What is a Welder?

A welder is a mechanical trades worker who joins metal parts together by applying heat. A permanent bond is created between the parts when the metal is melted and fused. Welders use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to fuse and cut the metal parts. In addition, they seal holes, smooth out indentations, and fill cracks. Since welding creates very strong bonds, it is used in manufacturing industries like shipbuilding, aerospace application, as well as automobile manufacturing and repair. Welding is also essential for joining steel beams in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Furthermore, welding is used to connect pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries. ^[1]

Welder Career Overview

Welding is an appealing choice for those who are interested in a mechanical trades career that allows them to work with their hands and easily switch between industries. As aging workers are retiring, some of the country’s most flourishing sectors are looking to hire trained welders, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. ^[2] With further training, welders may also assume higher positions or chose a welding specialty. ^[3]

Welder Duties

While what a welder does may vary somewhat depending on industry and level of experience, all welders generally complete the same basic welding tasks. Prior to starting the welding job, they may study and verify blueprints, sketches, and other specifications. Welders might also calculate the dimensions of the metal parts that are going to be welded. Moreover, they may examine and clean the metal before welding. After deciding which welding method to use, welders ignite the welding torch or start the power supplies. They also have to monitor the welding process and ensure that the metal is not overheating. Upon completion of the weld, they may clean off any excess or splatter. In some cases, they may apply coating for protective or decorative purposes. Welders are also responsible for maintaining welding equipment and machinery. ^[4][5]

Welding Requirements

The minimum educational requirement for working as a welder is a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with post-secondary training. Delta Technical College’s journeyman welder program can be finished in as little as seven months; however, how long it takes to become a welder can fluctuate from student to student.

Delta Tech’s vocational program prepares students for entry-level welding positions. With a combination of hands-on practice and in-class lectures, the curriculum covers a variety of welding techniques, pipe fitting skills, field and shop safety, as well as blueprint reading. In this profession, a number of qualities are important, such as detail-orientation, manual dexterity, physical strength, physical stamina, spatial-orientation skills, and technical skills. ^[6]

Welder Certifications

The process of becoming a certified welder differs depending on the type of certification. Delta Tech certifies students of its Journeyman Welder Program in several welding positions and processes necessary for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). The school offers journeyman welder training in Mississippi.

Upon graduation from a vocational welding program, welders may obtain additional certifications from industry organizations. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers several welding certifications, including the Certified Welder (CW) credential. To attain this certification, welders are tested in procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. ^[7] The American Petroleum Institute (API) provides various credentials, such as the Welding Inspection and Metallurgy Certification. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has Boiler and Pressure Vessel Certification for companies that employ welders. ^[8]

Some advanced welding positions require certification in specific skills. Certification can advance a welder’s career prospects, as it communicates to employers that he or she meets industry standards. Moreover, certification may also increase opportunities for higher salaries, leadership roles, and higher-level job responsibilities.

Is Welding in Demand?

The job outlook for welders from 2016 to 2026 is about average compared to all other occupations, the BLS reports. Some industries have a higher demand for welders than others. Since welders perform essentially the same skills across different fields, they can typically switch from one sector to another easily. Welding is a good career path particularly for those going into construction and energy. For example, the country’s aging infrastructure will need a lot of welders to rebuild and repair bridges, highways, building, and other structures. The construction of new power generation facilities, including pipelines transporting natural gas and oil, will also mean plenty of job openings for welder. ^[9]

Do Welders Make Good Money?

The typical graduate from Delta Tech’s journeyman welder program earns $24,517 per year after leaving the program. ^[10][11] How much a welder makes can vary from industry to industry. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), among the top-paying industries for welders are electric power generation, transmission, and distribution; natural gas distribution; and pipeline transportation of crude oil. The best paying industries for pipefitters include metal ore mining; aerospace product and parts manufacturing; and also electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. ^[12]

Similar Professions

The BLS lists a number of occupations that are similar to those of a welder:

• Assemblers & Fabricators
• Boilermakers
• Industrial machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights
• Jewelers & Precious Stone and Metal Workers
• Machinists & Tool and Die Makers
• Metal and Plastic Machine Workers
• Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
• Sheet Metal Workers ^[13]