Stick Welder (shielded metal arc welder) is a skilled tradesperson who joins metals using the arc welding process. Stick Welder is also commonly known as an ‘Arc Welder’. They produce high-quality welds that meet industry standards while adhering to safety guidelines. Stick Welders play a crucial role in the manufacturing, construction, and repair industries. The job requires a strong understanding of safety protocols, welding techniques, and the ability to work with various types of metals. The profession requires certain qualifications, education, experience, skills, certification, etc. So, let us dive into the details of the stick 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
- Certified Welder
- Experienced Welder
- Welder Inspector
- Welding Supervisor
- Master Welder
Education Level
Some common educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training
- on-the-job training or apprenticeship program
- Relevant AWS Certification
Course Types
Some common types include-
- Advanced Stick Welding Course
- Basic Stick Welding Course
- Certification Preparation Course
- Community College/Trade School Program
- Customized Training Program
- Intermediate Stick Welding Course
- Manufacturer-Specific Training Course
- Online Stick Welding Course
- Specialized Stick Welding Course
- Welding Safety Course
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- American Welding Society Certifications-
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Certification
AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Certification
AWS D1.6 Stainless Steel Welding Certification
AWS D17.1 Aerospace Welding Certification
- API 1104 Certification by API
- ASME BPVC Certification by ASME
- NCCER Certification
- BLM Welding Certification by the Bureau of Land Management
- Company-Specific Certification
- Nuclear Welding Certification
- State/Local Certification
- Underwater Welding Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Artistic/Sculptural Welding Experience
- Certification/Qualification Experience
- Maintenance/Repair Experience
- On-the-Job Experience
- Overseas/International Experience
- Pipe Welding Experience
- Pressure Vessel/Boiler Welding Experience
- Structural Welding Experience
- Teaching/Training Experience
- Underwater Welding Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adapt welding techniques to different positions
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
- Choose the appropriate welding electrode (stick)
- Communicate with team members
- Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Ensure a safe work environment
- Employ various welding techniques
- Ensure compliance with industry standards
- Follow safety guidelines
- Identify/address welding issues or defects
- Inspect/prepare the workpiece
- Maintain accurate records of welding completed work
- Monitor the quality of welds
- Perform post-weld cleaning/finishing
- Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment
- Perform the welding process
- Select the appropriate welding equipment
- Set up the welding machine
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Chipping Hammer/Wire Brush
- Electrode Holder (Stinger) and Cable
- Ground Clamp/Cable
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Welding Accessories/Tools
- Welding Apron/Sleeves (Optional)
- Welding Cart (Optional)
- Welding Curtains/Screens (Optional)
- Welding Electrodes (Sticks)
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Machine (Power Source)
- Welding Respirator (Optional)
- Welding Shielding Gas (Optional)
- Welding Table/Work Surface
Abilities/Skills
Some key skills include-
- Ability to troubleshoot welding issues
- Adaptability to different welding projects
- Basic computer skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Communication skills
- Competence in operating welding equipment
- Continuous learning temperament
- Familiarity with various types of metals/alloys
- Good organizational skills
- Knowledge of different welding processes
- Precision/attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in various stick welding techniques
- Strong commitment to safety
- Weld inspection/quality control skills
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to noise/fumes
- Follow safety protocols strictly
- May be required to travel to job sites
- May be required to work at elevated heights
- May need to work in confined/tight spaces
- May perform welding tasks in underwater environments
- May work in different shifts
- May work in dirty/dusty environments
- May work in proximity to hazardous materials
- Perform indoors in controlled environments
- Perform outdoors on construction sites
- Work in limited visibility
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Employ proper weight-lifting techniques
- Exposure to adverse weather conditions
- Handle welding equipment
- May need to lift/carry heavy welding equipment
- Need good physical stamina/endurance
- Often requires to work in various positions
- Often work involves repetitive motions
- Perform overhead welding
- Possess precise manual dexterity
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Welding rod manipulation ability
- Work for long hours/shift work
- Work while wearing additional safety accessories
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (City and State)
- Add your LinkedIn profile or a professional website if applicable
Objective (Optional)
- Highlight your career goals briefly
- Specify the welding work or industry you are targeting
Qualification Summary Optional)
- List a brief overview of your key qualifications
- Add years of experience
- Any specialized skills or expertise
Certifications
- List any relevant welding certifications
- Also, add-
Certification name
Certifying body
Date of certification
Education
- Add details of your educational background
- This should include-
Institution name
Degree or diploma earned
Graduation date,
Any relevant coursework or training related to welding
Work Experience
- Detail your relevant work history
- For each position, include the following-
Job title
Employer name
Location (city and state)
Dates of employment
- Add key responsibilities and achievements
- Emphasize any leadership or supervisory roles
- Highlight specific welding techniques
Skills
- Create a list of your technical and soft skills
- Add any additional skills related to specific welding niche
Achievements (Optional)
- Add notable accomplishments or awards
Professional Associations (Optional)
- Mention your professional organization membership, if any
References
- Generally, not required (available upon request later)
- Be sure to inform your references in advance
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Keep the formatting consistent throughout
- Use bullet points to make information readable
- Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying
- Proofread your resume (ensure no grammatical errors)
- Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Use a professional font (11-12 points)
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace Sector
- Aerospace/Aviation industry
- Art and Sculpture Metal Works
- Automotive/Transportation Sectors
- Commercial diving Companies
- Construction companies
- Custom/Specialty Welding Works
- Heavy Machinery/Equipment Manufacturing Sectors
- Infrastructure Maintenance Agencies
- Maintenance/Welding Repair Services
- Manufacturing facilities
- Mining/Extraction industries
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation Units
- Shipbuilding/Marine Industries
- Welding/metal fabrication shops
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Artistic Welder
- Fabrication Welder
- Heavy Equipment Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- Shipyard Welder
- Nuclear Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Pipe Welder
- Specialized Welder
- Structural Welder
- Welding Contractor/Business Owner
- Underwater Welder
- Automotive Welder
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
Salary Information
On average, a Stick Welder earns $31 per hour in the United States. But factors like education, experience, skills, location, certification, company size, employer type, etc. affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary figures for a stick welder include.
- Hourly Wage – $15 to $40 or more
- Monthly Salary- $2,400 to $6,400 or more
- Yearly Salary – $29,000 to $77,000 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, actual figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, some specialized welding roles, such as pipe welding or underwater welding may earn higher salaries.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Competitive Salary
- Flexible Schedules
- Healthcare Benefits
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Gear/Equipment Provision
- Sense of Job Security
- Shift Differentials
- Training/Development Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniforms/Workwear Provision
- Union Membership
- Work-Life Balance
- Worksite Amenities
Summary
Stick Welders or Arc Welders play a crucial role in joining metals through the use of welding electrodes. They require a combination of safety knowledge, technical skills, and physical stamina. Stick welders can find employment in manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, pipeline welding, and many other sectors. They obtain smart salaries yet the compensation varies based on factors like experience, location, industry, etc. Besides this, they receive various job benefits and perks such as healthcare coverage, retirement plans, competitive wages, and job security. Overall, stick welding imparts a rewarding career path to aspiring individuals willing to work in the welding industry.
