Welder Fitter is a skilled tradesperson who welds and fits together metal parts and structures using welding techniques and equipment. Mainly, the job involves various tasks such as cutting, welding, and fabricating metal components. Welder fitters work with a variety of metals, including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. The work involves creating or repairing items like machinery, pipelines, and structural components. They play a vital role in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and maritime. The profession requires a combination of technical expertise, precision, and a strong safety commitment. This job provides various bright career opportunities in diverse sectors. In this article, read all about the welder fitter job description in detail.
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
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Entry-Level Welder Fitter
- Journeyman Welder Fitter
- Lead Welder Fitter
- Specialized Welder Fitter
- Inspector/Quality Control Welder Fitter
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
- Welding Engineer/Welding Technologist
Education Level
Some common education levels include-
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational or Trade School
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Bachelor’s Degree (welding engineering or welding technology)
- Associate’s Degree (welding technology or related field)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Blueprint Reading Course
- CNC Welding Course
- Metallurgy Course
- Occupational Safety Course
- Pipe Welding Course
- Welding Certification Preparation Course
- Welding Equipment Maintenance Course
- Welding Inspection/Quality Control Course
- Online Welding Course
Certification/License
Some common certification types-
- Certified Welder (CW) by AWS
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) by AWS
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) by AWS
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) by AWS
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE) by AWS
- ASME Section IX Certification by ASME
- API 1104 Certification by API
- API 653 Certification by API
- Underwater Welding Certification by ACDE
- Aluminum/Stainless Steel Welding Certification
- Specialized Welding Certification
- Structural Welding Certification
- Pipe Welding Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aerospace Welding Experience
- Automotive/Manufacturing Welding Experience
- Custom Fabrication/Artistic Welding Experience
- General Welding/Fitting Experience
- Maintenance/Repair Experience
- Nuclear Welding Experience
- Oil and Gas Industry Welding Experience
- Pipe Welding/Fabrication Experience
- Pressure Vessel Welding Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- Shipyard Welding Experience
- Structural Welding/Fabrication Experience
- Underwater Welding Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Address welding/fitting issues
- Adhere to strict safety protocols
- Assist in project estimating/planning
- Clean/finish welded surfaces
- Collaborate with team members
- Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Ensure compliance with industry standards
- Fit/align metal components accurately
- Handle/transport metal materials safely
- Inspect completed welds for quality check
- Read/interpret welding symbols/drawings
- Maintain detailed work records
- Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment
- Perform welding tasks using Mig, Tig, stick
- Prepare metal materials
- Prepare weld joints
- Select/set up welding equipment
- Train junior welders/apprentices
- Use specialized welding techniques
- Work in different welding positions
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Welding Machines–
MIG Welding Machines
TIG Welding Machines
Stick Welding Machines
FCAW Machines
Gas Welding/Cutting Equipment
- Welding Gas Cylinders
- Clamps/Fixtures
- Cutting/Beveling Machines
- Grinding/Cutting Tools
- Levels/Squares
- Measuring Tools
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Equipment
- Pipe Welding Accessories
- Welding Curtains/Screens
- Welding Electrodes/Filler Metals
- Welding Gloves/Protective Clothes
- Welding Helmets/Face Shields
- Welding Positioners/Manipulators
- Welding Positioning Tools
- Welding Power Sources
- Welding Rod Ovens
- Welding Safety Gear
- Welding Tables/Workbenches
- Wire Brushes/Cleaning Tools
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning skills
- Effective communication skills
- Effective teamwork skills
- Familiarity with NDT techniques
- Mathematical skills
- Metal components fitting skills
- Precision/attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Project management skills
- Proper metallurgical knowledge
- Quality control ability
- Safe material handling skills
- Safety consciousness
- Troubleshooting skills
- Time management skills
- Welding equipment operation proficiency
- Welding positioning skill
- Work adaptability skills
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to dirt/dust
- Exposure to fumes/gases
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Exposure to heat/high temperatures
- Exposure to UV radiation
- May need to travel to job sites
- May need to work in confined spaces
- May need to work under time constraints
- May work both indoors and outdoors
- May work in shifts to maintain continuous production
- May work on a wide range of projects
- Must adhere to strict safety protocols
- Often collaborate with team members
- Often wear heat-resistant clothing
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work in a noisy environment
- Work may involve inherent hazards
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Be resistant to environmental factors
- Climbing/balancing can be physically demanding
- Exposure to heat can be physically uncomfortable
- Handle welding electrodes
- Kneeling/crouching can strain the knees
- Lift welding equipment
- Lift/carry heavy materials
- Maintain balance/coordination
- Need physical stamina to maintain thorough focus
- Operate welding equipment
- Repetitive motions can lead to muscle fatigue
- Require a sense of balance
- Stand for extended periods
- Work in awkward positions
- Working in confined spaces
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Your Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (City and State)
Objective Statement
- Write a concise summary highlighting your key qualifications and career goals.
- Mention the relevant certifications, number of years of experience, and the type of welding and fitting work specialization
Skills
- List jobs related to both technical and soft skills
- Include skills such as blueprint reading, welding techniques (Mig, Tig, stick), metallurgy knowledge, and safety procedures.
- Also, mention any specialized skills or proficient equipment
Work Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- For each position, include the following details-
Job Title
Company Name/Location
Employment Dates
Job Responsibilities
- Describe your duties and accomplishments in bullet points
- Use action verbs to start each bullet point
- Emphasize your project achievements and contributions
- Mention specific welding techniques, types of materials, and industries you worked in.
Education
- Detail your educational background (most recent first)-
Degree Name
School Name and Location
Graduation Date
Relevant Coursework
Certifications
- Highlight your certifications-
Certification Name
Issuing Organization
Date of Certification
- Mention any specialized certifications or welding codes
Additional Sections (Optional)
- You can include this if it enhances your qualifications. Some possibilities include-
Awards and Honors
Welding and Fitting Projects
Professional Organization Membership
Additional Languages (other than English)
References
- Generally, this section is not required in a resume. You can produce it later upon request.
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Ensure a well-organized resume
- Keep your sentences concise
- Proofread your resume to eliminate grammatical mistakes/errors
- Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for
- Use a professional font with a font size of 10-12 points
- Use bullet points for more readability
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industry
- Automotive Manufacturing Industry
- Construction Industry
- Defense and Military Settings
- Educational Institutions
- Energy/Power Generation Sector
- Fabrication Shops
- Infrastructure Development Companies
- Maintenance/Repair Sector
- Manufacturing Industry
- Mining/Extraction Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Self-Employment
- Shipbuilding/Maritime Industry
- Specialized Welding Services
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder Fitter
- Artistic Welder Fitter
- Automotive Welder Fitter
- Custom Fabrication Welder Fitter
- Maintenance/Repair Welder Fitter
- Nuclear Welder Fitter
- Oil/Gas Welder Fitter
- Pipe Welder Fitter
- Pipefitter
- Pressure Vessel Welder Fitter
- Quality Control/Inspection Welder Fitter
- Robotic Welding Operator
- Shipyard Welder Fitter
- Structural Welder Fitter
- Underwater Welder Fitter
- Welding Consultant
- Welding Inspector
- Welding Instructor/Educator
- Welding Supervisor/Foreman
- Welding Technician
Salary Information
On average, a welder fitter earns $22 per hour in the United States. But factors like education, skills, certification, experience level, location, industry type, and specific employer affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Welder Fitter include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-level Welder Fitter – $15 to $25
- Experienced Welder Fitter – $25 to $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-level Welder Fitter – $2,400 to $4,000
- Experienced Welder Fitter – $4,000 to $6,400 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-level Welder Fitter – $28,800 to $48,000
- Experienced Welder Fitter – $48,000 to $76,800 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, and actual salary can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends. Additionally, individuals with specialized advanced skills and welding certifications may earn higher wages.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Career Advancement
- Company Discounts
- Education/Training Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Programs (EPF)
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Flexible Working Schedules
- Health/Wellness Programs
- Healthcare Benefit Plans
- Overtime Working Opportunities
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Performance Bonuses
- Profit-Sharing Programs
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Gear/Equipment Provision
- Tool Allowance
- Travel Opportunities
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Uniforms/Work Clothing
- Union Benefits
- Worksite Amenities
Summary
Welder Fitters play a crucial role in various industries by welding and fitting metal components. They work in construction, manufacturing, maritime industries, and more. Becoming successful in this role requires certain qualifications, technical skills, safety consciousness, physical stamina, etc. Welder Fitters can find many job opportunities in various employment areas. They earn good salaries but vary from place to place depending on various local factors. Besides this, they obtain many job benefits and perks. Overall, the Welder Fitter is a pivotal figure in shaping, creating, raising, molding, and maintaining metal structures and other components.
