Get to know the different types of welder jobs, welding job titles, and types of welding if you're considering a career path in the field of welding to learn the necessary skills and techniques required to become a successful welder.
Welding is one of the most essential jobs in numerous industries all over the world. It plays a significant role in a number of areas. It is vital in the creation of automobiles, airplanes, aircraft, building structures, wind turbines,oil rigs, and literally,everything that is made of metal.
Welding is basicallyfusing separate pieces of metalstogether.
If you think that the job ofweldersis limited to the manufacturing industry only, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know thatweldersare needed for different industries like construction, agriculture, the automotive industry, and the list goes on. It is because of the massive scope of the job that the employment rates ofwelderscontinue to soar.
When you hear the term ‘welding,’ the first thing that probably pops into your mind is a person with a big face mask, working on joining two bits of metal together. You probably also think that welding is mostly required when it comes to fixing broken pipes or making metallic frames. However, that mindset is incorrect (for the most part). Welding includes numerous types of jobs,with each requiring a unique set of skills.
We are living in a world of industrial revolutionsand technological advancements, where innovations and creativity are moving at an unprecedentedly fast pace.Steel has become the primary construction material, and with that, many fabrication techniques have been developed. Earlier, rivets and bolts were the most commonly used methods of joining steel together. However, today, the process of welding has outgrown the older, more labor-intensive methods.
Like we mentioned earlier, welding jobs are not just limited tothe manufacturing industry. Sincethis professionis so important and so expansive, let’s have a look at different types ofwelderjobs.
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Types of Welder Jobs
Not everyone can be a good welder. It is a complicated job that requires precision, patience, and attention to detail. Different training and apprenticeship programs are available that help people learn the techniques and skills required to become a successful welder. The skills are learned through practice.
No industry can survive without the structures and equipment that are created through industrial fabrication, which, in turn, cannot exist without welding. As welding is involved in almost all industries today, each type ofwelderjob requires a different skill set. Somewelding jobsmay require you to travel from place to place while some may not. There are numerouscareer pathsyou can opt for in the field of welding.
The many types ofwelderjobshave been listed down for your knowledge:
1.ConstructionWelders
Welding is one of the most important processes undertaken in the construction industry, whether it is residential construction or commercial construction. Metal is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, or in the development of civil engineering projects. Constructionwelderstake on a reasonable magnitude of risk as this type of jobrequires them to work outdoors, several hundred feet above the ground. The job of constructionweldersis one of the highest-paid jobs in the construction industry.
You may assume that thejob of construction welders in all types of constructions(residential and commercial) is the same. However, there is a significant difference between the two.
Residential constructionweldersare skilled in performing smaller tasks like joining pipes that carry gas or water. They have expertise in working primarily on pluming related issues in residential constructions. A commercial constructionwelder, on the other hand, is highly trained in doing more complex and challenging jobs. They are needed in areas that use a greater number of metal components that need to be welded. They work on technologically advanced buildings for commercial purposes where extensive plumbing designs, complex HVAC systems, and more electrical conduits are required.
The skills needed for a constructionwelderdepends on the nature of the job that calls for their need. In any case, the job of constructionwelderis one of the most important types ofwelderjobs.
2.ManufacturingWelders
Any industry that makes products and equipment out of metal needs skilledmanufacturingwelderson board. The manufacturing industry is not limited to the automotive industry only but spreads to any industry that makes use of metal in their products. The most common manufacturing industries where manufacturingweldersare needed include structural and agricultural metals manufacturing, mining, and of course, motor vehicle manufacturing.
Manufacturingweldersare responsible for welding metal components of different types and sizes to either fix an old product or create a new one.
The quality of the metal products and equipment depends on how well has each component has been fused together, which makes the job of a manufacturingwelderextremely important in the manufacturing industry.
3.Structural SteelWelders
Structural steelweldersare more commonly known as the ironworkers. They are the professionals behind the assembling of constructed steel structures and frameworks. A structural steelwelderis involved in the fabrication and erection of the structural framework of small and large buildings. They work for a number of industries, including construction companies, mining companies, shipbuilding companies, aerospace companies, and oil and gas companies.
The job of a structural steelwelderis quite dangerous. They often work at high altitudes where the wind can blow the hanging beam and can result in serious injuries to thewelder.
4.Sheet MetalWorkers
Asheet metalworkeris a specialistwelderthat is responsible for creating, installing, and repairingsheet metalproducts. Asheet metalworker studies the blueprints provided to them and decides the method of welding to be employed and the type of material to be used. They do the cutting and welding to prepare metal sheets of the required dimensions.Sheet metalworkers install the prepared products at construction sites. If the product is in the form of separate pieces, thesheet metalworkers assemble them and join them with the help of welding.
Most of thesheet metalworkers are experts in maintenance work. The most common areas where asheet metalworker is needed include the servicing of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems and the roofing repair.
5.Boilermakers
As you can tell by the name, aboilermakeris a specializedwelderthat is involved in making and installing boilers and large containers that are meant to house liquids and gases. The job of boilermakers involves the assembling, installing, and repairing of closed vats, boilers, and large vessels that hold liquids and gases. Their job is physically challenging as it usually involves working in closed spaces, and in places that have very high temperatures and humidity levels.
Boilermakersusually have to travel to the site where they are needed and often have to live away from home for stretches of time. To be able to work as a professionalboilermaker, one has to be trained and experienced in the field of welding as boilers are usually made of iron, copper, steel, orstainless steel.
This job includes reading blueprints, casting plates of metal and bending them into the required shapes, and welding individual pieces of metals together. These welders are also responsible for the testing and maintenance of the boilers that have been manufactured. Moreover, they are involved in upgrading the boilers to meet the standards of the industry, and hence, improve their efficiency.
Boilermakersare most often required in refineries and natural resource companies. The downside to this is that their job scope is limited to these industries only. However, they may be needed in any industry that requires boilers and large storage containers.
Other than the repair and maintenance of boilers and storage vessels,boilermakersare involved in the repairing and manufacturing of air pollution equipment, water treatment plants, blast furnaces, process and storage tanks, and smokestacks.
6.Industrial MaintenanceWelders
Industries make use of machinery and equipment that see a lot of action. These pieces of equipment are hence exposed to significant wear and tear that makes them prone to damage.Industrial maintenance weldersare required to look after the machinery and equipment in various industries to make sure that they do not need any immediate repairs.
An industrial maintenancewelderis skilled in the job of welding and can work on repair, modification, as well as the fabrication of the facilities and equipment.
In case the equipment breaks down, it may take hours for it to be restored, which can have a major impact on productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to have industrial maintenancewelderson board who can check the entire facility routinely and ensure timely repair.
7.Industrial ShutdownWelders
As mentioned earlier, the equipment used in different industries is exposed to a lot of friction and tension that results in wear and tear. This makes regular maintenance a necessity. However, sometimes, the equipment has to be completely shut down for repairs to be made. This is known as shutdown maintenance, and thewelderswho work on it are known as industrial shutdownwelders.
Industrial shutdownweldersare usually employed by the company and are not outsourced for every shutdown maintenance episode. Theseweldersworkon the plant when it is shut down, that is, not operational. The welds on the plants are inspected for any possible breaks or leakages. Shutdown maintenance could take weeks to several months, depending upon the size of the plant being inspected and the extent of repair needed.
8.RigWelders
Oil and gas rigging is one of the biggest industries whereweldersare a necessary part of the workforce. Whether it is an on-land rig or an offshore site,weldersare essential.
Rigweldersare responsible for setting up the artificial steel island in an offshore rig and the construction of the entire on-land rig station. Rigweldersare not only needed for the initial assembly of the rig but also for the everyday repair and maintenance. Rigweldershave to make themselves available at all times to entertain emergency calls for repair. For this reason, rigweldersare usually located on-site.
They not only facilitate the repair and maintenance but also weld collars and pipes and also perform all the functions that may require their expertise in welding.
Theweldersworking on rigs should be physically strong and should be able to work in tough weather conditions and manage their productivity during potentially hazardous situations. Since the job of rigweldersis tougher and more challenging as compared to other types ofwelderjobs, they are paid almost twice as muchas compared to other types ofwelders.
9.Pipefitters
Pipefittersare specializedweldersthat are in high demand. Industries like natural gas industries, oil and gas industries, electric, and water utility industries make use of pipelines to transport their products throughout the country and around the world.Pipefittersare theweldersthat work in this specialized niche.
The job of apipefitteris often confused with that of a plumber. However, these two jobs are quite different from each other. The job of apipefitterinvolves welding, which a usual plumber is not trained for.
Pipefittersare responsible for shaping metals into different dimensions and bending them to match the specifications of structures that are needed for particular industrial use. They are involved in the process, beginning from planning right up until the installation.
Apipefitterusually starts with making a blueprint of the pipe installation. They are also the ones who decide the type and the size of the pipe to be made and also determine which equipment and materials will be needed to get the job done right.
Once the pipes have been manufactured, thepipefitterwill then transport these pipes to the site they are needed at and ensure that their installation is done correctly. After the installation is complete, thepipefitterthen performs a series of tests before declaring the pipeline fit to be used.
The job of apipefitterdoes end here. They have to inspect the pipeline for leakages and other possible damage routinely to ensure that the system is in perfect working order.
10.MotorsportsWelders
Have you ever had the chance to witness a NASCAR race? Motorsports, like NASCAR, are all about cars and action. However, it is not just the car and the driver that are a part of the team, but every team participating in these sports have contributions from different professionals;weldersbeing one of the most important ones.
Starting from the making of the racecar to its maintenance and repair after a race, motorsports weldersare always on their feet. The cars that are used to participate in motorsports are unlike the usual cars you drive on the streets. They are specialty vehicles that are specifically designed to withstand the extreme pressures and tension and to deliver the highest performance.
Motorsportsweldershave to stay updated when it comes to the types of materials being used. Newer and more exotic metals are constantly being introduced. There are also different rules and regulations that must be followed when it comes to the types of metals used and also how they are welded. This means that it is necessary for motorsportsweldersto stay on the top of all new developments.
The job of motorsportsweldersdoes not just end with the development of the car. It is their responsibility to make sure that the final product ensures the driver’s safety and wellbeing. It is also on their shoulders to repair and restore the car after it has gone through several bumps and crashes during a race. This type ofjobmay look exhilarating but is extremely risky and stressful.
11.ShipyardWelders
Welding is an integral part of the shipyard industry. It is not only employed in shipbuilding but also in repair and maintenance. This industry relies quite heavily on welding to fuse two pieces of metals in a permanent fashion to produce oil-tight and watertight joints. Welding is also one of the most time consuming and expensive part of shipbuilding. This makesshipyardweldersa very significant part of the industry.
Shipyardweldersdo not only build ships but also inspect them regularly and get the required repairs done. Shipyardweldersare needed on cargo ships, military vessels, research vessels, and for the manufacture, repair, and maintenance of all the equipment related to ships.
Theseweldersare often required to travel between ports. Due to the nature of their job and the magnitude of their responsibilities, this type ofwelderjobcomes with a handsome pay package.
Sometimes, shipyardweldersare a part of the permanent crew on a ship and travel to wherever the ship is going. They need to be on board at all times to make sure the ship is maintained impeccably even when it is at sea.
12.MilitaryWelders
Militarywelders, as the name suggests, are weldersthat work for the military. They are involved in the army, the air force, and the navy. Militaryweldersare different than the usualweldersbecause they work for the military. By that, we mean that militaryweldershave to go through basic military training, study their protocols, and be as physically fit as other military professionals.
Militaryweldersare involved in the manufacture, repair, and maintenance of vehicles, weapons, and facilities that are in military use. They are often required to work in danger zones to weld a facility that has been damaged, repair vehicles, and even aircraft. Militaryweldersthat are associated with the navy are often required to live on the ships for long durations and look after all the maintenance and repair tasks during their time on the ship.
Military supportweldersare an integral part of the team that makes sure that weapons are reliable, the vehicles are perfect working order, and the facilities are fully secure and strong. This type of welder job is a high-risk job but pays well.
13.UnderwaterWelders
Underwater weldingis, without a doubt, one of the toughest and the most dangerous occupations. It usually involves theweldereither working directly in water or within a closed, dry compartment that is lowered into the water.
When anunderwaterwelderis working in deep-sea conditions, they are exposed to water pressure so high that it could crush their body. The formation of bubbles also hinders their visibility. Underwater welders workon repairing pipelines, ships, dams, offshore oil drilling rigs, sub-sea habitats, and even nuclear power facilities.
Underwaterweldersmay use dry welding or wet welding, depending upon the nature of the job.This type of weldingis incredibly dangerous but is also one of the highest paying jobs in the field of welding.
Types ofWeldingJobTitles
As there are numerous types ofwelderjobs, so are the welding titles. Each type ofwelding jobgives theweldera unique title based on the type of job they are doing. Some of the most common titlesassociated with welding jobs include:
1.Welders
“Welder”is a general term that has numerous types ofweldersunder its umbrella. It covers all the types ofwelderjobsthat have been listed above. As you know by now, awelder, in general terms, means a professional who fuses metals together. They can employ differenttypes of welding, the most common being arc welding.Weldershave knowledge about all the types of metals and the methods of welding.
2.SolderersandBrazers
Likewelders,solderersandbrazersmake use of heat to join metals together. The difference between welding and soldering/brazing is that the latter adds a metal filler, which is an alloy to bind the two pieces of metals. The alloys that are used as filling materials have a lower melting point, and therefore, these processes are done at lower temperatures.
3.Cutters
Cutters are professionals that cut metals into pieces of specific dimensions with the help of heat. These metals are then fused together through welding. Unlike welding, which is employed to joinmetals together, cutters are responsible for separating them.
4.WeldingMachineOperator
Welding can be done by hand or through awelding machine. People who operate welding machinesare known as weldingmachineoperators. They have a vast knowledge of differentwelding techniques, welding equipment, and are skilled in operating advanced machinery.Weldingmachineoperatorsare hired by larger companies that wish to switch to automated processes.
5.Welding Inspectors
Welding inspectorsare exactly what the name suggests. They inspect the job that has been done by otherwelders. They are responsible for ensuring that the job that otherweldershave done is top-quality and they give the go-ahead to proceed toward the next phase of production. They conduct inspection tests with regards to the quality and strength of the welded structures.
Types of Welding
If you have developed an interest in welding and wish to start your career in the field, you may want to know about the differenttypes of welding. Now that you know all the possible areas where you can start a career, thetypes of weldingcan give you a better idea of where you can see yourself in this industry.
1.Gas Metal Arc Welding(GMAW)
More commonly known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), this type of welding uses a continuously fed, consumable electrode to form an electric arc between the electrode and the base material. The material is heated until it melts and joins with the other metal. This is one of the easiestwelding techniquesout there and is great for DIY enthusiasts and beginners.
2.Gas Tungsten Arc Welding(GTAW)
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, also known asTIG(Tungsten Inert Gas), uses a tungsten electrode for the creation of an electric arc. This method uses a separate filler wire.
3.Shielded Metal Arc Welding(SMAW)
This is more commonly known asstick weldingbecause it uses a stick electrode. The electrode is consumable. It is coated with a flux that produces a gas that shields the molten metal pool from environmental factors.
4.Flux-Cored Arc Welding(FCAW)
Similar toSMAW, Flux-Cored Arc Weldingmakes use of a consumable electrode, but in this case, the electrode is continuous, and instead of being covered with flux, it has a fine metal tube that houses the flux.
5.Electron Beam Welding
Electron Beam Welding fires a ray of electrons that move at a very high velocity, at the material that is to be welded. The energy from the electrons is used to melt the sheet of metal, which can then fuse.
6.Atomic Hydrogen Welding (AHW)
This type of welding is used to weld tungsten, which is very resistant to heat. It helps in melting tungsten without damaging the metal.
7.Plasma Arc Welding
This method is great for welding small areas. It involves passing an electric current through a small nozzle that passes through protective gases. This delivers the accuracy that is needed to weld small areas.
Welding is a massive field that holds innumerablecareer opportunitiesfor people who aspire to start their career in welding. The different types ofwelderjobsrequire distinct skill sets. You can opt for a type ofwelderjobthat you believe aligns well with your passion and skills.
