The welding industry is growing as there is more demand for the skill all around the globe. It is a physically demanding job and certainly is not for everyone.
In general, welders are expected to work an average of 38-40 hours a week. Usually, this will be in normal 9-5 days, but there are often opportunities for shift work and overtime. In some cases, you may be required to work out of normal working hours, if needed to make emergency repairs to machinery for example.
Watch the video to see what a day looks like in the life of a welder.
Is Welding A Stressful Job?
Welding is a stressful job indeed. It requires long hours of repetitive work. They work with fires and different gases which brings the added risk of burning one’s self. A welder must always be precise and accurate, and safety must always come first. Welders can potentially injure themselves. This has the potential to cause stress.
However, as you gain more experience, some of the stress and pressure to work with precision and meet deadlines are managed.
Which Industries Employ Welders?
Welding work is required in a variety of industries, so welders work in many different settings. Infrastructure construction industries are the most common ones. Welders can also find work in industries where metal components are commonly used, such as the automotive, aeronautical, and marine mechanical industries.
Are Welders Paid Well?
Welding jobs pay fairly well. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for an entry-level welder is over $40,000 per year or ranges from $17 to $20 per hour. Earning more certifications in your field can land you a high salary as well.
Welders like other full-time working employees usually get benefits like health insurance and paid vacation from the company. Many companies also provide life insurance and pension plans.
What Certifications do Welders Need?
To become a certified welder; you will need to earn the basic AWS Certified Welder certification. You can take the exam that you need to clear in order to earn your certificate. The exam is offered at many AWS Accredited Testing Facilities and consists of a written portion as well as an examination of your welding skill and performance.
Types of Welding Work
Your earnings are also affected by the type of welder you are. The following are some of the highest-paying soldering jobs:
Rig Welder
Rig welders work on oil rigs. They operate, maintain, and repair all types of equipment used to drill crude oil, gas, and coal. An oil rig welder specializes in high-pressure and high-temperature welding. This type of welding requires extensive training and experience.
Assistant Welder
Welder assistants are responsible for a number of tasks, such as running welding machines, transferring materials as needed, and cleaning supplies. In essence, they help welders by maintaining their equipment and guaranteeing a clean working environment.
Welders
The primary task of a welder is to join metals using various technology that generates a lot of heat. They can also execute welding techniques, analyze designs, repair all machines, and polish welded soldered connections.
Pipe Welders
Pipe welders also work in a variety of industries, including construction, oil and gas fields, water treatment, fabrication shops, and power production.
Pipe welding is frequently more difficult than other types of welding and necessitates a greater level of welder experience. This could be related to the working conditions as well as elements such as the weld’s travel angle, pipe position, and pipe diameter.
Structural Welder
Structural welders have designed and built metal foundations for diverse structures such as highways and buildings. They are also responsible for repairing and constructing metal components such as trusses.
Industrial boilermakers
Industrial boilermakers are in charge of designing and installing enormous tanks that carry gases or liquids like oil. Their principal responsibilities are casting and bending components into the proper shape, testing completed boilers, reading designs, and welding maintenance.
Is Working Overtime Good?
Depending on the payment of the job and how many hours you want to work to sustain a certain standard of living, you can decide how many extra hours you want to put in. A benefit of extra work is that the more you weld, the better you get.
If you put hard work and time into it, you can master a very valuable skill and in turn, get paid much higher for your work. It comes down to how skilled of a welder you want to be and how much money you want to make.
Where Do Welders Work?
Welders work in a variety of sectors and settings. Welders’ work locations can vary depending on the company they work for and the industry they operate in. Repair and maintenance work is mostly done in workshops.
Some welders may be required to work outside frequently, even in adverse weather.They can also be sent to off-site locations to do their work, as on bridges, underground, on top of buildings, and even underwater.
What Safety Hazards Are Welders Exposed To?
Exposure to metal fumes and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are two major health risks associated with welding, cutting, and brazing processes. Burns, eye injury, electrical shock, wounds, and crushed toes and fingers are all potential hazards that a welder can be exposed to.
This is why proper safety precautions are a must. Many of these can be avoided by using safe work practices and personal protection equipment.
Safety Rules For Welders
Here are some safety guidelines to follow when welding.
- Protect yourself from harmful gases by wearing respiratory protection equipment
- Make sure the equipment is working properly to avoid any malfunction.
- Keep your workspace clear. A messy workspace can increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Make sure you cover your arms, neck, and face are covered. If you have long hair, tuck it into your clothes.
Conclusion
Welding is a physically demanding and stressful profession. Welders work full-time, working 38 to 40 hours a week, and depending on the job sometimes work overtime as well.
