Welder Helper (welder assistant) is an important person in the field of welding and provides support and assistance to professional welders. The duties may include preparing the work area, handling materials and tools, assembling and dismantling equipment, and performing basic welding tasks under the supervision of an experienced welder. This is typically an entry-level position and provides individuals with practical experience and develops their skills in welding processes. In this article, we will discuss several aspects of Welder Helper’s career i.e., eligibility, education, duties, certification, skills, salary, and job benefits.
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
Typical education level includes-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Program in Welding
- Less formal education in lieu of experience
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Basic Welding Courses
- Continuing Education and Professional Development
- Occupational Skills Programs
- Safety and Occupational Health Courses
- Welder Helper Apprenticeships
- Welding Technology Programs
Certification/License
Specific certifications, typically may not be required for this profession. Some common certifications may include-
1. Welding Certifications
2. Occupational Safety Certifications
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certifications
- First Aid and CPR Certifications
3. Forklift Operator Certification
4. Rigging and Lifting Certifications
Work Experience
Some common work experiences include-
- Apprenticeships (on-the-job training and classroom instruction)
- Entry-Level Welding Jobs (exposure to welding processes and equipment)
- Internships (gain hands-on experience)
- Personal Projects and Hobbyist Experience (enhance work experience)
- Trade School or Vocational Training (provide hands-on experience)
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common responsibilities include-
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, and quality standards
- Assist in the assembly and dismantling of metal structures, and components
- Assist in the inspection and maintenance of welding equipment
- Assist in the setup and preparation of welding equipment
- Assist in troubleshooting welding-related issues or problems
- Clean and maintain the work area before or after the work
- Clean, grind, and prepare materials for welding
- Collaborate with other welder helpers, welders, and team members
- Communicate effectively with the welder and other team members
- Ensure the proper organization of tools, equipment, and materials
- Follow safety procedures and guidelines for welding operations.
- Handle and transport materials, tools, and equipment
- Hold and position metal pieces in place during the welding process
- learn and develop welding skills and knowledge continuously
- Maintain a professional and positive attitude while working
- Monitor the welding process for quality control
- Operate hand and power tools
- Perform basic welding tasks (tack welding or spot welding)
- Supply the welder with the necessary materials
Abilities/Skills
Some typical job skills include-
- Attention to detail
- Basic math skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Continuous learning skills
- Effective communication skills
- Flexibility to work
- Mechanical aptitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Time management skills
- Welding skills
Work Environment
Some common conditions include-
- Can expose to various hazards
- Follow safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- May expose to loud noise levels and prolonged vibrations
- May encounter dusty environments, or slippery surfaces
- May experience extreme temperatures (outdoors)
- May need to travel to different job sites
- May need to work in confined spaces or near heat sources
- May work at various worksite locations
- May work on different schedules (regular daytime hours or shifts)
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- May be required to lift and carry heavy objects
- May be required to work in awkward positions or confined spaces
- May need to climb ladders, scaffolding, or other structures
- May need to move quickly and with agility to assist
- May need to perform tasks repeatedly over extended periods
- Must have sufficient physical stamina
- Need good hand-eye coordination
- Need manual dexterity to handle and manipulate required things
- Typically spend significant time on their feet, standing or walking
Top Industries
Employment areas include-
- Automotive and Transportation
- Construction Industry
- Engineering and Construction Contractors
- Fabrication Shops
- Government Agencies and Municipalities
- Maintenance and Repair Facilities
- Manufacturing Companies
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Power Generation Facilities
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
Job Types
Typical job titles include-
- Aerospace Welder Helper
- Automotive Welder Helper
- Construction Welder Helper
- Fabrication Shop Welder Helper
- Field Welder Helper
- Maintenance and Repair Welder Helper
- Manufacturing Welder Helper
- Pipe Welder Helper
- Shipbuilding Welder Helper
- Structural Welder Helper
Salary Information
On average, the salary for a welder helper is $17.58 hourly in the United States. The factors such as experience, education, location, industry, employer, additional certifications, specialized skills, overtime hours, or union agreements affect this from place to place. The highest hourly paying cities are New York ($19.94), Bakersfield ($18.23), Tulsa ($17.88), and Phoenix ($17.88).
Some of the approximate salary ranges for welder helpers include-
- Hourly Salary – $12 to $22
- Monthly Salary – $2,000 to $3,500
- Yearly Salary – $25,000 to $45,000
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- 401(k) matching
- Annual safety shoe reimbursement
- Company-paid employee life insurance
- Holiday pay
- Marmon employee discount program
- Medical, dental, vision
- Rewards for anniversaries
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Vacation
Summary
Welder helper plays a crucial role in supporting welders as helping hands. The individuals contribute to successful welding operations in several settings such as equipment setup, material preparation, welding support, and maintenance. Many industries such as oil and gas, shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing, and maintenance offer these persons employment. For obtaining success, individuals need the required education and experience. These persons serve as a stepping stone towards becoming a skilled welder or pursuing other related positions. Overall, the information on welder helper’s careers is important for aspiring people working in the welding industry.
