Welder Job Description Sample

Welders specialize in using extreme temperatures and complex welding tools to bond metals and mechanical parts with a high level of precision. Usually employed in factories and construction sites, welders are also in charge of maintaining the appropriate tools used as part of the welding process. They are expected to have great attention to detail and follow all the safety precautions, as welder job involves the use of potentially dangerous equipment and metals heated to very high temperatures.

What are the primary responsibilities of a welder?

• Join two or more metallic parts using heat generated through the use of electricity and torches
• Solder the joints of copper pipes for residential use
• Read the welding blueprints, determine job requirements and complete the welding tasks to specification
• Observe testing of welded surfaces to check quality and conformance to specifications
• Identify defective welding equipment and inform supervisors
• Examine engineering drawings to plan welding operations
• Use appropriate welding positions, materials and tools for the type of weld you are doing
• Check for any distortion of materials during the welding process
• Secure the parts and assemblies based on the specifications
• Monitor the condition of welding equipment and carry out maintenance as required
• Follow welding codes, standards and guidelines
• Use the right tools and techniques to bend and shape metal
• Smooth the welds by sanding, filing, chiseling etc.
• Supervise the weld cell in case of robotic welding
• Check work environment for safety hazards
• Maintain adequate ventilation
• Follow safety protocols

How much can a Welder earn?

According to salary.com, the median Annual Welder salary is $37,927. The salary lies in the range of $33,011 to $43,576, however this can vary based on various factors.

What are the education and entry requirements for Welder?

Welding education requirements may vary according to the type of employer. Some employers prefer hiring those with high school diploma. There are others who expect candidates to pass specific welding tests. Other employers prefer welders with a certification or undergraduate degree from a technical school or community college. Welding courses usually cover areas like metallurgy, blueprint reading, welding symbols, pipe layout, welding methods and techniques like soldering, bronzing, brazing, casting etc.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Welder?

• Problem solving skills
• Physical dexterity
• Capacity to uphold a planned work schedule
• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability to follow instructions precisely
• Strong logic and cognitive skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong hand-eye coordination
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent listening skills
• Focus on quality
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to bear extreme temperatures
• Aptitude for following safety rules
• Pros and cons of being a Welder

Pros:

• Bachelor’s degree is not required for entry-level candidates
• Employment opportunities are available in a wide range of industries across the globe
• Good scope for career growth
• You get to work with high tech equipment
• High job satisfaction
• Good pay

Cons:

• Long work hours
• High job stress
• Physically taxing work
• Hazardous work environment

Work environment and career outlook

Welding is a strenuous job. It is not uncommon to see welders working overtime to meet deadlines. It is also a dangerous profession. Welders are expected to use all kinds of protective gear to protect themselves from risks. According to the BLS, employment of welders is expected to grow up to 6% from 2012 to 2022.  Welders are employed in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, among others. A welding career comes with great job security and economic stability, as there are plenty of job opportunities around the world. Welders with 5 years’ experience can get promoted to Senior Welder and Welding Supervisor roles. Those with an entrepreneurial bent can even start their own welding shop.