Career Spotlight: Welders

Posted on 03/30 by Erin Helms

Check out welding if you want a thrilling hands-on job with long-term satisfaction. These pros work on bridges, manufacturing sites, planes, and skyscrapers. Welders are in high demand nationwide, boasting more jobs than any other industry. You will be full of work, and expanding your career and options is easy.

Welding Types

Welders employ different welding methods to complete a weld, depending on the metal, specific purpose, and the welding environment. There are four main types of welding including: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) is appropriate for metals such as stainless steel, copper, nickel, carbon steel, aluminum, etc. This method of welding is widespread across the construction and automotive industries. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) is a welding process that is a challenging method to master. However, it produces high-quality welds. The method welds thin and non-ferrous materials such as aluminum, copper, lead, or nickel, which is common in bicycle and aircraft manufacturing. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Welding of this type does not require shielding gas. You can weld in this manner outdoors in the wind and the rain. It is also very efficient with dirty or rusty materials. Sometimes called stick welding, this process is popular with home-shop welders. Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) This type of welding is not only inexpensive, but it is also easy to learn. FCAW is the ideal method for beginning welders to start their careers.

The Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities of a welder will vary according to the type of welding. However, all welders have standard job responsibilities, including: Study and interpret blueprints Read sketches and blueprints Inspect structures and materials before welding Operate torches and power supplies Weld components Monitor stages of the welding process Assess the quality of welds

Become a Welder

Most employers hire those with a high school diploma, certification, and technical training. Formal specialized school training can take six to 18 months and typically includes math, metallurgy, physics, mechanical drawing, and blueprint reading. Personal attributes that can benefit you as a welder include: Detail oriented Can read blueprints Steady hands, good spatial orientation, and coordination Sound mechanical skills Communication skills Physical strength and stamina Ability to follow detailed safety instructions

Where You Can Work and What You Can Make

The construction industry is a significant employer of welders in constructing bridges, buildings, and other civil engineering projects. Welders are some of the highest-paid professionals in the construction industry. The biggest employer of welders in the US is the manufacturing industry. Welders manufacture motor vehicles, agricultural equipment, mining equipment, and structural metals. Welding opportunities exist in industrial repair and maintenance, assembly and fabrication, boiler making, precious stones and jewelry, sheet metal, and pipe fitting. The average salary of a welder is $41,710. With experience and training, one can increase their pay and opportunities. LaborMAX has numerous jobs for welders in multiple industries. Let them help you secure your next opportunity as a welder.

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