Welder Fabricator is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in creating metal components and structures using welding and fabrication techniques. These individuals are skillful in using various techniques and tools to shape, join, and manipulate metal materials. They have specialized qualifications in both fabrication processes and welding techniques. Welder fabricator works with technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications. This profession requires certain educational qualifications and work experience. Let us dive into the details of the welder fabricator job description.
Post Highlights:
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Fabrication Equipment
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Educational Qualifications
Typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Trade Schools
- Associate’s Degree Programs (welding/welding technology)
- Apprenticeship Programs
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Metal Fabrication Courses
- Welding Certification Preparation Courses
- Welding Technology Programs
- Continuing Education and Advanced Courses
- Apprenticeship Programs
Certification/License
Some common certifications include-
- Certified Welder (CW) – By the American Welding Society (AWS)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – By AWS
- Structural Welding Certification
- Pipe Welding Certification
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Certification
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certification
Work Experience
Some general experience includes-
- Blueprint Interpretation Experience
- Fit-Up/Assembly Experience
- Material Selection Experience
- Metal Fabrication Experience
- Problem-Solving/Adaptability Experience
- Project Collaboration Experience
- Safety Awareness Experience
- Welding Inspection/Quality Control Experience
- Welding Technique Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety protocols and practices
- Coordinate with other team members as required
- Inspect welded joints for quality and adhere to standards
- Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, or specifications
- Maintain accurate records of work performed
- Perform basic non-destructive testing (NDT) methods if required
- Perform basic repairs on welding/fabrication equipment
- Perform welding operations using various techniques
- Prepare metal materials for fabrication and welding
- Set up welding equipment and adjust welding parameters
- Stay updated with industry advancements
- Use fabrication equipment and tools
Welding Fabrication Equipment
Some common welding fabrication equipment includes-
- Bending/Forming Equipment
- Clamps/Fixtures
- Cutting Tools
- Grinding/Polishing Tools
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Shearing Machines
- Welding Electrodes/Filler Material
- Welding Machines
- Welding Positioners
- Welding Torch
Welding Fabrication Process
Fabrication process steps include-
- Design/Planning
- Material Selection
- Material Preparation
- Fit-up/Assembly
- Welding Process Selection
- Welding
- Welding Inspection
- Post-Welding Processes
- Finishing/Quality Control
- Documentation/Delivery
Abilities/Skills
Some common skills include-
- Ability to align/fit metal components accurately
- Ability to read/interpret blueprints
- Adaptability/learning mindset
- Effective communication skills
- Knowledge of fabrication tools/equipment
- Knowledge of visual inspection techniques
- Metal fabrication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Strong organizational skills
- Understanding the properties of different metals
- Understanding welding symbols
Work Environment
Some common work conditions include-
- May involve exposure to fumes, noise, dust, or heat
- May need to travel to different locations or work sites
- May require staying away from home for extended periods
- May work full-time or part-time
- Must adhere to safety protocols
- Often work as part of a team
- Typically work in indoor facilities
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work with potentially hazardous equipment and materials
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May need to lift/carry tools, heavy materials, or equipment
- May need to work in elevated areas or on platforms
- Must have excellent hand-eye coordination
- Need physical strength to handle heavy materials
- Need to maintain stamina thoroughly
- Need to move around the work area
- Often requires kneeling, bending, and crouching
- Often stand for extended periods during tasks
- Require good manual dexterity
Top Industries
Some common job areas include-
- Aerospace Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Custom Metal Art/Sculpture Works
- Maintenance/Repair Departments
- Metal Fabrication Shops
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Shipbuilding Industry
- Structural/Architectural Metalworks
- Welding/Fabrication Services
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Pipe Welder
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
- Structural Welder
- Welder Fabricator
- Welding Engineer
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
Salary Information
On average, welder fabricators earn $21.26 hourly in the United States. But the factors like education, experience, industry type, location, qualifications, and specific job responsibilities affect salary trends. The highest hourly paying cities for welder fabricators are Phoenix ($22.17), Elkhart ($21.77), Indianapolis ($21.72), and Louisville ($21.02).
However, the approximate salary ranges for welder fabricators include.
- Hourly Wages – $15 to $35
- Monthly Salary – $2,600 to $5,800
- Yearly Salary – $31,000 to $70,000 or more
The salary figures are just approximate estimates, actual salary varies from place to place. Additionally, some welder fabricators may also earn overtime pay or additional compensation for working in remote locations and hazardous conditions.
Benefits/Perks
The most common benefits include-
- 401(k) Plan
- 401(k) Matching
- Dental Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discount
- Flexible Schedule
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Assistance
- Profit Sharing
- Referral Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Vision Insurance
Summary
Welder fabricators are skilled professionals and play crucial roles in various types of industries. These individuals undergo training or educational programs to acquire the necessary skills. The profession needs certain certifications or licenses to enhance job exposure. They often work in indoor facilities by utilizing various welding and fabrication processes. The job is physically demanding. Overall, welder fabricators contribute to the maintenance and development of various equipment, products, and infrastructure. The career information is important for aspiring individuals both freshers and working in the welding industry.
