally, not necessary (present upon request layer)
- Be prepared to provide references separately during the interview process (if requested)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Focus on relevant information
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Keep your resume concise
- Proofread your resume carefully
- Tailor your resume to the specific job
- Use a professional resume template
- Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments
- Use legible fonts (size 11-12 points)
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industry
- Art/Sculpture Studios
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Custom Welding/Fabrication Businesses
- Educational Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Heavy Machinery Manufacturing Companies
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
- Metalworking/Fabrication Companies
- Military/Defense Sector
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Railroad Industry
- Renewable Energy Industry
- Repair/Maintenance Services
- Research/Development Sector
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industries
- Structural Steel/Metal Building Construction Sector
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Automotive Welder
- Educator/Instructor
- Custom Fabricator
- Maintenance Welder
- Marine Welder
- Offshore Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Self-Employed Welder
- Production Welder
- Quality Control Welder/Inspector
- Structural Welder
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
- Research/Development Welder
- Welding Technician
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a MIG Welder in the United States is $20. But the factors like industry, experience, location, employer, and certifications affect salary figures. The highest hourly paying cities for MIG Welders are Peoria ($23.83), Elkhart ($22.19), Newnan ($20.07), and Houston ($19.61).
However, the approximate salary ranges for a MIG Welder include.
- Hourly Wage – $15 to $30 or more
- Monthly Salary – $2,500 and $5,000 or more
- Annual Salary – $30,000 to $70,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors. Individuals with specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience in industries like aerospace or oil and gas may earn higher salaries. Besides this, union membership or collective bargaining agreements can influence compensation in some industries.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/incentives
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Family-Friendly Policies
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurance
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Relocation Assistance
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Equipment/Gear Provision
- Tool/Equipment Allowance
- Training/Development Programs
- Transportation/Commuting Assistance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniform/Laundry Services
Summary
MIG Welders play a pivotal role in various industries. They use Metal Inert Gas welding techniques to join metal components and structures. They are skilled professionals who employ expertise, and a commitment to quality and safety. MIG Welders work in diverse environments. They can pursue different job types, and earn competitive salaries. In addition to this, they obtain various perks and benefits from their employers. The demand for skilled MIG Welders remains strong, and high at all times. And, this spirit makes it a rewarding career path for those with a passion for welding and metalwork.
