TIG Welder Job Description

TIG Welder (tungsten inert gas welder) is a skilled professional who performs Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding operations to join metals, alloys, or other materials. These individuals specialize in TIG welding, a precise and high-quality welding technique. They handle various welding projects in construction, aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, and more. TIG welders play a critical role in creating strong, and durable welds in a variety of materials, mainly metals. The profession requires certain qualifications, education, experience, skills, certification, etc. So, let us dive into the details of a TIG welder job description.

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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

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Position Levels

Some common job levels include-

• Entry-Level Welder (Level 1)
• Welder (Level 2)
• Certified Welder (Level 3)
• Advanced Welder (Level 4)
• Welding Inspector (Level 5)
• Welding Engineer (Level 6)
• Specialized Welder (Level 7)

Education Level

Some common educational levels include-

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Technical and Vocational Schools
• Associate’s Degree (welding or a related field)
• Bachelor’s Degree (welding engineering, materials science)
• Master’s Degree (welding engineering, materials science)
• Apprenticeship Program
• Relevant AWS Certifications

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Course Types

Some common course types include-

• Advanced TIG Welding Course
• Basic TIG Welding Course
• Intermediate TIG Welding Course
• Online TIG Welding Courses
• Specialized TIG Welding Courses
• TIG Welding Apprenticeship Program
• TIG Welding Certification Prep Course
• Welding Workshops/Short Course

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Certification/License

Some common certification types include-

• AWS CW Certifications-
  AWS CW-TF (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder, Flat)
  AWS CW-TH (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder, Horizontal)
  AWS CW-TO (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder, Open Root)
  AWS CW-TS (Tungsten Inert Gas Welder, T-Joint)

• Pipe Welding Certifications-
  API 1104 (Pipeline welding certification) – by API
  AWS D10.12 (Pipe welding certification)

• Aerospace Welding Certification
• Sanitary/Food-Grade Welding Certification
• Automotive Welding Certification
• Bridge Welding Certifications
• Naval Welding Certification
• Nuclear Welding Certifications
• Pressure Vessel Welding Certifications
• US DOD Welding Certification (for defense-related projects)

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Work Experience

Some common experience types-

• Advanced Welding Techniques Experience
• Aerospace TIG Welding Experience
• Aluminum TIG Welder Experience
• Automotive TIG Welding Experience
• Custom Fabrication/Artistic Welding Experience
• Exotic Metal TIG Welder Experience
• General TIG Welding Experience
• Material-Specific Experience
• Naval Welding Experience
• Nuclear Welding Experience
• Pipe Welding Experience
• Sanitary/Food-Grade Welding Experience
• Stainless Steel TIG Welder Experience
• Teaching/Training Experience
• Welding Inspection/Quality Control Experience

Duties/Responsibilities

Some common duties include-

• Adhere to Safety Procedures
• Assemble/install the necessary welding accessories
• Collaborate with other team members
• Cut, bevel, or shape materials as needed
• Employ TIG welding process to join metals/materials
• Ensure that welds meet project specifications
• Inspect and clean workpieces
• Inspect completed welds for defects
• Interpret blueprints/welding symbols
• Maintain a safe work environment
• Maintain records of welding parameters
• Perform routine welding equipment maintenance/cleaning
• Report any equipment malfunctions or defects
• Set up and configure the TIG welding machine
• Stay updated on the latest welding techniques
• Use the TIG torch to generate a high-intensity arc
• wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Weld a variety of materials
• Weld in different positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)

Equipment Types

Some common equipment include-

• Consumable Electrode Filler Rods
• Foot Pedal/Hand Control
• Grinder/Abrasives
• Safety Equipment (PPE)
• Shielding Gas Cylinder/Regulator
• TIG Torch
• TIG Welding Machine
• Tungsten Electrodes
• Welding Cart/Cylinder Rack
• Welding Clamps/Fixtures
• Welding Curtains/Screens
• Welding Goggles/Face Shields
• Welding Inspection Tools
• Welding Table/Workbench
• Welding Trolley

Abilities/Skills

Some key skills include-

• Basic computer skills
• Blueprint reading ability
• Communication skills
• Continuous learning temperament
• Familiarity with a wide range of materials
• Good organizational skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Knowledge of welding parameters
• Problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in welding in various positions
• Quality control skills
• Safety awareness
• Tig welding proficiency
• Time management skills
• Welding equipment maintenance ability
• Welding procedure developing ability

Work Environment

Some common working conditions include-

• Expose to UV radiation
• Expose to varying weather conditions
• May need to travel to different job sites
• May need to work on elevated structures
• May work both indoors and outdoors
• May work in cleanrooms
• May work regular daytime shifts or non-standard shifts
• Must adhere to safety protocols
• Subject to hazardous environments
• Use respiratory protection
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Wear proper clothing/protection
• Weld in confined spaces
• Work at construction sites
• Work in noise and vibrations
• Work in workshops/manufacturing facilities

Physical Requirements

Some common physical demands include-

• Handle hazardous materials
• Holding a Tig torch long causes hand fatigue
• May be exposed to high temperatures
• May experience noisy environments
• May need to lift and carry heavy workpieces
• May need to wear respiratory protection
• May need to work in various positions
• Must follow safety protocols and use PPE
• Often work in a standing/kneeling position for long
• Perform repetitive motions
• Requires good eyesight
• Requires steady hand-eye coordination
• Use fine motor skills
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Welding overhead can be physically challenging

Resume Format

A suggested resume format includes-

Contact Information

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Location (city and state)
• May add a LinkedIn Profile if relevant

Objective/Summary (Optional)

• Write a well-crafted brief objective or summary statement
• Highlight a quick overview of your career goals
• Make it specific to the position you’re applying for

Skills

• Show your welding-related skills and qualifications
• Include technical skills and any specialized skills

Certifications

• List any relevant certifications

Professional Experience

• Detail your work history (most recent first)
• This includes the following for each job-
  Job Title
  Company Name
  Location
  Dates of Employment
  Key Responsibilities
  Achievements

Education

• List your educational background (most recent first)
• This should include the following details-
  Degree Name
  School Name
  Location
  Graduation Date

Additional Sections (Optional)

• Add Awards and Honors
• Professional Memberships
• Projects or Portfolio
• Languages

References

• Typically, not required (can provide upon request)
• Prepare a separate list of references to provide

Resume Formatting Tips-

• Keep the resume professional in appearance
• Ensure no grammatical errors/spelling mistakes
• Focus on relevant information
• Limit your resume (1-2 pages)
• Use a clear and legible font
• Use bullet points for easy readability

Top Industries

Some common employment areas include-

• Aerospace Industry
• Automotive Industry
• Construction/Structural Engineering Firms
• Custom Fabrication/Artistic Welding Settings
• Food Processing/Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industries
• Maintenance/Repair Services
• Manufacturing/Fabrication Shops
• Oil and Gas Sector
• Power Generation/Nuclear Industry
• Research and Development Labs
• Shipbuilding/Maritime Industry
• Welding Education/Training Institutes
• Welding/Fabrication Workshops

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Job Types

Some common job types include-

• Aerospace TIG Welder
• Automotive TIG Welder
• Custom Fabricator/Artistic Welder
• Field Service Technician
• Naval Welder
• Nuclear Welder
• Sanitary/Food-Grade Welder
• Production Welder
• Quality Control Inspector
• Pipe Welder
• Research/Development Welder
• TIG Welding Instructor
• Welding Consultant
• Welding Contractor (Self-Employed)
• Welding Technician

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Salary Information

On average, a TIG Welder earns $22 per hour in the United States. But the factors like experience, education, location, industry size, employer type, etc. affect salary trends in the market. The highest hourly paying cities for Tig Welders are Mentor ($31.24), Pittsburgh ($29.36), Phoenix ($28.02), and Dallas ($23.61).

However, the approximate salary ranges for TIG welders include.

Hourly Wage

• Entry-Level TIG Welder – $14 to $20
• Mid-Level TIG Welder – $20 to $30
• Experienced TIG Welder – $30 to $40 or more

Monthly Salary

• Entry-Level TIG Welder – $2,500 to $4,000
• Mid-Level TIG Welder – $4,000 to $6,000
• Experienced TIG Welder – $6,000 to $8,000 or more

Yearly Salary

• Entry-Level TIG Welder – $30,000 to $48,000
• Mid-Level TIG Welder – $48,000 to $72,000
• Experienced TIG Welder – $72,000 to $96,000 or more

These salary ranges are just estimates, actual salary figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, industries like aerospace or nuclear power may offer higher salaries due to the stringent requirements.

Benefits/Perks

Some common benefits include-

• Bonuses/Incentives
• Education Assistance Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Employee Discounts
• Flexible Schedules
• Health Insurance
• Health/Wellness Programs
• Overtime Pay
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retirement Health Benefits
• Retirement Plans (401k)
• Safety Equipment/Gear Provision
• Training/Professional Development Programs
• Travel Opportunities
• Union Benefits

Summary

TIG welders play a crucial role in producing strong, and aesthetically pleasing welds. They require a combination of manual dexterity, technical skills, and attention to detail. These individuals work in diverse environments ranging from manufacturing shops to construction sites. They often face physical demands and safety considerations. TIG welders earn smart salaries along with enjoying various job benefits and perks. Overall, TIG welding offers a rewarding career path for individuals with a passion for precision welding that meets industry standards.