Structural Welder is typically a skilled professional who performs welding operations to join metal parts such as columns, beams, plates, and other structural elements in construction and fabrication projects. Structural welders play a vital role in ensuring the strength, integrity, and safety of bridges, pipelines, buildings, and other structural projects. The demand for structural welders remains steady over the years in construction, manufacturing sectors, and infrastructure development. These individuals require certain education, certification, and skills and can advance to supervisory roles. Apprenticeships, formal training programs, or certifications help to build a strong foundation and impart a successful career. In this article, read all about a Structural Welder’s profession.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Some common educational qualifications include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Trade School
- Relevant Degree (welding technology)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Vocational/Trade School Programs
- Welding Certification Courses (AWS and ASME)
- Associate Degree Programs
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Continuing Education and Short-term Courses
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
1. American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certifications
- ASME Section IX Welding Qualifications
- ASME B31.3 Process Piping Certification
3. International Welding Specialist (IWS) Certification
4. State Licensing/Permission
Work Experience
Some common work experience types include-
- Apprenticeships – Provide hands-on work experience under an experienced welder
- Entry-Level Welding Jobs – Provide valuable experience and develop skills
- Specialized Welding Roles – Provide additional experience and expertise
- Structural Welding Jobs – Build specific expertise in this field
- Continuing Professional Development – Keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to project deadlines for welding tasks
- Collaborate with fabricators, engineers, and other team members
- Communicate project requirements, progress, and any issues or concerns
- Ensure compliance with quality control procedures and standards
- Ensure proper weld penetration, quality, and adherence
- Follow safety protocols and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Follow industry standards, codes, and regulations
- Follow proper welding documentation and record-keeping procedures (WPS)
- Handle/store welding consumables, materials, and gases safely
- Improve welding skills continuously
- Inspect welds visually to detect possible defects
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Maintain welding equipment and tools working
- Monitor/control welding parameters
- Perform repairs or adjustments as necessary
- Perform welding operations using various welding processes, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and others
- Prepare metal surfaces by cleaning, grinding, and cutting
- Read/interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical drawings
- Set up/operate welding equipment
- Update knowledge and skills through professional development
Abilities/Skills
Some common abilities include-
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team
- Attention to detail
- Basic mathematical skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Capacity to work in different environments
- Commitment to quality orientation
- Continuous learning temperament
- Effective communication skills
- Familiarity with industry-specific welding codes/standards
- Knowledge and adherence to safety protocols
- Knowledge of inspection techniques and procedures
- Knowledge of welding equipment operations
- Metal preparation skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Welding techniques proficiency
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- Adapt to project requirements
- Exposure to fumes, heat, and harmful substances
- May involve exposure to noise and vibrations
- May work indoor to outdoor settings, depending on project types
- May work on a variety of projects with specific requirements
- May work regular daytime shifts, including weekends, evenings, and overtime
- Must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Often work as part of a team
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May need to work in various positions
- May require lifting and carrying heavy tools, materials, and equipment
- Must have excellent eye-hand coordination
- Must have excellent manual dexterity to handle welding equipment
- Need to maintain energy and focus throughout the workday
- Often involve working overhead positions
- Often work in confined spaces or on complex structures
- Typically spend long periods standing while performing welding tasks
Top Industries
Some common work areas include-
- Aerospace and Aviation Industry
- Automotive and Transportation Industry
- Construction Industry
- Engineering and Construction Consulting Firms
- Manufacturing and Fabrication Companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation Industry
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Construction Welder
- Maintenance Welder
- Pipe Welder
- QC/QA Inspector
- Welder-Fabricator
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
- Welding Supervisor
Salary Information
The average hourly salary of a structural welder is $22.91 in the United States. The salary trends are not the same at all places, rather they may vary depending on education level, experience, certification, and industry size. The highest hourly paying cities for Structural Welders are Newport News ($33.24), Las Vegas ($26.18), Pascagoula ($25.75), and Tampa ($23.25).
However, some of the approximate salary ranges for structural welder includes.
- Hourly Wage – $15 and $40
- Monthly Salary – $2,500 to $7,000 or more
- Yearly Salary – $30,000 to $85,000 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, the actual figure may vary based on individual circumstances.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
- 401(k) Plan
- Bonuses/Incentives
- Dental Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Flexible Schedule
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Training/Professional Development
- Vision Plan
Summary
Structural welder specializes in welding structural components to create and maintain durable metal structures. This profession requires individuals to complete relevant educational courses, apprenticeships, or vocational training programs. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers certifications to validate skills. The individuals work in diverse environments from fabrication shops to construction sites. Overall, it is a rewarding profession that offers many career growth opportunities.
