Production Welder is a skilled professional who specializes in welding operations in a manufacturing or production setting. They join metal parts together using various welding techniques, tools, and equipment. Production welders play a crucial role in the fabrication and assembly of metal products. They use their expertise in welding techniques to ensure high-quality welds as per the specified standards and project requirements. Besides this, the position requires the ability to work independently, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. In this article, read all about the production welder job description.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Production Equipment
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Welding Technology Programs
- Advanced Welding Courses
- Certification Preparation Courses
- Welding Safety Courses
- Apprenticeship Programs
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
- Manufacturer-Specific Certifications
Work Experience
Some general work experiences include-
- Entry-Level or No Prior Experience – This provides on-the-job training, allowing individuals to develop their welding skills
- Some Practical Experience – This could be gained through apprenticeships, internships, vocational training programs, or previous employment
- Several Years of Experience – This may involve overseeing welding operations, working on advanced welding projects, and supervising other welders.
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety procedures, guidelines, and protocols
- Collaborate with production teams, supervisors, or other team members
- Inspect welded joints using visual inspections or non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Interpret/work from technical drawings, blueprints, or welding symbols
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Perform necessary repairs/reworks on defective or non-compliant welds
- Perform welding operations using various welding techniques
- Prepare metal surfaces for welding activities
- Set up and adjust welding equipment as required
- Stay updated with new equipment, welding techniques, and industry trends
Production Welding Equipment
Some common equipment types include-
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) machines
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or MIG/MAG Welding machines
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or TIG Welding machines
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Stick Welding machines
2. Welding Torches/Guns
3. Electrodes/Filler Wire
- Coated Electrodes for SMAW
- Solid/Flux-Cored Wire for GMAW And FCAW
4. Gas Cylinders/Regulators
- Argon, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of gases
- Regulators control the flow of gas
5. Welding Safety Equipment
- Welding Aprons/Jackets
- Welding Boots
- Welding Curtains or Screens
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Helmets
6. Welding Accessories
- Chipping Hammers
- Grounding Clamps
- Welding Clamps
- Wire Brushes
Abilities/Skills
Some common skills include-
- Attention to detail
- Blueprint reading skills
- Commitment to safety protocols/guidelines
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Flexibility/adaptability in various production environments
- Metal preparation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in welding techniques
- Teamwork/communication skills
- Weld inspection/quality control skills
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Exposure to fumes, noise, dust, heat, and bright welding arcs
- Follow proper ventilation practices
- May be required to travel to different work sites
- May work full-time or part-time hours as required
- Often work as part of a larger production team
- Overtime may be required during peak times
- Typically work indoors, may also work outdoors
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Physical Requirements
Typical physical demands include-
- Flexibility to different working environments
- Good hand-eye coordination
- May need to carry, lift, and maneuver heavy objects
- Must wear appropriate welding goggles or helmets
- Often involves repetitive motions
- Requires excellent manual dexterity
- Requires good stamina
- Spend extended periods of time as standing
Top Industries
Some common work areas include-
- Construction Sites
- Field/Mobile Welding
- Maintenance/Repair Facilities
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Offshore/Onshore Oil and Gas Sites
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industry
- Welding Shops/Fabrication Facilities
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Fabricator Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- Offshore Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Production Line Welder
- Robotic Welding Operator
- Structural Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Technician
Salary Information
The average hourly salary of a production welder is $20.37 in the United States. But the salary figure is not the same in all regions or locations in the country. Several factors like education, experience, certification, location, employer type, and company size affect these salary figures. The highest hourly paying cities for production welders are Eau Claire ($23.30), Monroe ($21.86), Phoenix ($21.35), and Des Moines ($21.31).
However, some of the general salary ranges for production welders include.
- Hourly Wages – $15 to $30 or more
- Monthly Salary – $2,400 to $4,800 or more
- Yearly Salary – $28,800 to $57,600 or more
These salary ranges are just approximate estimates. Some specialized welding positions or certain industries may offer higher salaries.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) Matching
- Dental Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Relocation Assistance
- Vision Insurance
Summary
Production welders are skilled professionals and perform welding operations in various settings, or industries. They play a crucial role in joining various metal components or structures. To pursue this profession, individuals need a certain education level, vocational training, or a welding certification. The job is physically demanding. So, the aforesaid information on the profession of production welder is valuable for aspiring students, and other professionals working in the metal industry.
