Stainless Steel Welder is a skilled professional who joins pieces of stainless steel together using various welding techniques. Stainless steel welders fabricate, repair, and maintain stainless steel components and structures. They ensure the quality and integrity of welds by adhering to safety guidelines. The profession requires precision, safety procedures, welding equipment knowledge, and an understanding of the properties of stainless steel. Stainless steel welders can use various welding processes for welding stainless steel but the most common are Mig, Tig, and Resistance welding. So, let us dive into the details of a stainless steel welder job description.
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
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Entry-Level Welder
- Welder I or Junior Welder
- Welder II or Intermediate Welder
- Welder III or Senior Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Education Level
Some typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Trade School Training
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- Apprenticeship Programs
- AWS Relevant Welding Certification
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Blueprint Reading Course
- Industry-Specialized Welding Course
- Metallurgy/Material Science Course
- Pipe Welding Course
- Safety and OSHA Compliance Course
- Stainless Steel Welding Course
- Welding Certification Preparation Course
- Welding Inspection Course
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Government/Regulatory Certification
- ASME Welder Certification
- ISO Welding Certification
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- NACE Coating Inspector Certification
- Renewable/Expiration of Certification
- Specialized Industry Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aerospace Welding Experience
- Certification/Recertification Experience
- General Welding Experience
- Marine Welding Experience
- Nuclear Welding Experience
- Pipe Welding Experience
- Positional Welding Experience
- Pressure Vessel/Boiler Experience
- Project-Specific Experience
- Repair/Maintenance Experience
- Stainless Steel Welding Experience
- Training/Mentoring Experience
- Welding Inspection Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Address any defects or imperfections in the welds
- Adhere to environmental regulations
- Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines
- Choose appropriate stainless-steel alloys/filler materials
- Complete welding logs/reports
- Conduct equipment maintenance/troubleshooting
- Coordinate team members in project planning
- Ensure the finished welds meet quality standards
- Follow established safety procedures
- Follow project schedules/deadlines
- Handle stainless steel materials safely
- Inspect welded joints for quality, and project specifications
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Maintain welding equipment firmly
- Operate welding machines and other equipment
- Perform welding operations on stainless steel materials
- Prepare stainless steel surfaces for welding
- Read blueprints and specifications
- Report any equipment malfunctions
- Set up stainless steel components/parts for welding
- Stay updated on the latest welding techniques
- Use grinding/finishing tools
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Weld in different positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Calipers/Measuring Instruments
- Consumables/Electrodes
- Gas Cylinders
- Grinding/Cutting Tools
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Equipment
- Welding Clamps/Fixtures
- Welding Curtains/Screens
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Helmets/Face Shields
- Welding Jackets/Protective Clothing
- Welding Machines
- Welding Positioners/Manipulators
- Welding Power Sources
- Welding Respirators
- Welding Tables
- Welding Torches/Guns
- Welding Wire Brushes/Chipping Hammers
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Ability to adjust welding parameters
- Basic mathematical skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Hand-eye coordination
- Joint preparation skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Knowledge of industry standards/codes
- Problem-solving skills
- Precise hand-eye coordination
- Proficiency in various welding processes
- Strong communication skills
- Proficiency in welding in various positions
- Proper materials knowledge
- Time management skills
- Safety awareness ability
- Weld quality control skills (NDT methods)
- Work adaptability to changing requirements
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Exposure to stainless steel alloys
- May need to follow environmental regulations
- May need to travel to different job sites/locations
- May need to wear respiratory protection
- May need to work in uncomfortable positions
- May require to work in confined spaces
- May require to work in different shifts
- May stay away from home for extended periods
- May work in challenging conditions
- Must follow industry standards/specifications
- Must follow strict safety protocols
- Often meet project deadlines
- Often work as part of a team
- Travel: depending on the project, welders
- Use local exhaust ventilation systems
- Wear hearing protection in noisy places
- Wear proper protective gear (PPE)
- Work both indoors and outdoors environment
- Work with hot materials and sharp tools
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Be cold-tolerant in low temperatures
- Be heat/discomfort tolerance
- Follow safety protocols
- Hand-eye coordination is necessary
- Keep mobility for adjusting body positions
- Maintain balance while working on ladders
- Maintain stamina for long working hours
- May need to maneuver stainless-steel heavy pieces
- May require lifting/moving heavy objects
- Need the endurance to maintain concentration thoroughly
- Need to tolerate high noise levels
- Often need to kneel, crouch, bend, and squat
- Precise hand-eye coordination is essential
- Repetitive motions can lead to physical fatigue
- Use of respiratory protections
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Wear welding helmets to protect their eyes
- Work in awkward positions
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your full name
- Address (optional)
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
Objective/Summary (Optional)
- Highlight your career goals briefly
- Align your skills with the job you are applying for
Professional Summary
- Highlight any specific certifications
- Mention the number of years of experience
- Overview of your welding expertise/qualifications
Skills
- Include any welding-relevant skill
- List both relevant technical and soft skills
- Mention safety certifications/training
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- For each position, this includes-
Job title
Dates of employment (month/year)
Name of the employer and location
Brief job description
- Specific accomplishments/responsibilities
- Quantify achievements whenever possible
Education
- List your educational background (most recent first)
- Mention degree earned, institution name, field of study, and graduation date
- Include any welding certification (if applicable)
Certifications
- List any welding certifications
- Include the certifying organization and expiration dates
- Also, other relevant certifications
Additional Sections (Optional)
- Awards/honors
- Language proficiency (if applicable)
- Professional affiliations/memberships
- Technical training/workshops
References
- Generally, not required (available upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Keep the resume well-organized
- Use bullet points for easy readability
- Use action verbs to start
- Tailor your resume for each job application
- Proofread your resume carefully
- Use a professional font (10-12 points)
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Sectors
- Automotive Industry
- Chemical/Petrochemical Industry
- Construction Industry
- Contracting/Freelancing Services
- Custom Metalwork/Artisanal Crafts
- Defense/Military Facilities
- Maintenance/Repair Services
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Companies
- Marine/Shipbuilding Companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Pharmaceutical/Food Processing Companies
- Power Generation Plants
- R&D Organizations/Laboratories
- Specialized Welding Shops
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Aircraft Welder
- Automotive Welder
- Custom Metal Fabricator
- Food/Pharmaceutical Welder
- Freelance/Contract Welder
- Maintenance/Repair Welder
- Marine Welder
- Nuclear Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Pressure Vessel Welder
- Shop Welder
- Structural Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a Stainless Steel Welder in the United States is $25. But factors such as experience, skills, duties, location, industry size, and employer type affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for a stainless steel welder include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $16 to $25
- Experienced – $26 to $35 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,560 to $4,000
- Experienced – $4,160 to $5,600 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $30,720 to $48,000
- Experienced – $49,920 to $67,200 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, and actual salary can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and circumstances. Stainless steel welders can command higher wages in industries like nuclear, aerospace, or offshore oil and gas.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Advancement Opportunities
- Bonuses/Performance Incentives
- Competitive Salary
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Employee Discounts
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurance
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Profit Sharing Programs
- Retirement Benefits (401k)
- Safety Equipment/Gear Provision
- Tool Allowance
- Training/Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniforms/Work Gear Provision
- Union Membership
Summary
Stainless Steel Welders are pivotal figures in welding and fabricating stainless steel components and structures in various industries. These individuals possess a unique set of skills, including technical knowledge, welding expertise, safety awareness, etc. They work in diverse environments and may specialize in different job types. They obtain good salaries along with various job benefits and perks. Overtime working opportunities can add extra money to their monthly checks. They ensure the durability, strength, and quality of stainless steel products and infrastructure. Overall, the contribution of a stainless steel welder is essential in the world of metal fabrication and construction.
